Takenoko (Bamboo Shoot) Digging

Bamboo shoot digging?? Yep, had to try it. It is a school organized event, so with a limited amount of time, we entered the bamboo groves in search of the elusive bamboo shoots (pictured below). Apparently there is a good crop every other year, so needless to say, with my luck, this was NOT the good year. I didn't find any shoots. However, many of my friends and Masa had much better luck than I did.
Masa spotted a WHOPPER! Good find! I don't have too much to say on takenoko except that it does make a very tasty side dish.