A Second Youth Gifted by the Rice Fields — A Retired Professor’s Account of His Struggles in Rice Farming

Abstract

This essay describes the experiences of an agricultural researcher who began rice cultivation after retirement in Iitate Village, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Through firsthand challenges in preparing the rice paddies, water management, weed control, and daily fieldwork, the author rediscovered both the difficulties and the rewards of farming. The experience highlighted the importance of learning directly from agricultural practice and from the knowledge accumulated by local communities. Rather than presenting scientific findings, this report reflects on how practical farming can deepen our understanding of agriculture. It reminds us that agricultural science should continuously interact with the realities of the field. This personal account may encourage readers to reconsider the relationship between agricultural science, farming, and rural communities