Emperor Naruhito planted rice in a tradition at the Imperial Palace on May 14.

He planted 20 seedlings in total, of the Nihonmasari variety of japonica rice, and of the Mangetsumochi variety of glutinous rice.

The seedlings were grown by the Emperor last month.

The annual event at the Imperial Palace has been carried out every year since it was started by Emperor Naruhito’s grandfather, Emperor Showa.

The planted seedlings will be harvested in September and used for the Niiname-sai rice harvest festival, as well as for various rituals at the Imperial Palace and Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture.