Hello, I’m Shenny!
Today I’d like to share a heartwarming and nature-filled experience — the Kumamoto City Elementary School Potato Harvest in Aso. This annual event has been held for over a decade, offering children from urban Kumamoto the chance to spend a day in the Aso countryside, digging potatoes by hand and learning firsthand about agriculture and the environment.
🚜 Morning Departure from Michi-no-Eki Aso
The day started early at Michi-no-Eki Aso (Aso Roadside Station). Dozens of children gathered at the meeting point, their excited chatter quickly filling the air and setting a cheerful tone for the day.
After a short briefing, we boarded the buses and headed to the main activity site — a local potato field in the Aso area.
🌽 A Warm Welcome with Sweet Corn
Before jumping into the fieldwork, the children were greeted with a warm and tasty treat — freshly steamed local corn prepared by a group of volunteer moms. The sweet corn was both delicious and energizing, providing a much-needed boost under the summer sun.
Once everyone had eaten and rested, it was time to dig in — literally!
🥇 Who Can Find the Biggest or Weirdest Potato?
The children spread out across the field, competing to find:
- The biggest potato
- The most oddly shaped potato
Despite the strong sun, the field was full of laughter. Some potatoes looked like hearts, others like cartoon characters — every discovery brought new excitement. Beyond the fun, the children got a taste of the physical labor that farming requires and a deeper appreciation for the work behind the food they eat.
🍱 Lunch & Potato Awards Ceremony
After the harvest, everyone gathered at a nearby community hall for lunch, once again lovingly prepared by local mothers.
Once the meal was finished and everyone had cooled down, the children took turns presenting their most interesting potato finds, followed by a lighthearted awards ceremony celebrating the biggest, funniest, and most creative shapes.
The space was full of smiles, laughter, and pride — a true sense of community.
🌾 Learning from the Land: Connecting Kids with the Countryside
This was more than just a fun outing — it’s part of a broader initiative in Aso to promote food and agricultural education, as well as to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.
For children growing up in the city, hands-on experiences like this can leave a lasting impression — nurturing respect for nature, food, and the people who grow it.
