The Unique Future of Rice Cultivation with Fairy Shrimp in Yabuki Town

Yabuki Town, located in Fukushima Prefecture, has become a pioneer in environmentally-friendly agriculture by utilizing fairy shrimp since around 2007. Partnering with Tokyo University of Agriculture, the town established the "Rice Paddy School" under the guidance of talent Mioko Omomo. Local elementary school students, university students, and residents participate in rice planting and harvesting activities. Recently, with the successful adaptation of fairy shrimp in local rice fields, the harvested rice has been branded as "Yabuki Rice Nurtured with Fairy Shrimp". The unveiling ceremony for this original rice will take place during the opening ceremony of the Rice Paddy School on October 15, 2025.

Fairy Shrimp: A Living Fossil

Fairy shrimp, considered living fossils, have existed with little change since the time of the dinosaurs, roughly 200 million years ago. These crustaceans thrive in rice paddies, eating the new shoots of weeds and muddying the water with their numerous legs, which inhibits light for photosynthesis, thus controlling weed growth. They hatch when the water temperature exceeds 20°C, making them viable in cooler seasons outside of summer. With an approximate lifespan of one month and a size of 3-4 cm, fairy shrimp populations have diminished significantly in eastern Japan due to pesticide use and environmental shifts.

The Role of Fairy Shrimp in Eco-Friendly Agriculture

Fairy shrimp are highly sensitive to water pollution, making their presence a strong indicator of a healthy ecosystem that minimizes pesticide use and relies on organic farming methods.

Features of Fairy Shrimp Farming:

- Resilience of Fairy Shrimp Eggs: These eggs can survive in a state termed "cryptobiosis," allowing them to withstand adverse conditions until hatching as rice planting time approaches, approximately one year later.
- Pesticide Sensitivity: Their vulnerability to pesticides ensures that the environment remains suitable for their inhabitance—demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
- Weed Control Benefits: Not only do fairy shrimp consume weed seedlings, but by disturbing the soil, they also help provide oxygen to rice roots, supporting healthy plant growth.

What is the Rice Paddy School?

The Rice Paddy School aims to educate children about Yabuki's environment through rice cultivation, testing organic farming techniques utilizing fairy shrimp. This collaborative effort involves support from various stakeholders, including the local government, agricultural cooperatives, and universities. Each year, around 100 fifth graders engage in the planting in June and harvesting in October, guided by dedicated local educators and experts.

Involvement of Key Figures:

- Mioko Omomo: As the principal of the Rice Paddy School, she has also served as the Rice PR Ambassador for Yabuki Town since 2017, focusing on promoting local agricultural products and dispelling misinformation.
- Takayuki Nagashima: A special lecturer at the school, he has played a fundamental role in implementing organic farming practices since the school's inception, contributing to the community’s understanding of the significance of nature and food.

Participation in Mitaka Forest Festival 2025

Yabuki Town has maintained a sister city relationship with Mitaka City, Tokyo, since 1964, engaging in various exchange activities. This year, the town will participate in the Mitaka Forest Festival held in Inokashira Park, showcasing fresh local agricultural products, processed goods such as miso and dressings, and the refreshing Junmai Ginjo sake "Kaitaku no Uta." Visitors can also purchase "Yabuki Rice Nurtured with Fairy Shrimp" at the event.

Event Details:

- Date: October 12, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (tentative, rain or shine)
- Location: Inokashira Park Seien Cultural Exchange Square (east side of Ghibli Museum)
- Admission: Free
- Organizers: Mitaka Urban Tourism Association, Mitaka City, and the Ghibli Museum

Contact Information for Rice Inquiries

For further information regarding rice products, please reach out to the Yabuki Town Office's Economic and Tourism Division at 0248-42-2119 or through their contact form.