Star Wars Battle Begins！2015 Aomori Rice Paddy Art in Japan Debuts

▲2015 Theme of Aomori, Japan Rice Paddy Art – “Star Wars” (Photo / Tanbo Art Inakadate Fan Page)

By Rita

The Pingtung rice paddy art event concluded last month, where many visitors came in person to admire the artworks created on “entire fields of rice paddies.” This nature- and ecology-based activity not only generated tourism revenue but also saw the harvested rice sold for charitable purposes. For those who couldn’t get enough, you might want to check out...Japan’s Aomori Tanbo Art Museum, also famed for its rice paddy art—featuring original artworks as well as familiar characters, with this year’s theme being “Star Wars.”

▲2015 Theme of Aomori, Japan Rice Paddy Art (Photo / Tanbo Art Inakadate Fan Page)

Originating in 1993, farmers in Inakadate Village, Aomori have been dedicated to creating large-scale artworks using rice paddies as their canvas, with the key technique being “the mixed cultivation of different rice varieties.” In the past, they have presented works such as the Mona Lisa, Marilyn Monroe, and traditional Japanese motifs through this method. An observation deck is available for tourists from around the world to enjoy the view. Every year during this time, the once-quiet village becomes overwhelmingly crowded.

▲2009 Theme of Aomori, Japan Rice Paddy Art (Photo / Wikipedia)

▲2012 Theme of Aomori, Japan Rice Paddy Art (Photo / Wikipedia)

But you might find it hard to imagine that just 20 years ago, this village was suffering from severe population decline. Its only claim to fame was the discovery of a 2000-year-old archaeological site in 1981, which briefly drew global attention. Unfortunately, a theme park centered on the Neolithic Age completely failed, leaving the village deep in debt. However, the income brought by rice paddy art visitors each year has given the town a chance at rebirth and a new sense of identity.

Aomori Inakadate Rice Paddy Art
Open Dates: June 1, 2015 – October 12, 2015 (Recommended: visit between mid-July and mid-August)
Hours: July 1 – August 31, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
          September 1 – October 12, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Adults ¥200; elementary school students ¥100; children free
Location: No. 1 Tanbo Art Observation Deck in Inakadate Village (Inakadate Village Office), No. 2 Tanbo Art Observation Deck near Asahiyama Rice Fields (Asahiyama Daini Elementary School Viewpoint)