1 / 4   "Isobe-no-Omita” is a traditional festival to celebrate rice planting, held annually on June 24 and celebrated by local people at Izawanomiya Shrine in Shima City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. /VCG Photo

2 / 4   As is with East and Southeast Asian countries, rice is a staple on dining tables in Japan. The festival aims at wishing a rich harvest and big catches of fish. /VCG Photo

3 / 4   One of the significant events in the lead-up to the occasion is “Taketori”. That's when men compete for a huge fan tied at the top end of a long bamboo stick in a muddy field. It is believed that whoever catches the fan and uses it to decorate his boat, will be safe when sailing. /VCG Photo

4 / 4   People plant rice seed in muddy waters as music of flute and drums create a relaxed and happy atmosphere. /VCG Photo