Moreover, they devote some farm space to raising livestock. Japan's agricultural resources thus contribute a great deal to its people's diet. Modern technology has made new kinds of agriculture possible, too. Some of Japan's crops are now grown hydroponically - without soil, in water. Genetic engineering is also making Japan's crops larger, safer, and healthier.
Japanese farmers raise a tremendous variety in crops and livestock.
Forestry is thus a very important part of Japan's economy. Japan's forests contain a wide variety of trees because of the variation in climate along the island chain. Some of the most common trees in Japanese forests are cedars, cypresses, pines, horse chestnuts, beeches, and camphor trees. Forestry has been an important business in Japan for many centuries. As early as the 8th century, wooden palaces and temples were built in Kyoto and other cities.