Stories of crop circles in wheat fields being left by extraterrestrials have been heard of before, but another sort of extraterrestrial encounter can be seen from a Japanese rice field.
In Japan's Aomori Prefecture lies a village called Inakadate that is known for designing rice paddies and turning them into large scale works of art. Their latest masterpiece is a tribute to the Star Wars franchise that depicts BB-8, C-3PO, and R2D2 in their rice plant splendor, IGN reported.
Recently made famous by their depiction of classic Japanese artworks, the village has been making rice paddy murals since 1993 as a way to revitalize the community of around 9,000 individuals and to keep connected with their rice growing heritage.
The process starts with community meetings around April to decide which picture or design will be translated into the rice paddies. After a choice has been made, a team of six village staff create and elaborate plan which refines and plots the design using computer software.
The use of sticks made out of reed as well as wire spread out over the paddies creates a guide which will then be filled up with 4 different rice varieties that will make up the varied colors of the project, according to the Japan Times.
Once the varieties of rice plants have been planted in their designated locations, it is left to Mother Nature to grow and nurture them, with late July being the best time to visit and enjoy the full effect of the work of art.
The Star Wars franchise is made up of movies, cartoon series, video games, merchandise and is one of mainstream popular culture's most iconic and influential franchise. Its latest installment, "The Force Awakens" will arrive in theaters later this year.