- A school in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, has created a temporary ice rink on a rice paddy.
- Students are enjoying skating lessons on the rink, which is formed by diverting river water in winter.
- A local resident who has helped maintain the rink for years is delighted to see the children having fun.

A: Hey! Did you hear about something cool happening in Nagano?

B: No! What is it? Tell me!

A: Apparently, kids are skating on an ice rink! But it's not a normal rink.

B: Really? Where?

A: It’s a rice paddy! Can you believe it? Suimei Elementary School made it!

B: Wow! They grow rice there during other seasons, right?

A: Exactly! The fifth graders do a school project. But in winter, the staff brings in river water.

B: So, they *make* the ice? Clever!

A: Yep! Skating lessons started a couple of weeks ago. Even the first graders are learning.

B: That’s so cute! I bet they’re having a blast!

A: One little boy said he was surprised to skate at school, but he had fun – even though he fell a lot!

B: Haha, I totally would have fallen too!

A: And get this, a 95-year-old man helps keep the rink going!

B: Wow, he's really dedicated! He must love seeing the kids enjoy it.

A: He does! He says he wants to help for as long as he can. It's really heartwarming.