Distribution of the Rice Crop Dryer (Inekake) and its Significance

There are two methods for rice crop drying in Japan, on bars and on ground. The drying method on ground, called Jiboshi in Japan, is universal in all Southeast Asia area, and the drying method on bars, called Inekake, is original in Japan. Distribution of types and local names of Inekake in Japan is made clear in this paper, which suggests the propagation process of Inekake method. It originated in Kinki district and spread to east and west. In the snowy land on the Japan Sea side, it transformed to higher one. In northeastern Japan, a new type, pile method called Kuiboshi, was invented. In Kyushu the Inekake is spreading slowly, but climatical condition and traditional tendency permit to resist the penetration of Inekake.