Tambo Art: Rice Paddy Murals Come to Life in Japan’s Countryside

Walking through the countryside in the village of Inakadate, you’ll find the roads lined with seemingly endless rice paddies creating a beautiful rural tableau. But step back, and you might notice that there is more to the rice than meets the eye. A wide variety of seedlings ranging in color from bright greens and whites to dark reds have been carefully planted to create some of the most amazing living art you’ll find in Japan. 

Tambo art, or rice paddy art, has become popular in many rural areas where festival goers are treated to new scenes each year. In the past, the art has featured everything from classic paintings like “The Mona Lisa” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring” to beloved characters such as Luffy from One Piece and R2-D2 from Star Wars.

Tambo art is a labor of love. The process of creating the design, selecting the correct type of seedling to achieve the desired colors, and finally planting them in densely packed paddies is a time-consuming endeavor. But the work does not end there. The paddies must be watered multiple times a day in the heat of Japan’s hot summer months and also require regular weeding to keep the colors pristine.

These living murals have become a way for communities to connect. In many areas, the work becomes a collaborative effort between farmers and local schools. Students are active members of the projects, learning about growing methods as they plant seedlings in the spring and returning later in the year to assist with the harvest. Community sponsors also play a large role in organizing festivals where all can come to enjoy the product of the artists’ hard work. 

These festivals have become an opportunity to increase tourism to rural areas. Appreciation for art crosses all culture and language barriers as tourists both nationwide and worldwide flock to the inaka to see these unique masterpieces. This ushers in a boost to the economy while offering a peek into the joys of life in the countryside. 

Beyond being a creative medium, the use of rice seedlings to form these murals draws attention to the cultural significance of rice and agriculture in Japan. Rice is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and its seemingly effortless availability makes it easy to forget all the hard work that goes into growing and harvesting it. Tambo art encourages people to recognize the beauty of the agricultural side of Japan and appreciate those who work tirelessly to grow one of the nation’s most cherished foods. 

While tambo art can be found all across the country, some popular locations for tambo art tourism include Inakadate in Aomori Prefecture, Gyoda in Saitama Prefecture, and Asahikawa in Hokkaido Prefecture. Planting of the seedlings begins as early as April depending on location and temperature. The final art can be enjoyed between May and October, with July and August often being the peak viewing time. However, afterimages of the art can sometimes still be seen even after the rice has been harvested.

About the author:  

Nadine Lindskog
Nadine first became interested in Japan and Japanese culture after working with an exchange program at her university. After hearing so many wonderful things from the exchange students she worked with she was longing for a chance to see Japan for herself. That opportunity came to her in the form of the JET program where she spent 5 years on a small island in the beautiful prefecture of Okinawa. While living in this very rural community of just under 1,300 people she was lucky to experience a glimpse into some of Okinawa’s unique traditions and culture. In her free time, she traveled the main island of Japan as well as eastern Asia, seeking out the most delicious foods and exciting experiences. She currently resides in the United States but hopes to return to Japan in the future.