We saw absolutely gorgeous rice field art up in Aomori prefecture just a few months ago, but we’ve never seen rice that looked this cute! Shimane prefecture’s very own mascot character has been turned into a smiling rice field; you’re going to want to take a closer look at this one!
Shimanekko is the name of this darling little yellow kitty, a moniker incorporating the prefecture’s name and the Japanese word for cat, nekko. Here he is posing under the famous Kisuki cherry blossoms:
Image: Facebook (Shimanekko)
Nestled on Shimanekko’s head is the peaked roof of one of Japan’s most sacred grand shrines, Izumo Taisha, located in, you guessed it, Shimane prefecture. But despite the funny headgear, Shimanekko is absolutely adorable…
Image: Twitter (uco998)
Image: Facebook (Shimanekko)
Image: Facebook (Shimanekko)
Image: Twitter (karmannseiko)
…no matter what form he takes on:
Image: Twitter (@keiko_it)
Image: Twitter (@keiko_it)
Image: Twitter (keiko_it)
But if you want to see a truly unique version of Shimanekko, go on over to Izumo City and you’ll get a glimpse of Shimane’s mascot made out of rice plants. A friendly sign marks the location of the Shimanekko rice field:
Image: Facebook (Shimanekko)
Approaching the field, you can tell there’s something special there…
Image: Facebook (Shimanekko)
You’ll also notice a large structure built on the side…
Image: Facebook (Shimanekko)
A short 3-meter (10-foot) climb will reveal the true colors of the field:
Image: Facebook (Shimanekko)
And here’s an aerial shot for an even better view:
Image: Twitter (uco998)
This Shimanekko rice field is made with several different types of rice plants, giving it very distinct colors. Although we usually see green rice paddies in the summer that yield a warm yellow color as the grains ripen, the Shimanekko rice incorporates several different types of ancient rice, giving the mascot a yellow, black and green hue. But this Shimanekko isn’t quite finished yet; once the Izumo Shrine hat that dons Shimanekko’s head turns a beautiful red color around the end of August or beginning of September, the rice field art will be complete!
Hurry on over, this artwork won’t last forever! In fact, the edible arrangement will be harvested at the end of September, so you have until then to enjoy the happiest rice paddy in all of Japan.
Source: Facebook (Shimanekko)
Shimane Prefecture’s snarky mascot is at it again with masochistic 2014 calendar
We visit a Brazilian buffet in Shimane Prefecture, eat so much beef and sausage we forget dessert
Here are five incredible places to add to your itinerary on a visit to Shimane’s Izumo City
Eel that looks like a banana caught in Shimane Prefecture
We visit the Giant Buddha statue that our reporter dubs “kawaii” and “like a mascot character”
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Tokyo Metro adds platform display showing where least crowded parts of the next train will be
Ninja life skills: The most hardcore way to get infinite 1-Ups in Super Mario Bros. 【Video】
Japanese beauty magazine asks readers to identify the one crossdresser among 12 beautiful women
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Turn a persimmon into a pudding with one simple ingredient
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
We try European Cup Noodle Soba flavors to see which ones come out on top 【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Adorable mascot bear Kumamon stars on the most popular new license plate in Japan
Introducing Akita Prefecture’s new moe mascot character, the adorable Sui Kizakura!
Leave a Reply