Discover the Stunning Rice Field Art of Shohei Ohtani in Oshu City, Japan

Have you ever heard of rice field art? Known as tanbo art in Japan, this unique form of land art involves planting different colored rice plants to create massive images that can be viewed from above. Right now, in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, there’s an incredible piece of rice field art shining bright with the image of baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani!

Located in the Mizusawa Sakuragawa area, this artwork has reached its peak viewing season, perfectly coinciding with Ohtani’s 31st birthday on July 5th. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star, who hails from Hanamaki Higashi High School in Iwate, is celebrated in this larger-than-life tribute, drawing crowds of visitors eager to see the masterpiece.

The artwork is brought to life by the Atoroi Rice Field Art Executive Committee, led by chairman Kazuhide Konno. To create the vibrant colors, they planted special rice varieties—green Hitomebore and white Yuki Asobi—across a 3000-square-meter paddy field. From the observation tower, you can marvel at a dynamic depiction of Ohtani swinging his bat with power, alongside his beloved dog, Decopin.

But there’s more to this art than meets the eye. On the left side, a large “ワ” (wa) character stands proudly. It’s part of a nationwide collaboration with ten other rice field art projects, from places like Saitama and Niigata. When combined, these characters spell “World Champion,” a nod to Ohtani’s global dominance in baseball. The artwork also features the numbers “5050,” honoring his historic achievement as the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.

This rice field art is more than just a stunning visual—it’s a testament to the creativity of the local community and the pride Iwate Prefecture feels for its hometown hero. If you’re traveling to Japan or happen to be nearby, this is a must-see attraction. It’s a perfect mix of art, culture, and sports fandom, set against the serene beauty of rural Japan. Don’t miss your chance to witness this one-of-a-kind tribute to Shohei Ohtani—share this post and plan your visit today!