The Shirasu Plateau, composed of volcanic ash and pumice, stretches out at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range. Its excellent drainage makes rice cultivation challenging here. Nonetheless, skilled farmers utilize the spring water that rises from beneath the Shirasu Plateau to cultivate rice. There’s an interesting story about rice farming in Kirishima.
According to the myth of Tenson Kōrin, Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended to Earth carrying ears of rice but became lost in a thick mist. At that moment, a duo named Ōhashi and Ohashi, who had lived in the area for a long time, appeared and advised him:
“Take the ears of rice you have in your hands and scatter them everywhere.”
The fog cleared as soon as Ninigi-no-Mikoto followed this advice and he was able to safely reach the earthly realm.
“Sanada no Osada” is considered the oldest rice paddy in Japan, established by Ninigi-no-Mikoto. Every year, the Otaue-sai festival is held here at Kirishima Jingu Shrine to pray for spring rice planting and a bountiful fall harvest. The rice that’s planted and harvested here is also offered to Ise Jingu Shrine, the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan.
It’s thought that in spring, the mountain god descends to the village and becomes the god of the fields to ensure a good harvest. This custom began around the 18th century when farmers in Kirishima struggled with poor yields due to frequent eruptions and natural disasters. People likely turned to stone statues as a source of spiritual support to help their harvests.
Perhaps the harshness of the natural environment intensifies these prayers. The myths and folk beliefs observed in the surrounding rural areas may also be seen as cultural responses shaped by the volcanic landscape.
Photo 1: Sanada no Osada after the harvest
Photo 2: Sanada no Osada after the harvest
