insights from frontier Japan

On July 15, major tea retailer Lupicia will move its headquarters from its current location in Shibuya-ward, Tokyo to Niseko Town.

On June 17, the Hokkaido Government, the Hokkaido Tourism Organization, and the operator of seven Hokkaido-based airports, Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd., announced the joint development of their new “Hokkaido Love!” campaign. The campaign aims to attract overseas tourists back to Hokkaido following the sharp drop in visitors from abroad due to the current novel coronavirus pandemic.

On June 17, a consortium formed by groups including JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperative) Makubetsu, Hokkaido Obihiro Agriculture High School, and Hokkaido Obihiro Technical High School conducted a trial flight of a drone for agrochemical spraying at Obihiro Agriculture High School. Approximately 80 students learned the advantages of smart agriculture that reduces the burden of agricultural work with advanced technologies.

“Rice-duck farming” using ducklings to eat weeds and insects that hinder the growth of rice began in Naganuma Town in mid-June. This farming technique contributes to the reduction or elimination of chemical use, and stimulates crop growth as the movements of ducks stir the soil.