Nakaya re-elected as JA ZENCHU chairman to keep leading Japan’s agriculture and JAs

Jul. 4, TOKYO – According to the announcement of the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA-ZENCHU), its current Chairman Toru Nakaya was re-elected at the election held on July 3. The 70-year-old chairman of a Wakayama-based agricultural cooperative (JA Wakayama Chuo) won out over Shojiro Nakanishi, a 69-year-old chairman of a Tokushima-based agricultural cooperative (JP Tokushima Chuo). Nakaya will start his second term as JA-ZENCHU Chairman at an ordinary general meeting on August 20. “I’m determined to devote myself to blaze a new path to the future of Japan’s agriculture, farm villages, and agricultural cooperatives,” he said in his comment after the election. He will keep the focus on internal … Continue reading

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Farmers in Kumamoto severely hit by floods and mudslides

KUMAMOTO, July 6 – Farmers in Kumamoto Prefecture in the southern Kyushu region, hit hard by floods and mudslides caused by torrential rain, are finding their lives changed drastically, with their farmlands and facilities severely damaged. A 78-year-old rice farmer of the Tagawa district in the town of Ashikita, Kumamoto, was at a loss what to do with his rice paddies filled with mud. On July 5, the Self-Defense Forces completed rescue works at a site in Tagawa where a landslide occurred and local residents began restoring the roads. “The whole place looked like an ocean,” the farmer said, recalling the rainfall that became heavier than ever in the early … Continue reading

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More than 150 hectares of Japan’s forestlands acquired by foreign firms in 2019: forestry agency

TOKYO, Jun. 30 – Forestlands in Japan acquired by foreign firms totaled 163 hectares in 2019, the total area topping 150 hectares for seven years in a row since 2013, according to the Forestry Agency. Eighty percent of foreign companies which obtained forestlands said they made the purchase to hold the forests as assets. In order to mitigate concern among local residents, the agency is asking buyers to present the purpose of purchasing forests. The agency has established a forestland clearing approval system which requires companies to obtain approval from prefectural governors to clear forestlands of a hectare or more. The governors give approval to projects that involve forest clearing … Continue reading

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Japan’s municipal governments see 20% decline in agriculture, forestry and fisheries staff numbers

TOKYO, May 29 – The number of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries staff at local and prefecture governments keeps declining. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, the number of officials in charge of the primary sector in municipal and prefecture governments dropped by more than 20% in 15 years. In 2019, the number of officials in general administrative jobs increased slightly, but the officials working to support the primary sector declined notably. It’s essential to enhance local governments’ structure, train more individuals, and improve work efficiency to solve problems and assist people in the primary industry. Yet the reality is vise versa. The statistics are based … Continue reading

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Japanese Tatami yoga mat building buzz overseas

FUKUOKA, May 24 -Colorful tatami-like yoga mats made of Japanese igusa soft rush grass are becoming popular worldwide. They have high moisture absorbency properties and odor eliminating effect. “Their good aroma makes it easier to do nasal breathing, which is an essential part of yoga,” and “their surface never gets sticky even when you are sweaty,” some said. The product is called “Tatami Yoga.” It’s designed and commercialized by Ikehiko Corporation, an igusa product planner and producer based in Oki Town, Fukuoka Prefecture. The mats are made of igusa grown in Kumamoto and Fukuoka Prefectures. Igusa, dyed in red, blue, and all other beautiful colors, is woven in a traditional … Continue reading

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