Satoyama Classroom 2025 - Spring Edition - We held a rice planting and animals observation event.

Kyoto Aquarium held a rice planting experience on May 10th and a "Rare animals Observation Event" on May 15th. Participants had fun learning about the importance of nature while planting rice and observing rare creatures unique to Kyoto.

■Part 1: "Let's play in Satoyama! ~Rice planting edition~"
The rice planting took place in slightly cloudy weather.
First, all participants gathered together and learned about the growth process of rice through a quiz about rice.
Afterwards, they pick up the rice plants they will be planting and carefully observe the root structure and the number of rice plants needed to make one bowl of rice.
There were some surprised voices when asked how many stalks of rice it would take to feed them on a regular basis.

Rice-related quiz questions

And finally, rice planting begins!
When you step into the cold mud with your socked feet, you hear a cry of "It's cold!"
Using the rice planting rope as a guide, everyone worked together to plant the rice seedlings in a row.
Working in a low position with the waist bent required more physical strength than expected, and by the time the entire rice field had been planted, some participants were saying, "I'm exhausted!"

animal care staff teaching how to plant rice

Working in the mud allowed the children to deepen their connection with nature and, while having fun, also come to understand the difficulty and importance of the work.

They carefully planted the seedlings row by row.

■Learn about rare species in Kyoto! animals Observation Event
On May 15th, Kyoto Aquarium held a "animals Observation Event" where children learned about the animals and plants of the Satoyama area.
We had a valuable opportunity to have staff from the Kyoto Medicinal Plant Garden show us the roots of the water hyacinth and learn about its medicinal properties.
The children were amazed, saying, "A root like this can be used as medicine!" and listened with great interest.

Roots of the water spurge

After that, we actually set off to the Satoyama area.

The participants observed the animals in the Satoyama area while listening to explanations about plants and animals from the aquarium's animal care staff and the staff of the Kyoto Medicinal Plant Garden.
There were many discoveries, and the children learned about the importance of nature by seeing and hearing with their own eyes and ears.

At the end of the observation session, everyone planted Mizunotoranowo plants.
Through this activity, the children were able to come into contact with rare plants and animals, and I believe this deepened their understanding of the natural environment.

Children planting Mizunotorawo

■ The future of The Countryside of Kyoto
Since the rice was planted, many animals have begun to gather in the " The Countryside of Kyoto " area.
You can see Japanese lizards, tadpoles, dragonflies, and more, and it's a place where you can really feel the deep connection between the Satoyama environment and animals.
In addition, this area allows you to enjoy the sight of a variety of animals and plants throughout the seasons.
Unlike a real satoyama, it is a limited space, but it is a wonderful place where you can learn about the rich ecosystem through interaction with nature.
Please take the time to explore what kind of animals and plants you can encounter throughout the year.

Kyoto Aquarium is running a sustainability promotion project called "AQTION!" (Action) to pass the baton to the future of the Earth.
We will work together with children and local communities, who will be the future leaders, to address global and social issues that can only be seen at an aquarium.
For more information about AQTION! activities, please click here.