With local residents
In February of this year, students from Meiji University and Rikkyo University, along with students from Thailand’s Srinakharinwirot University , conducted a program (Food and Our Sustainability) to learn about sustainability from a variety of professionals, including organic farmers, researchers, and staff from international organizations in Bangkok.As part of the program’s post-training, on April 13, they visited the farm of Mr. SHIRAI Hiroto, a French chef who farms in Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and participated in farm work called kurotsuke before planting rice. Kurotsuke is important work that reinforces the banks of rice fields to prevent water from leaking. Among the participants there was a Thai student from Thailand’s Srinakharinwirot University who studied in Bangkok with Japanese students and came to Japan as an international student in April.
They had great weather on the day, and various people, including local residents, gathered. After prayers delivered by the priest of Izumo Taisha Shrine, they went into the rice fields and conducted farm work.
Since it had rained the day before, the soil had softened and the field was unstable, but the participating students gradually got used to the farm work and enjoyed it with full smiles. Mochi pounding was held at lunchtime, and they enjoyed outdoor cooking in a place rich in nature.
The participating students described the experience: “The farm work, which I originally imagined to be hard and tough work, was actually so much fun, and I came to like the rice fields (third-year student from the School of Commerce),” “I was able to have a new experience by cooperating with people who had participated with various connections. It was a lot of fun and a wonderful experience (third-year student from the School of Political Science and Economics),” “Helping with the farm work to start the rice fields made me want to see the rice harvested (third-year student from the School of Law).”
The farm they visited was abandoned until a few years ago, and Mr. SHIRAI recovered it as farmland three years ago. Ms. KAMODA said, “I think Mr. SHIRAI, who started farming in this place with a small group, is really amazing.” Ms. MIURA said, “It was so quiet that the sound of the wind and birds could be clearly heard, and I felt like time was passing slowly.” Mr. IKEGAME said, “The farm was rich in nature and I felt comforted. I would like to participate in the program again if I have a chance.”
Currently, Mr. SHIRAI is preparing to implement the farming methods proposed by the students who participated in the program. We are very excited about the future development.