DOSHISHA INT’L 「Kome88」
Executive Summary:
Cultivating terraced rice fields is labor intensive, which currently returns a relatively small profit. For
this reason, many people have given up this type of farming. To reduce the amount of labor required,and increase the efficiency of growing rice on terraced fields, we have developed Kome88, a simple
and easy to use cultivation sheet that lessens the demand for labor, reduces cost, and works with thelocal environment. Our product will complement the government initiatives to increase the number ofpeople moving to the countryside to cultivate the land and reinvigorate local economies. Kome88 will
make rice cultivating easier for current rice farmers and a new generation of terraced rice field
cultivators.
1. Mission and objectives
A traditional Japanese saying is that there are 88 steps for making rice. From this it is clear that
producing rice requires a lot of work, and due to the challenges of the current approach, ricecultivation in the terraces is at risk of vanishing. Compared to the rice cultivation on flat land, the landis smaller and the control of water is difficult, meaning that cultivation on lower lands of the terrace isdifficult to grow. These difficulties lead more people to abandon their terraced rice fields; moreover,
67% of current farmers are older than 60 years of age. Given the prominence of rice in the Japanesediet and wider culture, losing this traditional source of agriculture would be an unforgivable act. To
reverse this trend, while looking firmly to the future, “Kome88” plans to make rice farming easier, morecost-efficient, and also eco-friendly by using biodegradable superabsorbent materials. Kome88 aims
to increase the number of people interested to farm on the terraced rice field.
2. Products and Services
Kome88 is made with carboxymethyl cellulose, similar to the research done by the University ofCentral Florida. It will come as a sheet that will consist of the seed and the fertilizer, which will
eliminate the labor of planting the seed and ensure strong healthy plants. It will be available in 1 meterby 1 meter sheets, allowing the product to fit a range of land shapes and sizes. The sheets cover theland but do not need to be mixed into the soil, reducing the labor required to plough the land.
How the system works
1. Dry sheets are laid onto each level of land.
2. Water is turned on at the highest level and absorb water into the cellulose.
3. Gradually, the water saturates and the extra water overflowing will drain on to the next levelof cellulose.
4. Each level of cellulose is gradually saturated and retains the required water for the growing
process to successfully proceed.
After the harvest, the product dissolves into the soil, as the cellulose acts as a natural fertilizer. Thesheet covers the land, preventing the growth of unwanted weeds. Therefore, it will reduce the usageof herbicides, drastically reducing negative impact on the surrounding environment.
3. Market(Industry) Analysis
We will initially target farmers working in lands that have limited space to use machinery for cultivationand supply of water. in addition, the simplification of the task will allow us to also target people insuburban areas who are interested living in the countryside. This approach will appeal to theincreasing numbers adopting a ‘Slow Life’ approach to work and family balance.

4. Strategy and Implementation
We plan to approach our customers with two ways: One for the farmers struggling to cultivate in alimited space and other for people who are looking forward to live in the countryside.
Farmers
We plan to target farmers by partnering with JA to demonstrate the significant reduction in labor andmaintenance, as well as the clear cost savings that Kome88 provides. We will advertise at JA events
for the farmers at regular intervals, enabling the customer to take a look at the product in person. inaddition, we will advertise on websites of JA to widen the potential customer base.
City People
The depopulation of many parts of rural Japan offers very competitive land and property rates thatoffer a much more balanced lifestyle than that of inner city life. By partnering with real estatecompanies in urban areas we can attract a new generation of rice farmers. By stressing how simple it
is to start the cultivation along with their new residence, we believe it will motivate them to make themove, even for those with limited experience with agriculture.
5. Management
We plan to ask for the JA for advertising by aligning with their own objective of helping out the farmers.
Our sheets will bring into effect by alleviating the amount of the farmer’s harsh labor. The manufactureof the sheets will be done by the Toray Corporation that specializes in organic chemical synthetics.
We will ask for the real estate companies for advertise as the land will be owned by them. Thecompany will gain more advantage by selling more of their property for cultivation.
6. Financial Plan
(Amount in JP¥)Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

1. Revenues
Product/Service(Units sold)(Unit price)
2. Production Costs(Units Cost)
3. Expenses
Staff salaries
Sales & Marketing
Other Expenses
Pay back of set up expenses
Profit/Loss before tax
4. Income Tax
5. Net Profit/Loss
6. Start-up cost
7. Free Cash Flow
8. Funding Required
9. Cash Balance

48000000
48000000
10000
4800
31300000
3130
22000000
17500000
4500000
00-5300000
0-5300000
7450000-12750000
15000000
2250000

96000000
96000000
20000
4800
62600000
3130
21500000
17500000
4000000
0-1325000
10575000
3172500
7402500
07402500
09652500

144000000
144000000
30000
4800
93900000
3130
21500000
17500000
4000000
0-1325000
27275000
8182500
19092500
019092500
028745000

192000000
192000000
40000
4800
125200000
3130
21500000
17500000
4000000
0-1325000
43975000
13192500
30782500
030782500
059527500

240000000
240000000
50000
4800
156500000
3130
21500000
17500000
4000000
0-1325000
60675000
18202500
42472500
042472500
0102000000

7. Conclusion
Kome88 is the ideal product to make cultivation in the terraces easier.