Other Programs & Activities
Connecting to Art, Education and Community
Oyama Senmaida goes beyond rice planting to bring programs to our community and members all through the year. Below is a selection of activities and events.
Tanada Light Up
Winter illumination of the terraces with 10,000 LED lights. Free to the public from November through early January.
Photo Contest
An annual event with winners published in the Oyama Senmaida Calendar. There is also an Oyama Senmaida photo club that meets seasonally.
Sato Mai Ballet
Choreographed by Nagamura Junko, the ballet depicts four seasons of the countryside. Performed annually after harvest.
Tanada Environmental University
In conjunction with Kanto area universities, students experience farming and satoyama maintenance work and learn about issues that exist in agriculture and rural communities. As part of the program, a mud volleyball contest is held in the rice paddy before planting.
Wildlife Survey
100-year project of ecosystem surveys (2002 – 2102). Oyama Senmaida has a lively ecosystem of insects, amphibians, small mammals, and birds. The near threatened Japanese Brown Frogs and vulnerable Tokyo Salamanders lay eggs in the heavy clay soil that retains water in winter.
Food Education
Tofu workshops, miso making, celebration sushi, and mochi making are scheduled seasonally through the year. Please see the Oyama Senmaida online calendar (Japanese only) for programs or contact the Tanada Club office.