Surprising scene of scarecrows in Tokyo marks start of autumn

Scarecrows are on display through Oct. 30 in an annual event at Keruneru Tanbo (Kellner’s rice paddy) in the Komaba district of Meguro Ward, Tokyo, giving local residents the feel of autumn.

e scarecrows are displayed in a rice paddy that was once a training eld for Komaba Agricultural School, which opened in 1878 and is now the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Tokyo. e paddy is also known as a former research site for German scholar

Oskar Kellner.

On the theme of “World Peace” this year, 28 scarecrows, including Mother Teresa and a globe, were made by children and others and displayed by an organizing committee formed by local residents.

e display can be seen from train windows on the nearby Keio Inokashira Line.

“I hope people will get the feeling of nature by seeing the scarecrows because such scenery is rarely seen in the center of Tokyo,” said Kunio Matsumoto, 83, chair of the organizing committee. (Oct. 18)

The Yomiuri Shimbun Local residents take care of scarecrows on display in Meguro Ward, Tokyo.