Aomori Prefecture

It's not just rice fields art! "Winter rice fields art" drawn with footprints on snowy fields [Tanakate Village, Aomori Prefecture]

Rice Field Art, Aomori Prefecture, it is known for its famous rice fields.

Rice farming has been popular because Ranatsudate Village, located in the central part of Aomori Prefecture, is also the birthplace of northern rice cultivation culture. Rice Field Art was planned to use the rice cultivation experience and to revitalize villages using the vast land.

Rice field art is characterized by using rice of different colors and planting them as if painting a picture on a canvas. The pattern is designed with the assumption that it will be viewed diagonally from above, and each tree is carefully planted one by one.

He is particular about the color of the ears, and when he first started painting, he used three different colors, but in recent years he has used 11 different types and seven colors to create colorful art.

Although this project started out as a fumbling experience, the technology has improved year by year. Its meticulous design and artistry are on par with those of any other region, and are often featured in overseas media.

What is “winter rice field art” that can be enjoyed even in the snow?

This village of Doradate has begun a new challenge. "Winter Rice Field Art" was started in 2016 (Heisei 28) in an effort to make use of the rice field art venue in the winter .

I draw pictures using only the footprints of walking in snowshoes on a pure white snowfield with no marks. The project was mainly created by members of "Snow Artist Group It's OK."

Snow art on a snowy field that seems easy but difficult

Snow art doesn't just involve drawing on snow. After creating a detailed sketch and design, and deciding in advance which route to take and what technique to use, we begin our first steps on the white snowy field.

Snowshoes are used when walking on snowy mountains.

Walking while wearing these shoes creates beautiful footprints, and patterns and pictures are drawn on the snow. It may seem easy, but it's more than just walking.

In order to leave a single footprint, you need to raise your knees and step firmly, and if you don't remove your feet properly, you'll end up with a trail that looks like you've dragged it through the snow.

Snow art is characterized by the fact that it requires a great deal of physical strength because the snow is deep.

“Shade” is the heart of art

To move in the right direction, check your step count and angle to determine your next step.

When drawing a circle, the common method is for one person to stand at the stop holding a rope, and everyone walks and draws the circle using a compass.

Snow art can be expressed as clear lines or as patterns with footprints.

The pattern on the footprint is "shades ," and the quality of the work changes dramatically depending on whether the shade looks beautiful or not. The lines can be erased, but the footprints are difficult to correct. When the Winter Rice Field Art in Donatate Village first began, it is said that there were many accidents, such as not being able to create a beautiful shade or being able to step on areas that were not planned.

Over the years, the technique has improved, and now it boasts a level of popularity and quality that rivals summer rice field art.

Snow art is beautiful because it can only be seen for a short time.

``Winter Rice Field Art'' involves drawing art on a snowy field for 6 to 7 hours. It is easily influenced by the weather and looks beautiful for only a short period of time. Its ephemerality is beautiful and will continue to remain in the hearts of many people.

Winter rice fields art was first held in 2016 and was an annual event. However, in response to the spread of the new coronavirus, the event has been suspended for two years, following the 2020 event.

Snow Art is a beautiful snow art that cannot be preserved forever. I hope that the day will come when I can hear the cheers that have been spilling out again.

Roadside Station Inakadate <Information>

  • Name: Roadside Station Inakadate Yayoi no Sato
  • Address: 10-10 Takahihachiman, Countryatate Village, Minamitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, 038-1111
  • Phone number: 0172-58-4411
  • Official URL: https://www.michinoeki-inakadate.com/

Google Map

Articles that may be related to this article

Other articles