Mar. 2024 Edition

Field forThe new form ofindustry-academia-government collaboration

Knowledge
Integration and Innovation

Compilation of
Implementations
in Society

Greetings from the Chairman
The Field for Knowledge Integration and Innovation® introduces knowledge,
technology, and ideas from other fields into agriculture, forestry, fisheries and foodindustries, and it is an initiative that aims for open innovation through industry-academia
collaboration. The main body, the Field for Knowledge Integration and Innovation®
Council of Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration (hereinafter, the Council), wasformed in 2016 with a diverse range of participants from agriculture, forestry, and fisherybusinesses; private companies; universities; and public research institutes. This year
marks the 8th year, and there are over 4,500 members, who have established around
170 R&D Platforms with lively activities underway across the country.
The results of activities of Council members have widely contributed to society invarious ways, such as the creation of new cultivars and brands, the development andsale of new agricultural materials and Foods with Functional Claims, the establishmentof JAS standards, and the release of production manuals for agricultural goods.
The 5-year period beginning in 2021 is considered the Council's second activity term.
In order to encourage more implementations of research achievements in society, theCouncil supports member activities such as business and product creation.
Additionally, we request the ongoing understanding and support from members as welead Council activities to create further innovations in order to respond to important
policy challenges proposed by the government, such as the Strategy for Sustainable
Food Systems, MIDORI, which was enacted in May 2021 by smart agriculture, forestry,
fisheries and food industries and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries;
activities to encourage the exportation of domestic agriculture, forestry, fishery and foodproducts; and measures to ensure the stability of the food supply. We are sincerely
looking forward to the participation of new members.
July 2023
Council of Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration,
Field for Knowledge Integration and Innovation®
Chairman MATSUYAMA Asahi

The Field for Knowledge Integration andInnovation in numbers
4794: The number of membersin the Council of Industry-AcademiaGovernment Collaboration
Members with an interest in industry-academia-government collaboration andopen innovation participate in the Council. Primary producers, universities,
national research institutes, corporations, local governments, and groups fromfields outside of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and food industries also
participate.
In order to encourage the creation of new relationships, we provide bothonline and in-person opportunities for members to get to know each other,
discuss ideas, and promote activities.

176: Number of R&D Platforms
Collaborations among Council members that span beyond organizations,fields, and regions on open activities such as collaborative research anddevelopment to create new products and businesses are called R&D
Platforms.

604: Research Consortiums
Research Consortiums are closed groups within R&D Platforms for achieving
concrete research and development.

36: Number of examples of research
results being implemented in society
This compilation introduces 36 examples of social implementation achievedby the Platforms.

(* As of Jan. 31, 2024)

Table of contents
Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries
1.

Social implementation of medialess strawberry cultivation system (NFT hydroponics)

P. 1

2.

Development of technology to feminize eels and produce flavorful, large female eels

P. 2

3.

Creation of full-lifecycle farming industry for suma, the new face of popular tuna types

P. 3

4.

Commercialization of masu salmon farming in Kamaishi Bay, Iwate Prefecture

P. 4

5.

Adopting the Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems, MIDORI to agricultural material– thoroughbred compost(Achieving compatibility between pest/disease control and yield increases
by adopting a microbiome control method)P. 5

New High-Performance Chitin Nanofiber Material Derived from Discarded Crab Shells
Various health care effects and commercialization

P. 6

6.
7.
8.

Development of new biostimulant primarily composed of micronutrients
Technology to rapidly identify functional molecules in foods composed of a vast number ofdifferent molecules

P. 7

9.

Development of Mame Rich, a special fertilizer that helps stabilize soybean yields
by improving the soil microbiome

P.9

10.

Disaster prevention support system for irrigation pond to predict risk and share disaster
information during earthquakes and heavy rain

P. 10

11.

Development of rearing equipment for dairy cows that conforms to animal welfare standards

P. 11

12.

Hokkaido Betula ermanii forest for wood baseball bat

P. 12

13.

The risk map of the golden apple snail

P. 13

14.

Mass collection trap and high-efficiency attraction agent for the golden apple snail

P. 14

15.

Development of comprehensive control method for sweet potato foot rot disease andpublication of corresponding manual

P. 15

16.

Development of pest repellent technology using prohydrojasmone, a plant activator

P. 16

17.

Development of comprehensive control method for sweet potato foot rot disease andpublication of corresponding manual

P. 17

18.

Standard Operating Procedure for Spring-sown Onion Cultivation Systems in the Tohoku Region

P. 18

19.

Standard operating procedure for high-speed operating system for cultivating corn in upland fields
converted from paddy fields (Tohokou edition)

P. 19

20.

An everbearing strawberry “Natsu-no-shizuku” for summer and autumn production

P. 20

21.

Standard operating procedure for planting and cultivation in shallow soil with simultaneous
puddling of non-coated rice seeds

P. 21

22.

Development of high-value-added domestic chicken meat and eggs based on rice farming

P. 22

23.

Start of project to revitalize former minefields using prickly pear cactuses

P. 23

P. 8

Smart Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and Smart Food Chains
1.

Development of Sakura Prince, a Koshihikari cultivar with strong culms through smart breeding

P. 24

2.

Development of comprehensive support software for disease prediction and control
with AI that predicts the occurrence of major diseases in greenhouses

P. 25

Development of technology for improving productivity at plant factories by using potassium
reduction technology and nutrient solution recycling/sterilization equipment

P. 26

JAS standard testing method for fish freshness (K-value)

P. 27

3.
4.

Delicious and Healthy Food Development
1.

Development of gut environment evaluation system and commercialization of testing services
using a database of Japanese gut microbiota

P. 28

2.

Be the person you want to be with the “Personal Nutrition Optimized Diet (AI Diet®)”

P. 29

3.

Sale of indigo cheese langue de chat using dried indigo plant (TADEAI) powder

P. 30

4.

Development of skincare soap using sea cucumber antifungal components

P. 31

5.

“The saponin-containing sea cucumber extracts”, a unique antifungal (anti-Candida) material
produced using patented technology

P. 32

6.

“Job’s Tears Advanced Usage Manual” ～ Cultivars, Cultivation, and Applications ～

P. 33

7.

Risk diagnostic method for excess water stress and countermeasures in buckwheat

P. 34

Promoting Export and International Collaboration regarding Agriculture,
Forestry, Fisheries, and Food Products/Technologies
1.
2.

Development of sake for overseas use based on an integrated analysis of metabolome analysis
and evaluation of preferences of foreign exchange students at Tohoku University

P. 35

Development of solar-powered plant factory system for areas of high temperature and humidity

P. 36

Biotechnology-based Business Creation

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Social implementation of medialess strawberry
cultivation system (NFT hydroponics)

Development of stable production method that solves challenges in medialessstrawberry cultivation (hydroponics), which has been avoided by producers due tounstable cultivation.
In medialess strawberry cultivation (hydroponics), the difficulty of managing cultivation is attributed to
instability in the environment of the root, e.g., root browning. This has prevented widespread. To solve thisproblem, there is a need for technology to be developed that optimizes and stabilizes the cultivation
environment, in response to the growth of the strawberry plants.
A platform was created with the cooperation of seven groups from industry, academia, and government:
Toyohashi University of Technology, Osaka Metropolitan University, NARO Kyushu, Okinawa Agricultural
Research Center, Nagasaki Agricultural and Forestry Technical Development Center, Mie Agriculture Lab,M Hydroponic Research Co. Ltd., and Sanshin Metal Working Co. Ltd. Under the direction of Kotaro
Takayama, this platform engaged in research and development on three themes: (1) development of amedialess cultivation system that achieves higher yields through lower cost, less work, and multiple
stages; (2) demonstrations cultivating Yotsuboshi and Koiminori with this system; (3) stable growth andlarger yields using high-precision plant phenotyping* technology.
M Hydroponic Research Co. Ltd. and Sanshin Metal Working Co. Ltd. developed and implemented thecultivation and control systems. The results were evaluated, and in October 2022, both companies
successfully implemented the system in society for the first time by delivering a 20 a medialess strawberry
cultivation system in Aichi Prefecture. (Announced in the Chunichi Shimbun on October 14, 2022)* This research was adopted to establish medialess strawberry cultivation technology based on highprecision phenotyping as a reserch program on development of innovative technology, and was
performed from 2020 to 2022.

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-04: Smart/Megascale Plant Factory R&D Platform
Sanshin Metal Working Co. Ltd.

Contact

Strategic Core Research Center, Masato Kumauchi
m_kumauchi@sanshinkinzoku.co.jp
1

M Hydroponic Research Co. Ltd.,
Takahiro Kamiya
kamiya@gfm.co.jp

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Development of technology to feminize eels andproduce flavorful, large female eels

With conventional farming methods, the meat of male eels gets tougher as
they increase in size. This technology feminizes eels to achieve eel
production to ensure soft, delicious meat at larger sizes.
[Background of development]
Eel farming relies on 100% natural resources for seedlings (shirasu eels), and there
was a need to increase the distribution size in order to effectively use the materials.
Males are primarily used (about 95%) in farming, and as they get larger, the meat getstougher. The meat of female eels remains soft and delicious even as the eels get bigger,
but there was no technology for producing female eels for consumption.
[Research results]
Technology was developed to feminize the eels by providing feed that contains soy
isoflavones before the eel's sex is determined. Feed that uses this technology is now
available for sale. The large female eels grow larger than males and have a notably soft
meat and high fat content despite their size.
[Patent acquisition]
A patent was obtained for an eel feminization induction method, eel breeding method,eel feminizing agent, and eel feed on November 4, 2021 (patent number JP6970992).
[Social implementation]
The goal is full-scale social implementation in January 2024 with the start of limited
sale of large female eels produced through demonstration tests at an eel farm.

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-07 Innovation creation platform for aquaculture industries

Contact

・Freshwater Resources Research Center,
Aichi Fisheries Research Institute(Tel：0563-72-7643, Email: suishi-naisuimen@pref.aichi.lg.jp)
・Kyoritsu Seiyaku Corporation, Vaccine Development Department(Tel：029–872–3361)
2

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Creation of full-lifecycle farming industry for suma,
the new face of popular tuna types
10,000 fish

The full-body chutoro
fattiness is as good as
bluefin tuna sushi andsashimi!

Seedling production and shipping plan in Ehime

10 Initial plan for seedling production in Ehime
Production achieved over 100,000 fish in 2023

8 Planned shipping quantity
6

Downward adjustment due to
COVID-194
2

Suma Euthynnus affinis0

Family of small tunafrom southern region

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Expansion of commercial farming and completing plans

Instead of bluefin tuna, which requires natural seedlings, we attempted tocommercialize full-lifecycle farming of suma, a type of small tuna withflavor that rivals the bluefin.
Tuna species are popular as a food ingredient around the world, and bluefin tuna farming is
conducted in Japan. However, most operations use wild juveniles and young fish as seedlings, andthe commercial spread of “full-lifecycle aquaculture”, which manages from egg to adult, is at astandstill. Therefore, believing that the full-lifecycle aquaculture of fish with a delicious tuna flavor
would become popular, we began efforts in 2012 to fully cultivate “kawakawa (suma in Japanese),
Euthynnus affinis,” a small southern tuna species. We started seedling production in 2014 andsucceeded in early spawning induction in April of the following year, two months earlier than in thewild. In 2016, we achieved full-lifecycle aquaculture using the 2014 seedlings as parents. Since
then, we have continued full-lifecycle aquaculture in combination with the selection of superior
broodstock, and we have currently assigned the strain name “Nansui No.1”. For the commercial
production, 100% of the seedlings are provided by this strain. There is a norm to shift towards
artificial pellet feed-based farming, making aquaculture more sustainable and in line with the SDGs.
Now, kawakawa's recognition and popularity are rising rapidly, and the industry is reaching aphase of expansion. Looking to the future, we are advancing the introduction of quality assessment
technology and new breeding techniques, a first for fish, similar to those used for vegetables andfruits. We aim to create kawakawa that are more delicious and easier to cultivate.

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-07 Innovation creation platform for aquaculture industries

Contact

South Ehime Fisheries Research Center (SEFREC), Ehime University
Distinguished Professor Takahiro Matsubara, Ph.D.
matsubara.takahiro.mc@ehime-u.ac.jp
Professor Rie Goto Ph.D.
goto.rie.me@ehime-u.ac.jp3

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Commercialization of masu salmon farmingin Kamaishi Bay, Iwate Prefecture

Farming fish tank for masu salmon

Unloading of farmed masu salmon at a fish market

Converting the unstable fishery pattern of concentrated chum salmon
fishing to a sustainable and stable production system by adding salmon
farming through the Sanriku Farming Industrialization Platform's industryacademia-government collaboration project.
- The Kamaishi Bay is an important bay and as such has
numerous regulations. It was difficult to get started, but weused breeding management technology from Iwate
University, and our activities are a unified effort in theregion. Therefore, in 2020, we were the first to catch farmraised masu salmon in Kamaishi, and in 2022, we
succeeded in commercialization as the local fisherycooperative succeeded in gaining territorial fishery rights.
- A masu salmon promotion consortium was alsoestablished as a subordinate organization within theplatform, and it is creating a local fish brand under theregistered trademark Kamaishi Hamayuri Masu Salmon asa way to stimulate the local economy.

Masu salmon are used for Kamaishi's
hometown tax and thank-you gifts

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-11 Sanriku Farming Industrialization Platform

Contact

National University Corporation, Iwate University
Administrative Office of Kamaishi Campus Senior Specialized Staff
Naoshi Tamura
tamurana@iwate-u.ac.jp
4Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Adopting the Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems, MIDORI
to agricultural material – thoroughbred compost(Microbiome control method to control pest/disease and increase yield)
Zenkoku-Nougyou-Shinbun
issued on August 11, 2023. page1

The product displayed at a
DIY store in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Selling well with despite a higher
price point compared to others▼

While disease, insect damage and yield loss have been seen as barriers toorganic farming, the use of thoroughbred horse manure, an underutilized
resource in the region, has gained the support of organic farmers.
Thoroughbreds are subject to doping inspections and are given significantly fewer antibiotics and othermedications compared to other livestock, therefore, their manure is high quality and organic. However, it
was seen as a potential cause for water pollution in Lake Kasumigaura. In order to turn this situation andto make it effective for practical agriculture, we overcame challenges such as the need for a shortcomposting period (patent number JP6427823: short-term manure manufacturing method) andadjustments to the carbon ratio, and we launched the product in FY2019 under the brand name of
Thoroughbred Miho. This has resulted in less disease and pest infestation without the use of chemicalfertilizers and pesticides, and increased yields, and has gained the support especially from the organic
farmers.

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-16 R&D Platform for Improving Soil to Improve the Quality of Agricultural Products and Increase Yields

Contact

For English readers, Peony Garden Tokyo
https://peonygardentokyo.com/ K.K. Leaf (Japanese page)https://kkleaf.com/
Producer: Dr. Hiroichi Seki seki@kkleaf.com
Contact: saito@kkleaf.com
5Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

New High-Performance Chitin Nanofiber Material Derived from
Discarded Crab Shells
Various health care effects and commercialization

New material manufactured
from crab shells chitin nano fiber

Sold by Marine Nano-fiber
chitin nano fiber,a functional raw material

Cosmetics that incorporate
the chitin nano fiber
Kani Danomi

Chitin nanofiber, a new material derived from crab shells, was developed in Tottori,
Japan's largest crab farming area. A surprisingly wide variety of functions have been
discovered, leading to the creation of new health care products.
We are working to make effective use of crab waste, a specialty of Tottori Prefecture. Using
patented technology, chitin, the main ingredient of crab shells, is reduced to a very fine
powder and transformed into a new material, chitin nanofiber. Compared to conventional
chitin powder, it is easier to handle and to make product prototypes. It is also easy to use asa sample material for research, and an amazing variety of biological applications have been
discovered. They can be applied to the skin (wound healing, inflammation relief, hair growth,moisturizing, barrier function), eaten (diet, adult disease prevention, gastrointestinal care),and spread on plants (growth promotion, immune activation). To promote this new material
derived from discarded crab shells and its various uses, we established Marine Nanofiber, auniversity start-up company. Products shipped from factories in the prefecture use thisfunctional material, and health care products such as cosmetics and hand creams are alreadyon the market. The usefulness of the material has also been recognized, with shares beingtransferred to a chemical company. The company is working to create new local industries,
make effective use of food waste, promote people's beauty and health, and improve yields ofagricultural products.

Corresponding Platform

Sustainability-17: Chitin Nanofiber R&D Platform

Contact

Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Prof. Shinsuke IFUKU
sifuku@tottori-u.ac.jp
Marine Nano-fiber Co. Ltd., https://www.marine-nf.com/
6

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Development of new biostimulant primarily composedof micronutrients
Tolerance to drought

Increases yields
Control

Strong Liquid

Increases
plant resistance

Relative yield (%)

120
100
80
60
40
20

Water

StrongLiquidStrong Liquid

Water

Strong Liquid0

AkihimeStrong Liquid applied to tomatoes

Oishi Berry

Strong Liquid applied to strawberries

We developed an innovative material by focusing on the benefits of
micronutrients on growth and the improved defensive response that theycreate while overcoming the disadvantages of each
- Strong Liquid (nickname: Storiki) was registered as a liquid compound fertilizer withmicronutrients in 2020. (Manufactured by: Katakura & Co-op Agri Corporation)
Micronutrients are necessary for plant growth, and they increase resistance to various
stressors. However, in line with their name, micronutrients are only required in trace
quantities. Therefore, excessive quantity and concentration can have a negative effect on
growth, etc. Strong Liquid has a suitable concentration and balanced compound of
micronutrients, namely manganese, boron, iron, copper, and zinc, as well as betaines that
increase resistance to environmental stress. By applying Strong Liquid to the surface of aleaf, you can effectively replenish micronutrients as well as improve photosynthesis,
metabolism, and growth. In addition to facilitating growth, it is also useful for growing cropsthat are resistant to environmental stress.
- Put on the market: April 2021
- Main patents for Strong Liquid(1) Patent number JP6713117 (2) Patent application JP2020-080169

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-21 R&D Platform for Innovative Production Technology for Agricultural Products based on Plant Activation

Contact

Research Institute for Biological Sciences
Okayama Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
Plant Activation Research Group Group Leader Yoshihiro NARUSAKA
yo_narusaka@bio-ribs.com
7

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Technology to rapidly identify functional molecules in foods
composed of a vast number of different molecules
So far, identification was not easy Our core technology
Food molecules A huge number

・SAR information
・Comprehensive
analysis

Rapid
identification!
MW

High

Discovery of novel
functional molecules
Motivation Appetite
Mental healthMuscleMediumNovel Mechanism finding

The identification of functional molecules in foods composed of a huge number ofmany different molecules has been a difficult challenge, but we have solved thisproblem with our core technology
Example 1.
Functional food applicationby collaboration with foodcompany

Example 2. Clinical application

Establishment of a start-up for drug
development (2017).
completed
Phase 1 completed.

Soy protein development and launch (2020)

Application

1st productLaunchPrototype
DevelopResearchCore*

Our technology allowed the rapid
development of new functional foods
and innovative pharmaceuticals.
It can be used with any foods, andwe are developing many newmaterials.

Wide range*Japanese Science and Technology Research Promotion
Program for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Foodindustry

Eat-Tech from Japan aimed at solving global problems
such as global aging and climate change

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-22: R&D Platform for Creating New Markets by Next-generation Food Development

Contact

Kyoto University, Graduate School of Agriculture
Associate Professor OHINATA Kousaku PhD
ohinata.Kousaku.3n@Kyoto-u.ac.jp8

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Development of Mame Rich, a special fertilizer that helps
stabilize soybean yields by improving the soil microbiome

Conventional
cultivation

Mame Rich
application

Pellet typeFertilizer bag photo

Briquette type

Soybean yields may be low due to soil-borne diseases in Japan. Application of thespecial fertilizer "Mame Rich" improves soil microflora and stabilizes soybean yields.
[Background of development] Soil-borne diseases were considered a factor in lower soybean yields inJapan. In particular, there is no effective control technology for red crown rot caused by Calonectria
ilicicola. On the other hand, there are some fields where soybean yields are high and there are few
soil-borne diseases even after continuous soybean cultivation for more than 20 years. Dr. Sato of
Akita Prefectural University succeeded in isolating three bacteria strains that suppress the growth ofCalonectria ilicicola from the specialized dry chicken manure that was used on the fields. He also
succeeded in isolating Cunninghamella, which grows quickly on a medium, from the soil of a different
field.
[Characteristics] The microorganisms mentioned above were cultured and mixed with chicken manurecompost, zeolite, and rice bran to make pellets and briquettes, which named “Mame Rich”.
Application of “Mame Rich” improves soil chemical and biological properties, and reduces soil-borne
diseases as a secondary effect. In addition, application of “Mame Rich” promotes root nodulation insoybean and stabilizes soybean yield.
[Put on the market] 2020
[Patent information] - Materials that reduce soil-borne diseases (patent number: JP6878751)- Materials to reduce soil-borne diseases of soybean (unexamined patentapplication JP2023-41152)[Related website] - https://www.asahi-agria.co.jp/fertilizer/bio

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-24 R&D Platform for the Biological Control of Soil-borne Soybean Diseases

Contact

ASAHI AGRIA CO., LTD. R&D Department
General Manager ARATA KOBAYASHI
E-mail: at.kobayashi@asahi-kg.co.jp
9Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Disaster prevention support system for irrigation pond
to predict risk and share disaster information
during earthquakes and heavy rain

Hazard prediction in preparationfor earthquakes along the Nankai TroughHazard prediction due to heavy rain in July 2018

Hazard prediction of pond, and disaster information of pond based on local inspections are shown on a map screen risk levels(red, yellow, blue and so on.) .

This system is used by national and local government staff responsible
for ponds as a disaster prevention and mitigation measure during
earthquakes and heavy rain.
During large earthquakes such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and disasters resulting from heavy
rain such as the Northern Kyushu Flood and heavy rain in July 2018, ponds were destroyed, causingwidespread damage in areas downstream. There was no way to quickly share predictions on pond
destruction and disaster information.
Therefore, in order to prevent disasters caused by ponds during earthquakes and heavy rain, wedeveloped the Disaster prevention support system for irrigation pond, a system that provides predictive
information in real time on the danger of a pond and that quickly provides disaster information on local
ponds to relevant parties.
This system entered use by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in FY2020.

YouTubeDisaster prevention support
system for irrigation pond

Inquiries andmanualTechnical details* This research was performed with the support of the Cabinet Office's Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation
Promotion Program (SIP) for achieving more resilient disaster prevention and mitigation functions

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-25 R&D Platform for Achieving Resilience and Sustainable Management of Agricultural and Rural Infrastructure

Contact

NARO Institute for Rural Engineering, Senior Researcher Akira IZUMI (Ph.D.)
izumia309@naro.affrc.go.jp

10Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Development of rearing equipment for dairy cowsthat conforms to animal welfare standards

Grooming brush equipment for calves usedin demonstration for verification (left)
and pamphlet draft flyer for retail use (right)

New calf suckling backet (left) that ensures a suckling time equivalent
to the time when the mother and calf are together (conventional
feeding ends in about 2 minutes) and suckling example (right)

Diseases resulting from separation stress of cow and calf immediately after birth andabnormal behavior resulting from very short duration of artificial suckling were twoissues regarding animal welfare. We use two (feeding equipment for calves) in Japanfor feeding practices compatibtypes of original technology le with animal welfare
standards.
“Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems, MIDORI”- Shift toward sustainable production systems compatible with high quality production The development and spread of technological measures to improve animal
welfare based on scientific knowledge .
“Basic plan for food, agriculture, and rural communities”
The export target for agriculture, forestry, fishery and food products is 5 trillion yen(of which 360 billion yen is beef)
The promotion of livestock farm management based on international Animal
welfare standards is required.
For conformity with animal welfare standards- Disease prevention in calves separated from their mother → 10% improvement in calf separation rate withmock grooming equipment(NARO Yayo Patent number JP6449028)- Prevention of abnormal behavior in suckling calves → 60% decrease in abnormal behavior by using a feeding
container that can extend the feeding time
(Toyama Research Institute Nanbu et al. 2021, ORION
MACHINERY Hara et al. Design number 1751181)

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-29: R&D Platform for Next-generation Livestock Production Technology

Contact

Lab. of Applied Ethology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University
Takeda Ken-ichi, PhD, Associate Professor
ktakeda@shinshu-u.ac.jp
11Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Hokkaido Betula ermanii forest for wood baseball bat

Currently, almost all the wood used for bats are imported from overseas.
However, with expanded use of Hokkaido Betula ermanii, we can revitalize
Hokkaido's forestry industry and offer a stable domestic supply of bat
materials. The nature of the plant, first seeded and rapid growth, is thegreat advantage for keeping the sustainability of forest resource.
Betula ermanii is popular in Hokkaido. The wood is known for its strength and robustness; it can also
be used in agricultural tools and furniture. However, there have been few profitable way of making useof the wood. It had mostly been limited to use as chips in paper manufacturing and as fuel. The tree
has been dealt with a miscellaneous one in Hokkaido.
Fraxinus lanuginosa was the wood in Hokkaido that was quite popular as the wood for bats.
However, the supply was extinguished, and now North American maple is dominating the market. For
bats, Fraxinus lanuginosa is quite soft, as compared with the extreme hardness of maple. When Betula
ermanii prototype bats were made, those who used realized that its hardness was just intermediate
between Fraxinus lanuginosa and maple. Moreover, its toughness to fracture is comparable to maple.
There are not a few baseball players who prefer the softness of Fraxinus lanuginosa bats. We wantto enlarge the fun of baseball by providing an extra hardness option to players through Betula ermanii.
The bat has been approved to use in any official amateur baseball games since 2021 and is expected
be open to the market. Betula ermanii forest of bats may work as the buffer of bat materials in future.

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-31: Research and Development Platform for Robust Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries Industries
Contact

Hokkaido University Research and Education Center for Robust Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries Industry
info_robust@eng.hokudai.ac.jp
12Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

The risk map of the golden apple snail

Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries
Publication of a golden
apple snail pest control
manual

We created the map of overwintering success of the golden apple snail in Japan.
The map is available for preventive and initial controls of this snail.
Overwintering success and failure of the golden apple snail depends on wintertemperature: large numbers of the snails can overwinter in the warm areas of Japan
while no snails can overwinter in the northern areas. We developed a logistic model thatclassified the overwintering risk of the snail into five categories (very low – very high) on
the basis of winter temperature. Over 99 % (1342 of 1346) present records of the snail inJapan were from areas with Moderate or higher risk, and there has been no records ofthe colonization of the snail from areas with Very low risk.
* This research was performed with the support of the BRAIN Research Program on Development of Innovative
Technology (JPJ007097).

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-38: Platform for Development of New Plant Protection Technology that contribute to SDGs.

Contact

Keiichiro Matsukura (mtkr@affrc.go.jp)
Institute for Plant Protection, NARO
13

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Mass collection trap and high-efficiency attraction agent
for the golden apple snail
a specialized trap

Sukumicchi

Sukumicchi foodAn eco-friendly attractant‘Sukumicchi food’log10 (snail density + 1)

Sukumicchi is (1) light and easy to handle, (2) easy to drain water from slits after use, and (3) ecofriendly because of using harmless attractants.
How to use: (1) place Sukumicchi in irrigated rice paddy fields after transplanting (3 Sukumicchis per
1,000 m2) and (2) replace the attractants ‘Sukumicchi food’ in the box every week.

Changes of snail density
in rice paddy field (snails / m2)(m/d)

Product details

A paddy field with Sukumicchi (red bar) could suppress theincrease of snail density compared to control (blue bar)

We developed and commercialized a high-efficiency and eco-friendly
attractant and a specialized trap for mass trapping of the golden apple
snail, which is an invasive rice pest spreading in Japan.
We developed a harmless attractant that can attract the snails effectively for long timeeven in water and a specialized trap that has large-capacity and is easy to handle in field.
Use of the attractant and the trap can suppress the snail density in rice paddy fields. In our
verification, ~18,000 snails were captured for 1 month by placing 9 traps in a 3,000 m2 rice
paddy field although the number of trapped snails varies depending on initial snail density.
* This research was performed with the support of the BRAIN Research Program on Development of Innovative Technology(JPJ007097).

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-38: Platform for Development of New Plant Protection Technology that contribute to SDGs.

Contact

Keiichiro Matsukura (mtkr@affrc.go.jp)
Institute for Plant Protection, NARO
14

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Expansion of pesticide registration to allow blowerspraying microbial pesticides
Website introducing
the related researchwith videos
https://www.setsunan.ac.jp/~pp/inobe

Microbial pesticide
Batistahydrating agent(For diseases)

Microbial pesticide
Botanigard
hydrating agent(For pests)

Blower sprays(air distribution)
can now be used!

Pest/Disease control for crops that previously required the transport of adiluent for concentrated pesticides can now be performed more easily andwith less labor by using a portable blower.
Pest/Disease control for crops is primarily performed with pesticides, but this generally must be
performed while carrying water to dilute the pesticide. In mountainous areas, there are fields wherea water supply is difficult to obtain. Therefore, it is ideal to have a pesticide spray method that does
not use water and that is easier to perform for the worker. However, pesticide registrations are
regulated in detail for aspects such as the type of pesticide, the target pest or disease, the usable
concentration and quantity, the processing method, etc., and these must be followed for legal
compliance.
If pesticide powders could be distributed in air with a portable blower, it would eliminate the needto dilute and adjust the concentration as well as transport the heavy diluent, allowing the pesticide
to be distributed more easily and with less labor. This research was performed after sufficiently
demonstrating the pest and disease control benefits of an air spray of two pesticides with microbial
ingredients. It was approved in FY2022 following an application for an expansion to pesticide
registrations to allow air spraying for these microbial pesticides.
Currently, there are no portable blower products that support pesticide sprays. We are waiting forthe development of one. Microbial pesticides are not hard on the environment and are safe. We
hope that they can be introduced soon in farms.
This research was performed with the support of the BRAIN research program on development ofinnovative technology (JPJ007079).

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-38: Platform for Development of New Plant Protection Technology that contribute to SDGs.

Contact

National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Institute for
Plant Protection
Masaharu Kubota, Chief of Biological Control Groupkubota@naro.affrc.go.jp
15

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Development of pest repellent technology
using prohydrojasmone, a plant activator
PD J
treatm ent

rep elInducing
resistanceSale as Jasmometo

By inducing the stress resistance present in plants to repel pests, the riskof insecticide resistance and the burden on the environment and people
can be greatly reduced.
- There is a limit to how much conventional chemical pesticides can reduce the harm of pests anddiseases on crops, and the development of new pest control technology is greatly needed.
- Prohydrojasmone (PDJ), a jasmonica acid analogue, is a promising new material that induces plant
resistance to achieve a pest repelling effect. The strength of the pest repellent is measured according
to biomarkers (genes related to plant resistance and secondary metabolites), which means PDJ canbe suitably used for each crop.
- PDJ is a substance similar to plant hormones and has little risk on the environment and people.
Therefore, it can help reduce the amount of chemical pesticides in use for the Strategy for Sustainable
Food Systems, MIDORI. In addition, there is a very low possibility of pests developing resistance topesticides. Therefore, it strongly supports sustainable agricultural production.
[Pesticide registration] March 2021 Target crops: Tomatoes, cherry tomatoes Target pests: Thrips[Patent information] Registered August 2021 (patent number JP6928353), European registration May
2023 (EP3437472)[Reference materials] Sakurai et al. (2022) Regulation of Plant Growth & Development 57(1): 67-73(Review article)* This research was performed with the support of the BRAIN Research Program on Development of
Innovative Technology (JPJ007097).

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-38: Platform for Development of New Plant Protection Technology that contribute to SDGs.

Contact

Institute for plant protection, NARO, Japan
Assistant group leader, Tamito SAKURAI
tsakurai@naro.affrc.go.jp
16

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Development of comprehensive control method
for sweet potato foot rot disease
and publication of corresponding manual
BRAIN
The Research Program on Development of
Innovative technology Grants (01020C)“Development of control methods for sweet
potato rot and avert the collapse of
production sites”

Ecology of sweet potato foot rot
disease and countermeasures

Chapter 1
Occurs in the field
Diseaseecology

Spores are
spread by rain

Occursin the nursery

Stem blight

Storage root rot

The pathogen survives
in residues(2021 edition)

Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, NARO
Institute for Plant Protection, NARO
Kagoshima Prefectural Institute for Agricultural Development
JA Kagoshima
Miyazaki Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station
Okinawa Prefectural Agricultural Research Center(2) Introduce shoot apex cultures regularly(3) Disinfect the nursery(4) Sort and disinfect the seed potatoes
and slips

Suppressing the spread

For technical instructor

March 2022

Chapter 3 Preventing the invasion
Prevention (1) Harvest seed potatoes from noninfected, healthy fields
methods

Chapter 2
Diagnosis
methods

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Crop rotation or fallowing
Use resistant cultivars
Drain the fields
Remove infected plants and spray
fungicides(5) Harvest earlyPreventing the survival
Characteristic symptoms

Pathogen form

Genetic methods(1) Remove infected residues andfacilitate decomposition(2) Disinfect the soil

This manual is being used to comprehensively control foot rot diseases insouthern Kyushu and Okinawa, which are most severely affected, and inareas nationwide where there is a risk of spreading.
Since fall 2018, sweet potato foot rot disease, that had no previous reports in Japan, has beenfrequently occurring in Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Okinawa. It has reduced yields and had asignificant economic effect on the area. Since 2020, the disease has been newly confirmed in 28
other prefecture, and prevention of the spread nationwide is an urgent problem.
Therefore, by identifying the ecology of the disease in Japan and developing diagnosis and control
methods, we created and released a manual for technical instructor in order to encourage prompt
action at production sites. By accurately diagnosing the disease and taking comprehensive measures
to prevent the invation, spread, and remnants of the pathogen, we can reduce its occurrence andeffectively prevent its spread in production areas, including ones without a history of the disease.
The measures shown in this manual are used in manuals for farmers in prefectures where thedisease often occurs, public relations materials and seminar materials for regional bodies, and special
report on disease outbreak forecasts. They are also used with measures receiving support from
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries foot rot assistance programs; in political policies; at
production sites; and across a wide range of other uses as required.

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-38: Platform for Development of New Plant Protection Technology that contribute to SDGs.

Contact

Research Promotion Office, Department of Research Promotion,
Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, NARO
q_info@ml.affrc.go.jp
17

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Standard Operating Procedure for Spring-sown Onion
Cultivation Systems in the Tohoku Region

History of spring-sown onion cultivation in the Tohoku region

We developed a spring-sown onion cultivation system in the Tohoku region thatallows domestic shipments of onions in July and August when the supply decreases,
and we created a standard operating procedure for this system.
Onions are a vegetable that are in demand year-round, but production is centralized in specificregions such as Hokkaido, Saga, and Hyogo. Therefore, shipments decrease in July and Augustwhen production shifts from Honshu to Hokkaido. Weather disasters in these regions also have alarge effect.
For spring cultivation in the Tohoku region, the seeds are sown in February, and the seedlings
are planted in April for harvesting in July to August. This allowed onions to be shipped if there wasan insufficient supply, but it was not possible to secure a stable supply due to a lack of information
and because production levels were still too low. Therefore, the NARO Tohoku Agricultural
Research Center worked with prefectural agricultural testing centers to develop a cultivation systemthat allows stable production and to create the Standard Operating Procedure for Spring-sown
Onion Cultivation Systems in the Tohoku Region, which explains the conditions for introducing thecultivation system based on cultivation tests in actual fields.
https://www.naro.go.jp/publicity_report/publication/laboratory/naro/sop/142600.html(URL for the Standard Operating Procedure for Spring-sown Onion Cultivation Systems
in the Tohoku Region)(Published on July 14, 2021)

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-39: R&D Platform for Creating Innovative Technology in Tohoku Agriculture

Contact

Business Promotion Office, Department of Research Promotion
Tohoku Agricultural Research Center (TARC)
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)
jigyoka@ml.affrc.go.jp
18

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Standard operating procedure for high-speed operating
system for cultivating corn in upland fields converted
from paddy fields (Tohokou edition)
Corn operating system (establishment of mechanical system)
Drainage measures Compost/Fertilizer dispersal
Subsoiler
Manure spreader

Herbicide(Soil applied
herbicides)

Herbicide(Foliage applied
herbicides)

Plowing/Creation of seed bed
Chisel plow
Power harrow

HarvestCorn header

Planting
Pneumatic planter

Drying/Preparation

Residual culm
treatment

We developed a high-speed operating system that can be introduced in upland fields converted
from paddy fields that combines harvesting with a corn header and corn with plowing.
Recently, the cost of compound feed has increased. In order to strengthen our ability torespond to fluctuating international conditions, there is a focus on the domestic production ofcorn, which is almost entirely imported. Recently, labor-saving cultivation with plowing and directplanting on dry fields has been becoming more popular on paddy fields in the Tohoku region.
Accordingly, assuming that corn will be a part of paddy crop rotation that focuses on directplanting on dry fields, we developed a system for creating seed beds and sowing that uses a
vacuum planter that can plow and sow at a high speed and precision. Additionally, we developed
a harvest system that uses a domestically-manufactured general-purpose combine fitted with a
specialized header (corn header) for corn that can separate the grain-bearing ear and send it to
the thresher.
In order to expand this technology throughout the Tohoku region, the NARO Tohoku
Agricultural Research Center worked with prefectural agricultural testing centers and corporate
producers, manufactures (farm machine companies, seed companies etc.) to create a standard
operating procedure that explains the conditions for introducing the system
based on cultivation tests in actual fields converted from rice paddies.
(Published on April 27, 2022)  URL for the standard operating procedure

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-39: R&D Platform for Creating Innovative Technology in Tohoku Agriculture

Contact

Business Promotion Office, Department of Research Promotion
Tohoku Agricultural Research Center (TARC)
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)
jigyoka@ml.affrc.go.jp
19

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

An everbearing strawberry “Natsu-no-shizuku”
for summer and autumn production

Natsu-no-shizuku
We developed an everbearing strawberry variety “Natsu-no-shizuku” toprovide more opportunities for consumers to enjoy fresh, high-quality dessertswith domestic strawberries even in the mid-summer. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Japanese consumers demand strawberries all year round, both for eating fresh and forprocessing into cakes and other sweets. However, the production decreases during thesummer and autumn (from June to November), due to the high temperature.
Therefore, around 3,000 tons of strawberries are imported from the United States andother countries during this off-season period, but pastry chefs and related businesscompanies want fresh, high-quality domestic strawberries.
To meet this need, the NARO Tohoku Agricultural Research Center, through collaborative
research with Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, and Yamagata prefectures, bred a new everbearing
strawberry variety “Natsu-no-shizuku” which can be harvested in June through November.
Natsu-no-shizuku- Can be harvested from summer to autumn in cool and cold regions when domestic
production is low.
- Yields 3 tons per 10a even in summer in cool areas.
- Suitable for cakes due to high sugar content and acidity.
(Press-released on July 28, 2021)

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-39: R&D Platform for Creating Innovative Technology in Tohoku Agriculture

Contact

Business Promotion Office, Department of Research Promotion
Tohoku Agricultural Research Center (TARC)
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)
jigyoka@ml.affrc.go.jp
20

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Conventional techniqueStandard operating procedure for planting andcultivation in shallow soil with simultaneous puddlingof non-coated rice seeds
Planting
On
表面
surface

鳥害

転び苗*The roots comeA root-elongatedNon-coated root-elongatedout from the base
seed
seeds

倒伏

of the seed

Seed
Coating
コーティング

Root*

鉄
見つかる

酸素あり

種子が浮
いて転ぶ

固くて
食べにくい

株元が浅くて
倒れる

Bud

重いので
転ばない

コーティングSeed
Coating
カルパー
べんモリ

In土中
soil
見えない
見えない
見えない

Our technique

出芽

In
浅い
shallow
土中
soil

○
○
見えない

酸素不足
還元障害

覆土で
転ばない

株元が地中
で倒れない

覆土で転
覆土で転
酸素あり
酸素あり ばない
ばない

株元が浅
株元が浅
く転ぶ
く転ぶ

○
○
○ ○

×
×

酸素あり

覆土で
転ばない

還元の緩和
硫化物イオン抑制

No
コーティング

株元が浅くて倒れる

Seed
不要
Coating

The
Lodging-resistant
耐倒伏性品種でvarieties
倒伏対策 are useful

Planting of non-coated rice seeds in shallow soil

Specialized machineryfor planting in shallow soil
while puddlingWe developed a planting technique for planting non-coated rice seeds in shallow soil
while puddling with a specialized planting machine. It allows cultivation of numerous
rice cultivars more cheaply and with less labor.
The direct planting and cultivation of rice in a puddled field is an established technique thatcoats the seeds in various materials to stabilize seed establishment. However, the coating
requires money, labor, and experience. There are various problems such as a reduction ofplanting efficiency as the area and number of seeds increases, and planting machines being
subjected to dirt and wear.
In order to solve this problem, the NARO Tohoku Agricultural Research Center (TARC)
developed a technique that stabilizes seed establishment even without a seed coating by (1)using root-elongated seeds that bud earlier and (2) planting the seeds in shallow soil (depth of 5mm or less) while performing the final puddling. Many cultivars, including brand names, can now
be grown at a lower cost and with less labor.
In order to expand this technique throughout the Tohoku region, the TARC worked with the
Yamagata Integrated Agricultural Research Center and corporate farmers in Akita and Yamagata
to issue a standard operating procedure that explains the conditions for introducing the cultivation
system based on cultivation tests in local rice paddies.
(Published on November 21, 2022)

URL for the standard operating procedure

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-39: R&D Platform for Creating Innovative Technology in Tohoku Agriculture

Contact

Business Promotion Office, Department of Research Promotion
Tohoku Agricultural Research Center (TARC)
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)
jigyoka@ml.affrc.go.jp
21

Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Development of high-value-added domestic chicken
meat and eggs based on rice farming

ImportExport

Meat

Egg

Rice
Rice field

Sake lees

Japanese foodDomestic chicken meat and egg production is dependent on imported
feed in Japan, but we can make it more sustainable system by using
domestic brown rice and sake lees.
Around 70% of the feed given to broiler and laying hens is composed of corn and soybean
meal from oversea. This dependency is a serious problem to be solved, as we are subject tothe effects of a bad crop overseas, currency fluctuations, and other adverse events.
Recently, we found that we can produce high-value-added chicken meat and eggs by using
domestic brown rice and sake lees instead of imported corn and soybean meal as feed
ingredients.
We will try to establish a production and distribution system for chicken meat and eggs thatmatches the supply capabilities of brown rice and sake lees from rice field and sakebreweries in in Japan. While advancing a circulating system for feed and food production in
Japan, we also aim to achieve a supply of domestic chicken meat and eggs that are worth
exporting.

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-57: R&D Platform for High-value-added Domestic Chicken Meat

Contact

Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Division of Animal Science,
Department of Bioresource Science,
Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University
Kazuhisa Honda, Ph.D.
honda@tiger.kobe-u.ac.jp22Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industries

Start of project to revitalize former minefields
using prickly pear cactuses[Planted cactuses][Former minefield][Demining robot developed by IOS]

A project was started to improve the standard of living in rural Cambodia
by spreading and commercializing prickly pear cactus cultivation
techniques for use in former minefields.
From four to six million mines were laid in Cambodia during the civil war that began in the
70s and lasted over 20 years. The removal of the mines is ongoing, but one challenge is how
to effectively use the land after mines have been removed. In rural areas, where there aremany minefields, there are few profitable industries, and compared to urban areas, thestandard of living is lower.
With IOS. Inc., a member of this platform (PF) and primary contributor, we started
cultivation tests in July 2022 for the commercial use of prickly pear cactuses in a former
minefield (total area 1,795 ha) managed by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). The
cultivation is mostly performed by CMAC members. Other PF members (Casa Natural Corp,
Goto Saboten, Chubu University) are cooperating with us to obtain the cactuses and lead theon-site cultivation. The cactuses are planned to be used as vegetables, for fruit juice, as
animal feed, and as raw materials for processing. The cactuses used as raw materials forprocessing will be imported into Japan and are planned to be used in the development andsale of cosmetics and processed foods by PF members.
Related website: IOS. Inc. (https://ios-robot.com/en/business)

Corresponding Platform
Sustainability-60: Platform for Promoting the Use of Cacti and Succulents
IOS. Inc. CEO IMAI, Kentaro (Mr.)
k.imai@ios-robot.com
Contact

College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University,
Associate Professor, HORIBE Takanori (Dr.)
t-horibe＠isc.chubu.ac.jp
23

Smart Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and Smart Food Chains

Development of Sakura Prince, a Koshihikari cultivar
with strong culms through smart breeding

Koshihikari is a rice cultivar which has the problem of lodging during
typhoons. We used next-generation breeding technology to develop
Sakura Prince, an improved cultivar that is more resistant to lodging.
Koshihikari, the most widely cultivated rice cultivar in Japan, has a thin culm and is susceptible tolodging, making it difficult to harvest. Improvements to lodging resistance posed a challenge. We
used smart breeding with DNA markers to combine several alleles beneficial for strong culms
from genetically different cultivars, such as Habataki, an Indica cultivar; and Chugoku No. 117, a
tropical Japonica cultivar with Koshihikari, a temperate Japonica cultivar. These pyramiding lines
had thick and strong culms, there was little reduction in the number of panicles, the grains werelarge, and the flavor was delicious and equivalent to Koshihikari. A cultivar application was
submitted for the triple combination of SCM1+3+4, and the cultivar was registered by the Ministryof Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as Sakura Prince in August 2022 (registration number
29364).

Corresponding Platform
Smart-10: Promotion Platform for Cultivars Developed by Next-generation Breeding Technology

Contact

東京農工大学大学院農学研究院生物生産科学部門作物学研究室
教授 大川泰一郎
ookawa＠cc.tuat.ac.jp
24

Smart Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and Smart Food Chains

Development of comprehensive support softwarefor disease prediction and control with AI that predicts
the occurrence of major diseases in greenhouses
Simple because it does
not require the installationof sensors or cables

Infection risk screen
Temperatureand humidity

CO2

Sunlight
exposure

Communicationequipment

Data can be checked anywhere atany time with a smartphone or PC

Improve productivity through greenhouse environment monitoring(disease infection predictions, suitable timing of spraying pesticides,
reduces labor for spraying).
Features
Artificial intelligence predicts and provides notifications on disease infection risks, making it
possible to spray pesticides at the suitable time and reduce the number of times pesticides are
sprayed and the labor involved.
◎ Labor savings in management: The environment in the greenhouse can be monitored at any
time from a remote location. Therefore, there is no need to go to the greenhouse, requiring lesslabor for management.
◎ Yield improvements: Greenhouse management is performed based on monitoring data anddisease infection predictions, allowing yields to be improved.
◎ Reducing the frequency of pesticide sprays: Artificial intelligence analyses and provides
notifications on the risk of infection of major diseases for tomatoes, cherry tomatoes,
cucumbers, and strawberries. This makes it possible to estimate when pesticides should besprayed, thus reducing the frequency.
Related information- Predicting and Managing the Occurrence of Airborne Diseases in Greenhouses(Consortium on AI-based Disease Predictions Manual and Research Report) Published in FY2022- Bayer Crop Science Plantect® website Updated FY2023

Corresponding Platform
Smart-11: R&D Platform for Disease and Pest Control

Contact

Bayer CropScience K.K.
Contact: https://cropscience.bayer.jp/ja/home/plantect/lp-contact/
Monday-Friday 9:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00 (Excluding Saturday, Sunday,
national holidays and corporate holidays)
25

Smart Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and Smart Food Chains

Development of technology for improving productivity
at plant factories by using potassium reduction technology
and nutrient solution recycling/sterilization equipment
Example of sixth
industrialization

Nutrient solution recycling/sterilization equipment(Patented, sale in 2024)
Benefits of electrolysis(1) Decomposition of substancesthat inhibit growth(2) Kills pathogens in nutrient
solution→ 1.5x increase in yieldamountAchieves lower potassium concentrations with the same sugar level(including strawberries and sweet potatoes)

Kills fungi and bacteria

For plant factories with low productivity, it achieves both low costs and productivity
improvements while providing crops with high added value through the introduction ofnutrient recycling/sterilization devices.
■ Background of development- Kidney disease patients cannot eat a large variety of vegetables and fruits of high potassium.
- Many plant factories operate in the red. In addition, the environmental effect of water usage anddisposal of the nutrient solution are large.
- We became conscious that these problem could be solved by improving the performance of theplant factories and adding value to the crops.
■ Features- Kidney disease patients can enjoy meals in the same way as healthy people.
- The quantity of water and nutrient solution used in the plant factory
can be greatly reduced.
- It was confirmed that the yield of the plant factory can be increased
by around 1.5 times for strawberry and lettuce.
- Achieves high efficiency because the yield is higher with less water andnutrient solution.
→ We are continuing research on the technology necessary
for lunar farms in the near future.
■ Year put on the market- Shimane Yume Melon (2018)- Nutrient solution recycling/sterilization equipment (2024)
JAXA■ Patent information- Patents JP6551731, JP6124251, JP5622260

Corresponding Platform
Smart-15: R&D Platform for High-performance Plant Factories

Contact

Institute for Research Management, Oita University
Prof. MATSUSHITA Konosuke
matsushita-kouno@oita-u.ac.jp
26

Smart Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and Smart Food Chains

JAS standard testing method
for fish freshness (K-value)

Tentative Translation

JAS
0023

JAPANESE AGRICULTURAL
STANDARD
Testing method of K-value as a freshness index for fish
High performance liquid chromatographic method

Date of Establishment: 2022 – 3 – 31

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Establishment of JAS testing method ahead of international standards forvisualizing the K-value, a scientific indicator of fish freshness intended tofacilitate exports of domestic fishery products
The quantity of fresh fishery exports is increasing and is expected to increase even further. There is aJapanese food boom, but Japanese raw food culture is still largely unknown overseas. There aremany cases where freshness is not correctly evaluated. In order to suitably evaluate the freshness ofJapan's fishery products, we established a scientific freshness evaluation standard as the first step
toward an international standard, and on March 31, 2022, we established Japanese AgriculturalStandard JAS 0023 “Testing method of K-value as a freshness index for fish－High performanceliquid chromatographic method”.
http://www.famic.go.jp/english/jas/_doc/jas0023.pdf<For reference> https://www.maff.go.jp/j/press/shokuhin/ninsyo/attach/pdf/220331-2.pdf
Eight of the twelve institutes in the Cold Chain Consortium connected to this Platform applied forsupport for the “Development of Technology to Control the Quality of Fresh Fishery Products and to
Visualize Freshness in Order to Facilitate Exportation” as a Research Program on Development of
Innovative Technology (BRAIN) and was adopted 2021-2023. Within the project, the Fresh
Distribution Technology Demonstration Consortium is performing research and development on
implementing the K-value in society, distributing the freshest fish, and freshness sensor device
technology.

Corresponding Platform
Smart-22: R&D Platform for Innovative Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Industries Using Industrial Technology

Contact

Hakodate Regional Industry Promotion Organization(Hokkaido Industrial Technology Center)Researcher Takeya Yoshioka
yoshioka@techakodate.or.jp
27Delicious and Healthy Food Development

Development of gut environment evaluation system andcommercialization of testing services using a databaseof Japanese gut microbiota

Research anddevelopment project

Testing services
project

Implemented in society
as a testing service

Joint research

Evaluate the effect of foodconsumption
and apply it to the developmentof functional foods

Gut environment
evaluation
system use

Gut
environment
evaluation
systemCollect new data

Implement researchin society
as a testing service

In a large-scale analysis of the gut microbiota of Japanese,
we found a unique balance of gut microbiota.
[Background of development]
The gut environment of Japanese people is usually evaluated based on research performed
overseas where people have different dietary habits or domestically but with inconsistentmeasuring procedures, making the results difficult to interpret.
[Features]
By unifying the measurement and analysis procedures in this project, we performed a largescale analysis of the gut microbiota of Japanese people. We discovered a unique balance ofgut microbiota, and we established a system for evaluating the gut environment.
[Related information]- Release of Flora Scan®, a gut microbiota testing service, in December 2021
- Acquisition of patent in February 2023: Method for classifying gut microbiota by type inorder to evaluate patient risk (patent number JP7193810)

Corresponding Platform
Healthy Food-03: Development Platform for High-performance Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Industries
targeting the Gut Environment and Gut Microbiomes

Contact

PreMedica Inc. Business Planning Division General Manager
Kenta Ogawa
kenta.ogawa@premedica.co.jp28

Delicious and Healthy Food Development

Be the person you want to be withthe “Personal Nutrition Optimized Diet (AI Diet®)”Wellnas AI Diet®
Everyday data

Bodyweight Nutrient consumption

AI

Proposals AI Diet®
for improving yourbodyweight

Minimum viable product ,NEWTRISH, launched
in January 2023

Wellnas's original personalized
analyses (patented technology)(1) Creation of a bodyweight prediction modeland identification of relevant nutrients
Body weight = -0.0043 iron -0.0057zinc -0.031 vitamin E+0.025 vitamin B2 +0.082 sodium +68.2(2) Design of the AI diet
Nutrients that increase body weight
Reduce the quantityof Vitamin B2 and sodium

Nutrients that lower body weight
Increase the quantity
Iron, zinc, vitamin E
Personalized analysis of how nutrients affectyour bodyUse reduced-salt soy sauce to reduce
sodium and clams rich in iron and zinc
* Calorie and sugar intake are not reduced

Achieve your health goals without stressand while eating delicious food!

AI Diet® supports the personal achievement of everyone
Creating a future where you can achieve your well-being
Achieve your health goals without holding back and while eating delicious food! Wellnas
developed the “Personal Nutrition Optimized Diet” (AI Diet®) in order to achieve this ideal. AI
Diet® knows the nutrients that you need. It creates a diet with patented technology (patent
number JP7090232) that optimally adjusts quantities of the nutrients to achieve your goals. In
demonstration tests, it lowered higher blood pressure and improved body weights. The valueof AI Diet® for health is clear. We started services with the NEWTRISH smartphone
application in January 2023 as a minimum viable product of AI Diet®. NEWTRISH has been
downloaded more than 20,000 times and has about 10,000 users. Currently, we are working
on improving the convenience of NEWTRISH based on user opinions. We challenge
advertising business that proposes products of food companies as the optimal food for theindividual user through open innovation. In order to contribute to the environment that
individuals live in (society, culture, economy, nature) with a futuristic diet that achieves healthas defined by the Health and Food Technology Working Team (representative Wellnas) of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Council for Public-Private Partnership in Food
Technology and to more quickly achieve well-being for everyone with a personally-optimized
diet for a healthy body and mind across one's life that matches one's interests, feelings, andlifestyle, we want to accelerate the improvement and spread of the AI Diet® service.

Corresponding Platform
Healthy Food-44: Selfcare Food Development Platform

Contact

Wellnas Co., Ltd. CEO Masahiro Koyama
Mail ： mkoyama32@wellnas.biz ／ TEL ： 03-6822-3107
HP ： https://www.wellnas.biz
29HP

Delicious and Healthy Food Development

Sale of indigo cheese langue de chat using
dried indigo plant (TADEAI) powder
Indigo plantleavesUse in foodIndigo plant powder

The use of indigo plant leaves, stems, and roots in food has
been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare andis now available in a safe and edible form
The Tade line of indigo that grows in Japan was not a plant approved for consumption when
the Platform (PF) was established. In order to obtain approval from the government to use it infood, we had to confirm the safety of indigo plant (TADEAI) and submit materials on foodculture and dietary habits.
The PF is composed of diverse members such as producers, sweets manufacturers, research
institutes (universities and prefectural facilities), and retailers. While scientifically establishing
the safety of Tade indigo, industry, academia, and the government worked together to holdedible indigo trials in multiple places and other activities in order to obtain approval. We wereable to obtain approval for the use of indigo plant leaves, stems, and roots in food on July 9,2020 (CND/PSEHB Notification No. 0709-33). Following approval, we requested sweets
manufacturers in the Platform to create sweets with indigo, and they began to sell souvenirs in
April 2023 in Tokushima Prefecture, which has the highest indigo plant production in Japan.

Corresponding Platform
Healthy Food-11: R&D Platform for Indigo

Contact

The Institute of Interdisciplinary Research,
Shikoku University
BON・ARM Co.,lid
Research Division of New Awa Studies
Yoshihiro Mitani
e-mail：bon-arm@bon-arm.com Naoto Tokuyama
e-mail：naoto-tokuyama@shikoku-u.ac.jp30

Delicious and Healthy Food Development

Development of skincare soap using sea cucumber
antifungal components

写真・図（大きさ、数は自由）

Skin problems caused by fungi are on the rise. Our skincare
soap containing sea cucumber antifungal ingredients can help tosolve these skin problems.
In order to develop antifungal skincare products for practical use, the “High-Performance Sea
Cucumber Product R&D Platform”, led by the Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, wasestablished in the “Knowledge Integration and Innovation Field”, and a research anddevelopment consortium was formed to work on the practical application of the products.
Fungi (Malassezia, Candida, etc.) are one of the causes of skin problems.
The sea cucumber (Apostichopus armata) has the antifungal ingredient holotoxins, and a skincare soap using holotoxins was launched by Holosrin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. on 1 July
2023.
Holosrin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has obtained a patent (Patent No. JP6902803) for the
antifungal composition (technology to enhance antifungal suppression by combining silk andsea cucumber extract). With this patented technology, the soap promotes healthy skin bysuppressing the fungi that cause skin problems.
Official website: https://silkrio.com/

Corresponding Platform
Healthy Food-20: R&D Platform for High-performance Sea Cucumber ProductsContact

Holosrin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. CEO Umio Araiumio.arai@holosrin.com

31Delicious and Healthy Food Development“The saponin-containing sea cucumber extracts”,
a unique antifungal (anti-Candida) material produced
using patented technology
Patented
Apostichopus japonicus→ manufacturing → Meat →(Iwate and Hokkaido)High protein
methodLow fat- Ingredient for Foods

with Functional Claims

Extract

High nutritional value, tonic
Anti-fungal (Candida)
properties(Includes saponins)- Ingredient for cosmetics↓→ Freezing →Proteoglycans
Marine collagen
Anti-fungal (Candida resistance)

Drying (powdered)
Includes Apostichopus japonicus saponins that only kill fungi
without interfering with bacteria.
Suppresses Candida in the oral mucosa and vagina to support indigenous bacteria.
In order to develop antifungal products for practical use, the “High-Performance Sea
Cucumber Product R&D Platform”, led by the Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, wasestablished in the “Knowledge Integration and Innovation Field”, and a research anddevelopment consortium was formed to work on the practical application of the products.
Patent “Method for extracting sea cucumber saponin-containing extract and method formaintaining constant content thereof (Patent No. US 11,272,727,B2).” (The materials
produced by the patented technology are now on sale.)
Application examples: Takakura New Industries, Inc.
“Pubicare Organic feminine medicated soap” for delicate areas
https://takakura.co.jp/life_style/life/life_category/sensitive_zone/
An antifungal oral jelly for the elderly is also in development.

Corresponding Platform
Healthy Food-20: R&D Platform for High-performance Sea Cucumber ProductsContact

SANSHOU CO.,LTD CEO Takao SASAKI
sasaki@sanshou-s.com

32Delicious and Healthy Food Development“Job’s Tears Advanced Usage Manual”～ Cultivars, Cultivation, and Applications ～A new cultivar “Tsuyakaze” with falling overresistance and somewhat large grains

Publication of a manual for understanding
the fundamentals and new results

Development of technique increases yields 20%
through additional fertilizer and dense planting

Only Japanese

New cultivar
Tsuyakaze

Existing cultivar
Akishizuku

This manual provide a summary of Job’s tears; cultivars, the basic cultivation
methods, new techniques to increase yields, and information on cultivation for
medical use.
The innovation project in the Job's tears Consortium (Research Program on Developmentof Innovative Technology (JPJ007097)) created the Job's tears Advanced Usage Manual.
Job's tears is used for various purposes such as medicinal use, cosmetics, foods anddrinks, and is also attracting attention as a paddy field shifting crop. This manual provides thecharacter of plants, Japanese main cultivars, and basic cultivation methods of the crop whichis still relatively unknown in Japan. In addition, this manual has information of newly
developed cultivation techniques to increase yields, for medicinal use and for processing on“Tsukayaze” which is the cultivar recently bred. This manual would be useful for those who
cultivate and use Job's tears as well as who are considering introducing it and who areinterested in Job's tears.
URL of manualhttps://www.naro.go.jp/publicity_report/publication/pamphlet/tech-pamph/158291.html
Where to obtain seeds for the new cultivar, Tsuyakaze* https://www.naro.go.jp/collab/breed/seeds_list/index.html
Research results
https://www.naro.go.jp/project/results/5th_laboratory/kiban/2021/ngrc21_s02.html*Cultivar registration application number 35387

Corresponding Platform
Healthy Food-21: Platform for Advanced Utilization of Specialty Crops by Technology Development

Contact

Research Center of Genetic Resources, NARO
POC: Research Promotion Office, Core Technology Research
Headquarters, NARO
www_kiban@ml.affrc.go.jp
33

Delicious and Healthy Food Development

Risk diagnostic method for excess water stressand countermeasures in buckwheat

0

2

4

6 km

120

Demonstrating a 20%
yield improvement withcountermeasures thatmatch local needs

100
80

60
40

20

写真・図
（大きさ、数は自由）0Countermeasure(Fertilizer spraying)TohokuControl(Raised-bed)

Hokkaido

Control(Cut Series)

Countermeasure

Control

Identification ofwater-accumulating
topography

Countermeasure

Drainage
improvement
projects

Demonstration of countermeasures
Buckwheat grain yield (kg/10a)

Yield

Developmentof risk
diagnostic
method forbuckwheat
収量(kg/10a)excess water
stressKyushuCollection, analysis, and integrationof data on excess water conditions
and geography

Poor drainage leading to lower yields (excess water stress) posed a challenge,
but we developed a excess water risk diagnostic method and countermeasures
for improving yields.
Buckwheat is a field crop vital for community revitalization and crop rotation. The largest
problem is lower yields due to poor drainage (excess water stress). Various countermeasures
have been developed, but the difficulty is in choosing which one to actually use.
Therefore, we developed a diagnostic method to estimate the risk of excess water stress.
By introducing a countermeasure according to excess water factors in fields with a risk ofpoor drainage, we demonstrated at three buckwheat cultivation sites in Hokkaido, Tohoku,
and Kyushu, respectively, that the yield can be improved.
[Related websites]
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jsidre/91/1/91_I_99/_article/-char/ja
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jcs/92/3/92_245/_article/-char/ja
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378429023001284
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/dohikouen/67/0/67_104_2/_article/-char/ja/

Corresponding Platform
Healthy Food-21: Platform for advanced utilization of specialty crops by technology development

Contact

NARO Kyushu-Okinawa Agricultural Research Center
Research Promotion OfficeE-mail： q_info@ml.affrc.go.jp
34

Promoting Export and International Collaboration regarding Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Food Products/Technologies

Development of sake for overseas use based on an integrated
analysis of metabolome analysis and evaluation of preferencesof foreign exchange students at Tohoku University* Excerpt from Ichinokura website

Quick development of Japanese food based on preferences of expectedexport destinations through precision device analysis andsensory evaluation◆ Development target
To take the flavor of Japanese food (mirin: about 400 years, sake: about 1,300 years,
kamaboko: about 900 years, fermented fish seasonings: about 3,000 years) developed andpassed on for a span of hundreds of years, adjust it for compatibility with foreign food culture,and quickly spread it worldwide.
◆ Specific activities
This project involved (1) the development of high-value-added fermented rice products(seasonings and drinks), (2) the development of high-value-added sake, (3) the establishment oftechnology to control the properties of food gels and to extend expiry dates, and (4) the
development of high-value-added fermented horned krill food products.
During these activities, a precision device analysis and sensory evaluation with the cooperationof exchange students were conducted, and an integrated analysis was performed on both sets ofdata to develop products that are compatible with overseas food culture and preferences. Sake+(Sake Plus) was put on the market in 2022. See the following for detailed information.
https://ichinokura.co.jp/pickup-product/sakeplus-en

Corresponding Platform
Export Promotion-04: R&D Platform for High-value-added Japanese Food and Food Industry Based on Scientific Reasoning

Contact

Tohoku University Graduate School of Agricultural Science(Specially Appointed Associate Professor Yoshinari Takeoka)
Aramaki -aoba 468-1,Aoba-ku,Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572,Japan
Tel;+81-22-757-4028 Fax;+81-22-757-4029
E-mail : yoshinari.takeoka.d6@tohoku.ac.jp
35

Promoting Export and International Collaboration regarding Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Food Products/Technologies

Development of solar-powered plant factory system
for areas of high temperature and humidity

It is difficult to cultivate tomatoes and strawberries in the summer, but wesolved this problem of year-round cultivation by introducing a plantfactory system for areas of high temperature and humidity.
It is difficult to cultivate tomatoes, strawberries, and other vegetables in the summer when
there are high temperatures and humidity. The Asian Monsoon PFS Consortium developed
seedling cultivation technology, environmental control technology, and ICT control technology
to achieve technology for year-around cultivation at JIRCAS in Ishigaki, Okinawa.
Based on the interest of the research consortium, a startup was established in January 2022
(Japan Premium Vegetable), and it began to provide services such as consulting andcultivation guidance.
Japan Premium Vegetable website: http://www.jpveg.co.jp/

Corresponding Platform
Export Promotion-06: R&D Platform for Farm Complexes in Society 5.0

Contact

Japan Premium Vegetable Co., Ltd. COO Shigenobu YOSHIDA
yoshida.shogenobu.ys@jpveg.co.jp

36

Currently open to new members