Get Muddy in the Sacred Land of 'Rihoku-mai' Brand Rice! 'Mud Tug-of-War Tournament' to be Held on May 17 in Maruno-cho, Nirasaki City

Nirasaki Sunrise Training will host the "5th Mud Tug-of-War Tournament" on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Maruno Community Center (Tsubura no Kaikan) and Maruno Gymnasium, wishing for a bountiful harvest of "Rihoku-mai" rice.

Program Details

Mud Tug-of-War (No age, gender, or weight restrictions)

Reservations required. Participants will engage in a "powerful and tenacious" tug-of-war in the rice paddies of "Maruno-cho, Nirasaki City," a renowned production area for the brand-name rice "Rihoku-mai."

・League matches (Block A, Block B)

・Finals (1st place from each block)

・3rd place match (2nd place from each block)

Participation fee: 5,000 yen per team, payable at reception on the day.

*Participation prizes and special awards available!

Rice Paddy Flag Game (Open participation, entry on the day)

This will be held as an exhibition during the tug-of-war competition.

Participation fee: Free

*Participation prizes and special awards available!

Application Method

1. Via application form (Application deadline: Monday, May 11)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaG7itXdR2PjxqgiJwA_9sxPJL0oU3ArkH56BFGo9IU8lCpA/viewform?usp=dialog

Event Overview

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Canceled in case of rain)

Reception: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Venue: Maruno Community Center (Tsubura no Kaikan) and Maruno Gymnasium (Maruno-cho, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture)

Participation Fee (partially charged):

・Tug-of-War: 5,000 yen/team

・Rice Paddy Flag Game: Free

Attire/Items:

[Required] Rubber boots

[Recommended] Change of clothes, drinks, work gloves, goggles, towel

(Optional) Jikatabi (split-toe shoes)

Organizer: Nirasaki Sunrise Training

Inquiries: [email protected] (email)

Learn more here

https://www.nirasaki-kankou.jp/event_schedule/event_info/7425.html

Introducing the Charms of Nirasaki City | "WHITE BASE"

"WHITE BASE," nestled in the rich landscape of Nirasaki City, is a retro-modern restaurant renovated from an old folk house. Stepping inside, you'll find a comfortable space where nostalgia and novelty coexist.

・Special seats for relaxing

We offer sofa seats with kotatsu, perfect for cold seasons, and chabudai seats on the veranda where you can feel a pleasant breeze. You can spend a leisurely and calm time, as if visiting your grandmother's house.

・Various ways to enjoy, from lunch to BAR

During lunchtime, our hearty daily set meal with coffee is popular. In addition to using it as a cafe in the afternoon, it is also cherished as a BAR in the evening, a place to relax and enjoy drinks at the end of the day.

・Expanding connections, versatile usage

Beyond daily meals, it can be used for various occasions such as banquets, private parties, and even barbecues. It serves as a base for a "community like an extended family that supports each other," providing a warm place where people naturally gather and converse.

[Detailed Information]

Address: 1129-1 Irino, Maruno-cho, Nirasaki City, 407-0053

Phone number: 0551-33-9990

Business hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Sundays only lunch until 3:00 PM)

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays

*Business hours and regular holidays may change, please be aware.