Online purchases undelivered due to lack of export inspection, more attention needed to have proper export certificates

TOKYO, Jul. 29 – Many Internet shoppers are suffering the problems of not being able to receive their purchases due to a failure in import procedures of plants and seeds. The fact was revealed in an interview with a plant protection station in Japan. Imported plant with no inspection certificate issued by the plant protection agency of the exporting country can only be discarded or returned, if it doesn’t pass the inspection in Japan. Many of the online purchasers don’t even know that they are importing the products. “To avoid such problems, make sure to check the location of the shop you are looking at even if it’s on a … Continue reading

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Hokkaido to promote implementation of SDGs via coop-led study group of 16 JA entities

HOKKAIDO, Jul. 25 – Co-op Sapporo has launched a “Hokkaido SDGs Promotion Platform” for local organizations and companies to promote the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Hokkaido. Its members are 16 entities with interest in SDGs such as agricultural cooperatives like Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives and their business partners. They are going to gather to make studies on advanced cases and deepen their understanding of SDGs so that they can step forward to make actions. Agricultural cooperatives are expected to play significant roles in achieving SDGs. Co-op Sapporo launched the platform to foster collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders and to implement SDGs … Continue reading

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Farm Ministry launches project to gain more Japanese food followers by offering great local experience that also features food

TOKYO, Jul. 24 – Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) has launched a new project to boost the number of Japanese food lovers worldwide and expand Japan’s export of agricultural and food products. It aims at providing international travelers with unique experiences that focus on the coupling between Japanese food and culture or health-conscious local attractions while creating an environment for them to continue to enjoy Japanese food back home. MAFF will gather successful cases and develop models for nationwide introduction. The initiative is called “Shoku Kakeru Project.” Literary, it means crossing (kake-awaseru) food (shoku) and other sectors and encouraging Japanese food fans crisscross (kake-meguru) the country. According … Continue reading

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[Joy of Noh no Ikebana] Fumiko Sasaki (66) from Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture: Feel fresh cool air from soba-noodle-making-themed arrangement

“I began Noh no Ikebana four years ago. A member of a local Noh no Ikebana group invited to me to join them at an event at an agricultural research center in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture. With Noh no Ikebana, we are free to arrange everything we see in our daily lives such as vegetables and flowers, and I think it’s lovely. The location is also part of the arrangement, and I have an unlimited number of ways to express myself. Usually, I put small, simple, and casual arrangements at my entrance. I’d like to continue doing it and make more arrangements in a wider variety. I also want to … Continue reading

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[Joy of Noh no Ikebana] Sakiko Hoshino (69) from Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture: Look at the bright color of the season!

I began Noh no Ikebana in 2016. It’s a beginner-friendly hobby as it has no rigid rule. I decided to make the new challenge when I saw my grandmother-in-law’s favorite plum tree bore fruit. It reminded me of her face and how gentle she was to me. While making the arrangement, I discovered a new side of myself, and since then, this is my favorite hobby. I make my arrangement often in mid-summer when we have not many flowers around. I put my arrangements at my entrance, and my visitors love them very much and say they are lovely. This time, I combined chrysanthemum, a favorite flower of my grandmother-in-law, … Continue reading

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