About
In the heart of Kyushu, where the verdant slopes of Kirishima cradle the land, there lies a place steeped in the whispers of antiquity. Here, the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the gentle rustle of rice stalks swaying in the breeze. This is the realm of "Sanada no Osada," a sacred expanse believed to be Japan's oldest rice paddy, where the divine once tread and the first grains of civilization took root.
Long ago, it is said that Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, descended from the heavens to this very soil. With hands both godly and tender, he planted the inaugural rice seedlings, bestowing upon humanity the gift of agriculture. The land, christened "Sanada" by his consort, Konohanasakuya-hime, in honor of their son Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto's birth, became a cradle of sustenance and spiritual significance.
Through the ages, this hallowed field has been a silent witness to the ebb and flow of time. During the era of Shimazu Nariakira, a revered feudal lord, a deity of the rice fields was enshrined here, acknowledging the land's divine heritage. In the early 20th century, villagers erected a stone monument inscribed with "Sanada no Ato," a testament to their reverence and the enduring legacy of this sacred site.
The land's sanctity was further affirmed when it was designated as the sacred rice field of Kirishima Shrine. Though it briefly transitioned to private ownership under post-war agricultural reforms, the field was restored to the shrine in the late 20th century, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Each year, as the calendar turns to early June, the "Otaue-sai" or rice planting festival breathes life into these ancient fields. Clad in traditional attire, local men and women, known as "Hayame" and "Hayato," step into the muddy embrace of the paddy. With rhythmic precision, they plant young rice shoots, their movements a dance that echoes the rituals of their ancestors. The festival is not merely an agricultural event; it is a vibrant tapestry woven with history, culture, and communal spirit.
As the sun casts its golden glow over the landscape, the sounds of traditional music and the laughter of children fill the air. The festival serves as a living bridge between the past and the present, a reminder of the enduring bond between the people and the land that sustains them.
Standing at the edge of "Sanada no Osada," one cannot help but feel the weight of history beneath their feet. The soil, rich and fertile, holds the stories of gods and mortals alike. The gentle rustling of the rice plants seems to whisper tales of divine descent, of a time when the heavens touched the earth, and humanity was gifted the sacred grain that would nourish them for millennia.
In this serene corner of Kirishima, the past is not a distant memory but a living presence. The land, the people, and the rituals intertwine, creating a mosaic of cultural heritage that continues to thrive. "Sanada no Osada" is more than a field; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who honor their history, cherish their traditions, and look to the future with reverence and hope.