In some regions of Japan, this time of year marks the peak of the annual rice harvest season. Traditionally, Japanese farmers have reused leftover rice straw (“wara” in Japanese), a byproduct of the ...

Straw hats are left to dry under the sun at Ishidaseibou Co. in the city of Kasaoka, Okayama Prefecture, in this recent photo. The items are popular for their simple design and comfortable fit, and a ...

It’s September. In Japan that means rice is being harvested across the country. It also means straw art. After the grains are harvested, rice straw (“wara” in Japanese) is left behind. In Niigata ...