It has become a custom for a new Japanese Emperor to plant and harvest rice in a paddy on the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo before his enthronement ceremonies. On May 20 (2019) Emperor Naruhito planted 100 rice seedlings which were sprouted from seeds his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, sowed before his abdication. Naruhito will harvest these and use them in his enthronement ceremonies which will take place around October 22.
Why the rice ceremony? There are ancient beliefs in Japan that the Rice Gods settle in the tall mountains during the winter. In spring, they come down to the villages and dwell in cherry blossoms to watch over the rice planting. Cherry blossom is the beginning of rice planting season in Japan.
From these beliefs have sprung many rituals all around the country to honor the Rice Gods, to pray for a good season, and to give thanks for a good harvest.
Symbolic and serious at the same time, the emperor leads the way with a stock of rice!
by Diana Rowland, author Japanese Busines: Rules of Engagement
