On June 22, 2025, "Rice Field Rugby" was held in Mukojima, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, on a rice paddy field before rice planting. About 420 people, covered in mud from head to toe, chased the ball with fervor.
Rice Field Rugby has spread from Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture to other areas, and in Mukojima, it is held by volunteers to help people become familiar with the history and nature of the area where Ogura Pond was once located.
The rules are to stop the opponent's movement by touching their body, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults. Participants got their feet stuck in the mud and fell, but they still managed to pass the ball around, and there were huge cheers when they scored spectacular diving tries.
