Database: Rice Farmers

Agricultural tools used in feudal Japan were relatively easy to maintain and did not require high levels of skill. The construction and maintenance of sluices to supply water to the plots, and the occasional use of a watermill or water pump, was done by manual labor. In early spring, the soil was prepared with a light plow (ard) pulled by an ox. During harvest, various tools were used, such as hoes, spades and shovels, flails, billhooks and sickles. Both men and women worked the fields, but women largely handled the planting. Men supported the planting with rhythmic cheers to maintain a steady pace for the women. In summer, farmers typically worked barefoot in the muddy rice fields. They wore large hats made of rice straw to protect themselves from sunburn, and some women (and occasionally men) wore a muslin cloth or a scarf to partially cover their faces and avoid insect bites. Women would also roll up the bottom of their kimonos to mid-calf or knee height.

There were two periods during the agricultural season called hare and ke. The hare days were days of celebration and feasting when no work was done. On average, there was one hare day every 10 days. The ke days were ordinary days dedicated to work. During the off-season, farmers might take part in collective hydraulic projects, repair a neighbour's roof, craft tools, sell goods, purchase fertilizers, and other tasks that could benefit themselves or the community.