USJETAA and Kokoro Care Packages are pleased to announce this event that will give you a peek into the world of Japanese farming. One cannot think of the Japanese countryside without conjuring up images of terraced rice fields, lush and green or filled with water depending on the season. Yet most of us don’t know much about the concerns of small farmers, the impact of an aging population, or the economic and other challenges unique to Japanese agriculture. Three speakers will each provide a different perspective for a nuanced look at the current state of agriculture in Japan. Featuring Dr. Patricia Maclachlan of the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Kay Shimizu of the University of Pittsburgh, and special guest Shohei Takemura of Bamboo Village Farm. The primary language for the event will be English. Japanese portions of the event will include consecutive interpretation. Event runs 1.5 hours.

Dr. Patricia Maclachlan will give an overview of Japanese agriculture reform policies and challenges, explaining the role of agricultural cooperatives, the changing economic landscape, and the threats posed by an aging population. Dr. Kay Shimizu will join us from Japan to share an on the ground perspective of Japanese farming during the past year with information on the impact of COVID and an overview of relevant policies from the new Suga administration. Takemura-san, organic farmer and owner of the Bamboo Village Farm in Machida City, Tokyo, will share his personal story of leaving his career in engineering and his life as an all-natural farmer.