Rice is grown is some sixty countries and eaten all over the world. In Japan, where it is the staple food of the people, rice has for centuries been cultivated in satoyama, a traditional agricultural environment of paddies, thickets and hamlets. In the modern world, the natural balance of such environments is often under pressure, but many traditional rituals and events still mark the seasonal rhythms of the rice farming calendar. Rice has also played a central role in the Japanese distribution system, providing the basis of the nation's economy.
By exploring the past, present and future of rice farming throughout the country, this series of educational programs reveals the intimate links that exist between rice and Japanese customs and culture. It also investigates the association between rice and people in other parts of the world.