Emperor Naruhito Harvests Rice in Annual Imperial Palace Tradition

Sep 08, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Emperor Naruhito carried out the annual rice harvest at a paddy field within the Imperial Palace on September 8, cutting two varieties of rice that will be used in ceremonies including the Niinamesai harvest festival.

Holding a sickle and crouching beside the rice plants, the emperor harvested a total of 20 stalk clusters of Nihonmasari, a variety of non-glutinous rice, and Mangetsumochi, a variety of glutinous rice used for making mochi.

This year's crop was reported to be around the average level for a normal year.

The harvested rice is scheduled to be used in ceremonies at the Imperial Palace, including Niinamesai, the annual imperial rite in which newly harvested grain is offered to the deities and the emperor gives thanks for the year's harvest.

Source: TBS

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