Notes on Japanese Agriculture and Technology

Importance of Rice in Japan

• Central role in food culture
• Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture: major rice-growing region
  • Producing high-quality rice for over 20 years
  • Environmentally friendly practices (reduced agricultural chemicals)

Challenges in Rice Production

• Aging population and labor shortage
• Introduction of drones to maintain rice production
  • Drones used to reduce labor and improve efficiency
  • Seen as an optimal solution for timely agricultural practices

Tea Production in Kagoshima Prefecture

• Traditionally a leading tea-producing area
• Recent stagnation in domestic tea consumption
• Increased overseas demand for high-quality tea

Technological Innovations in Tea Farming

• Local farms using technology to enhance tea quality
• Focus on safety and reliability without agricultural chemicals
• Use of natural pesticides initiated
• Development of the "Hurricane King" machine
  • Designed to blow away wild animals threatening tea crops

Revitalization of Farmland

• Challenges of depopulation leading to abandoned farmland
• Transformation of land for apple and grape growing into vineyards
  • Enologists trained in advanced wine countries leading this initiative
  • Goal to produce high-quality wines and introduce technology in cultivation

Data Collection and Environmental Considerations

• Installation of weather detectors in Takayama Village
• Monitoring environmental factors: diseases, temperature, humidity
• Data collection essential for sustainable wine production

Commitment to Organic Practices

• Promotion of organic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and environmental preservatives
• Confidence in product quality for both domestic and overseas markets
• Aspiration to develop a reputable tea brand for international markets
• Desire to grow Japanese wine industry confidently.