Category Archives: Others

HOKKAIDO, July 7 – The 35th International Agricultural Machinery Show in Obihiro, one of Japan’s largest agri-machinery exhibitions, is held in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, on June 6 to 10, 2023. The show is back for the first time in five years, gathering 114 manufacturers and organizations from home and abroad, with many presenting large-sized machineries and processors including smart agricultural vehicles featuring the application of information and communication technology (ICT). Claas from Germany has a display of a large 400+ horsepower (hp) combine harvester with a 12,500-liter grain tank and an attachment for harvesting grain corn, whose production is multiplying in Japan. According to MSK Farm Machinery, the importer, the … Continue reading →

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 →