JA ZEN-NOH opens new takeaway outlet at Shingawa Station

TOKYO, March. 23 ― Japan’s largest farmers’ group has opened an outlet at Shiganaga St., one of Tokyo’s most affluent district, to offer takeaway options such as lunch boxes and other ready-to-go foods that use Japanese-grown farm products. The outlet, called “Minori Minoru Kitchen,” is part of a project launched by JA ZEN-NOH, the National Federation of Agriculture Cooperative Associations, the marketing arm of JA group, to boost an increase in consumer interest in locally produced foods. In 2010, JA ZEN-NOH opened its first restaurant that use Japanese-grown farm products. Since then, its restaurants and café have grown to 15 outlets nationwide. Japan’s takeaway food market has grown to 10 … Continue reading

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Japan’s Shinano Gold apple is set to go global with yello brand

TOKYO, March. 13 ― Nagano prefecture has signed an agreement with two Italy’s cooperatives for the exclusive permanent production and marketing license of its Shinano Gold apple in five countries of the south hemisphere such as New Zealand and South Africa. The variety was originally created in Nagano from a cross between the Golden Delicious and the Senshu and is marketed under the yello brand, highlighting its distinctive color. Nagano prefecture has already an agreement in 2016 with VOG, the Association of South Tyrolean Fruit Growers’ Cooperatives, and VI.P, the Association of Val Venosta Fruit Growers’ Cooperatives, for the exclusive permanent production and marketing license for all of Europe and … Continue reading

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Multilingual booking system boosts foreigners in rural Japan

TOKYO, March. 19 ― Japan’s online booking system for farm stays in rural villages should provide versions in foreign languages, because the number of foreign travelers in the country has grown five times, the agriculture ministry has said. According to a survey conducted by the agriculture ministry, 63 villages that launched multilingual versions for farm stay booking accommodated 1,547 foreign visitors on average per village in 2017. On the other hand, 142 villages that were available only in Japanese for online booking systems totaled 314 foreign on average per village. It appears foreign tourists who do not speak Japanese face difficulties to book accommodations in rural Japan. The Japanese agriculture … Continue reading

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Trump’s remarks on TPP prompts opposition to urge government to reaffirm its stance on trade talks

TOKYO, May 30 – The opposition parties urged the government on May 29 to reaffirm its position concerning bilateral trade talks with the United States, after U.S. President Donald Trump said during his visit to Tokyo that he is not bound by anything. A joint statement issued by the two nations in September says that regarding Japan’s farm produce, “outcomes related to market access as reflected in Japan’s previous economic partnership agreements constitute the maximum level,” indicating that Japan will not open its markets beyond the level agreed upon under the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal. In a news conference in Tokyo on May 27, however, Trump said: “I have nothing to … Continue reading

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[Joy of Noh no Ikebana] Yasutoshi Morita (69) from Iga City, Mie Prefecture: Happy to see you again this year!

“I began learning ikebana in my twenties. Since then, it’s my hobby. I’m a farmer, so I use wildflowers, green items from the mountains as well as agricultural products and tools. I put my arrangements at the entrance to welcome my guests. Or I sometimes have them displayed at the local festivals. When I make an arrangement, I start by thinking about a story. I enjoy the most when I’m thinking about tools and flowers, places, and themes. Making notes and drawings is also helpful in creating an arrangement which is close to your image. I always place importance on “subtracting.” I try to hold my temptation to show all … Continue reading

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