A rice farmer in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, is concerned that Tropical Storm Shanshan could have an adverse impact on his crops.
The storm is moving slowly over southwestern Japan on Friday, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to many parts of the country.
Seino Kazuteru grows rice varieties including “Hitomebore” and “Tsuyahime” on his seven-hectare rice paddies in the prefecture’s Watari Town.
His rice has grown steadily this year. He hopes to begin harvesting around September 20, earlier than usual.
Seino said now is an important time for the grains to grow bigger and accumulate “umami” flavor.
He said the worst-case scenario is that the storm lurches and brings continued rain and strong winds. He said further winds could blow down the rice stalks, so he is desperately praying for the storm to go elsewhere.