Japanese method of rice cultivation gives some of the highest yields of rice in the world. The chief characteristics of Japanese methods are: • Rice is first prepared as nursery in the seedbeds and the seedlings are transplanted in late spring to the flooded fields. • Paddlewheels, electric and diesel pumps are used to supply irrigation ditches with water. • Small tractors are used for preparing the fields. • Terrace is a common feature of rice cultivation on the margin of the plains. • The rows of plants are fixed at a distance of 25 cm. Similarly, the distance between the plants is about 15 cm. It makes easy for the farmer to give proper care to the plants by weeding them. • Manure is used extensively to increase the yield. The plants give a higher yield in this method. Rice is not cultivated in the northern parts of China because the climate of this region is too cold for rice cultivation.