Urbanites get taste of rice planting at Tokyo's rooftop garden

TOKYO, Japan - With Tokyo Tower in the background, the rooftop garden at Roppongi Hills complex on Saturday attracted urban workers and local residents trying at rice planting.

Around 140 people, including 60 children, stepped into the muddy rice paddy and learned how to plant rice seedlings at the high-in-the-sky garden that is some 45 meters above ground.

The rice-planting event, the 21st in a row, has been held annually by urban landscape developer Mori Building Co. since 2003 when Roppongi Hills complex of high-rise commercial and residential buildings was opened, as part of efforts to promote urban greening and familiarize people with nature and traditional culture.

Since 2006, Roppongi Hills has started to cooperate with local governments to plant the best varieties from regions. This year, the event was done in collaboration with Toyama prefecture as the rice brand called "Fufufu" got planted.

Later in the year, the participants will gather again in Autumn for rice harvest.

"Through collaboration with prefectures, we hope the event will help create a hub for experiencing and promoting Japanese culture," an event organizer told reporters. - XINHUA