Category Archives: Others

TOKYO, Apr. 16 – Capsule toys featuring agricultural products have been appearing on the Gacha Gacha toy market in succession. A Japan Agricultural News reporter confirmed at least thirty series, including seed and fertilizer bags with soil-like contents. Who’s buying such a niche product? There are many Gacha Gacha specialty stores in Akihabara, Tokyo, where Japan Agricultural News headquarters are located. When we checked one, it had about 100 capsule vending machines with ten selling agri-themed Gacha toys at prices varying from 300 yen to 500 yen each. On the internet, we also found at least 20 other sets of capsule toys featuring agriculture. They are realistic miniature figures of … Continue reading →

TOKYO, April 9 — As drinks with less caffeine attract attention, efforts are made to develop green tea products with reduced caffeine. Research institutions, such as those affiliated with local governments, are working to determine low-caffeine tea varieties or the harvesting time when tea leaves contain less caffeine, as well as establishing their own processing technology to reduce caffeine content. They are aiming at seeking new demands and expanding exports. There are some low-caffeine green tea products, but the lineup has not taken root as such items require designated facilities and knowhow to produce, and their flavor and color change when caffeine is taken out. Many prefectures are attempting to … Continue reading →

HOKKAIDO, OKAYAMA, Feb. 9 – According to some local reports, the death toll in Turkey and northern Syria is nearing 10,000 after the earthquake struck the southern part of Turkey. Thousands of people are still trapped under collapsed buildings, while the 72-hour time limit for saving lives (10:17 a.m. on February 9 in Japan time) is approaching. There are Turks living in Japan and involved in farming, and they are saddened by the tragedy that hit the fellow citizens, saying, “It’s hard not to be able to do anything” for their families and friends who live 85,000 kilometers away. -Mellal Seto (fruit farmer in Sapporo City, Hokkaido): I want to … Continue reading →

AKITA, Jan. 9 – The year 2023 is the year of the rabbit in Japan. Speaking of rabbits, the Semboku region in the Southern part of Akita Prefecture traditionally grows jumbo rabbits for meat. In 2022, the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs certified its deeply rooted food culture of eating jumbo rabbit meat as a “100-year food” of Japan. Since then, there has been a jump in the popularity of rabbit meat as a healthier option. The region grows Akita-improved Japanese White, a breed with thick white fur. Some of them weigh over 10 kilograms. Growing rabbits for food started in the Meiji Era to improve diet in rural parts … Continue reading →

TOKYO, Dec. 19 – The most demanded smart agricultural technology by farmers is a drone that can spray agrichemicals over a wide area, according to a survey recently conducted by the agriculture ministry to grasp technological needs. Other technologies high on the list include labor-saving machinery such as weeding robots and automatic mowers, as well as fruit and vegetable harvesting robots. The ministry plans to prioritize research and development of high-demand technologies in the future. The survey was conducted between Nov. 22 and Dec. 5 on the ministry’s website and garnered responses from 1,095 people including farmers, local government officials and researchers. Each respondent was asked to choose up to … Continue reading →