The Hokkaido Employment and Farming Support Office (hosted by Hokkaido Prefecture) has begun accepting applications for its 'Agricultural Internship (Try-Agriculture Experience)', a short-term work experience program at actual farming sites across Hokkaido. The program will run from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Saturday, January 30, 2027, with participating farms across Hokkaido welcoming applicants on a rolling basis.

Experience 'Real Agriculture' Beyond Social Media

For those who are interested in agriculture but cannot visualize daily farm work, unsure if it suits them, or feel hesitant about relocating to an unfamiliar region—this on-site experience program offers a hands-on solution. By working side-by-side with farm managers and experienced staff, participants can experience authentic farming life that cannot be conveyed through online media. Additionally, the internship doubles as a 'mini-relocation trial,' helping prevent mismatches after employment, farming settlement, or moving to a new community—making it a valuable step for many participants.

Background and Vision Behind the Program

Japan, including Hokkaido, is currently facing a severe decline in its agricultural workforce. At the same time, agricultural corporations and local operators are stepping up as key players, maintaining farmland and expanding operations, thereby creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.

To ensure the continued growth of agriculture—a cornerstone of Japan’s economy—addressing the worsening 'labor shortage' is essential. Miraiichi Co., Ltd., the operating company behind this initiative, is deeply committed to solving human resource challenges in the agricultural sector.

We aim to serve as a 'hub' connecting aspiring farmers who are passionate about agriculture with farming communities seeking dedicated team members for the future.

Diverse Programs and Flexible Schedules

While the standard experience is designed for approximately two nights and three days, one-day participation may also be arranged upon consultation. Programs vary by host farm and include crop harvesting, dairy farming experiences such as milking cows and feeding calves, and more.

【Program Overview】

Name: Agricultural Internship (Try-Agriculture Experience)

Application Period: June 1, 2026 (Mon) – January 30, 2027 (Sat)

Experience Duration: Approximately 2 nights and 3 days (One-day experiences may be available upon consultation)

Participation Fee: Free (Travel and accommodation costs to be discussed with host farms)

Eligibility: Anyone aged 16 or older with an interest in agriculture (students and professionals welcome)

Training Content: Crop harvesting, milking and calf-feeding experiences, meetings with managers and staff, local community introductions (varies by host farm)

Locations: Participating farms across Hokkaido

How to Apply: Pre-registration via the application form below

Application Form

【Examples of Host Organizations】

・Kaze no Gakkou, Inc. (Date City)

[Internship Content] Mini-tomato harvesting, shipping, and farm management

・Inazo Farm, Inc. (Shibetsu City)

[Internship Content] Harvesting tomatoes and pumpkins, farm management, shipping, employee exchange events

・Miyuu Farm, Inc. (Shintotsukawa Town)

[Internship Content] Milking, calf feeding, feeding experience, discussion sessions with experienced farmers and managers

・Top Farm, Inc. (Saroma Town)

[Internship Content] Company briefing, farm tour, milking experience, calf health check experience, employee exchange events

・Mikita, Inc. (Naganuma Town)

[Internship Content] Harvesting leeks and sweet corn, in-factory sorting operations

※ Additional host farms are available across Hokkaido. For details, please visit the dedicated article below.

Internship Details Here

【Contact & Office Information】

Hokkaido Employment and Farming Support Office (Hosted by Hokkaido)

Operating Company: Miraiichi Co., Ltd.

Address: KANTINE, 1-15 Nishi 2-chome, Kita 33-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Email: hokkaido.koyou@gmail.com

※ After registration, staff will contact you via email (hokkaido.koyou@gmail.com) with further instructions.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event