Nihon System to Demonstrate Drone-Based Weed and Stink Bug Control for Small Farms to Boost Rice Yields; Demo Flight Event on June 1
Nihon System Co., Ltd., a company involved in kerosene delivery and drone businesses, will hold a demonstration flight and spraying observation event for its drone-based pest control on June 1, 2026. Their 'Omamori Drone' service lowers the barrier to entry for small-scale farms through a joint spraying system, supporting timely pest control for weeds and stink bugs. Amidst labor shortages and an aging workforce in agriculture, this service aims to reduce workloads and improve rice quality and yield. The event will feature actual flight demonstrations, explanations of the joint spraying mechanism, and expert commentary on pest control planning.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 17:00
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Nihon System Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, CEO: Tomonori Koizumi, Brand name: 'Aburaya Kinta'), a company engaged in kerosene delivery and drone businesses, will conduct a demonstration flight and spraying observation event for drone pest control on June 1st. The company's pesticide spraying drone service, 'Omamori Drone,' incorporates a joint spraying system to lower the adoption hurdles for small-scale farms and supports timely pest control, including weeding and measures against stink bugs.
### The Need for Drone-Based Pesticide Spraying
In recent years, Japan's agricultural sector has faced significant challenges due to labor shortages and an aging population, making the burden of pest control a major issue. In particular, tasks like weeding and managing stink bugs must be performed at the right time, as delays can negatively impact rice quality and yield. However, the physical strain of carrying heavy sprayers and the difficulty of managing large fields with limited manpower have made efficiency a key theme for many farmers. While drone-based pest control is an effective solution, its adoption by individual farmers, especially on small plots of land, has been slow due to cost and scale issues.
### Stink Bug Damage in Rice Cultivation
Stink bug damage is a critical issue that significantly affects rice quality. These pests appear during the rice plant's heading stage and feed on the rice kernels, causing 'spotted rice,' which leads to a lower grade and reduced value. Since 2020, rice stink bugs have been confirmed in 33 prefectures, with reports of substantial yield losses. Recent high temperatures are also believed to create favorable conditions for their proliferation. A key challenge is that damage often becomes apparent only after harvest, making timely preventative spraying crucial.
### Effects of Drone Pesticide Application
On farms where Nihon System conducted spraying, implementing two applications for stink bug control at optimal times—instead of the conventional single application—resulted in a significant reduction in damage found during sorting. In the sprayed areas, the damage ratio was confirmed to be reduced to about one-third of conventional levels. Similarly, for weed control, the company recommends two applications, starting with an initial herbicide when weeds are small, which has been shown to reduce the workload and need for additional spraying later in the season.
### About the 'Omamori Drone Service'
The 'Omamori Drone Service' is a one-stop pest control support service that provides drone spraying, spray-timing design assistance, and record management for each field. By adopting a 'joint spraying' model that groups neighboring farms, the service makes drone control accessible and affordable even for small plots from around 0.5 hectares (5 tan). It helps farmers maintain consistent and stable pest management by recording and utilizing data on field history and chemicals used for future planning. An 'Annual Package Plan' is also available, covering management from initial weeding to stink bug control, significantly reducing the planning burden on farmers.
### What to Expect at the Demonstration Event
At the upcoming event, attendees can witness a drone in flight, observing its speed, spray range, and workflow firsthand. Experts will also explain the joint spraying system, including how to apply, eligibility, and minimum acreage. Furthermore, the session will cover crucial topics such as the timing for herbicide and stink bug control, chemical selection, and creating an annual pest management plan. The event is designed for those who want to see the technology in action and learn if it's a viable solution for their farm.
### The Need for Drone-Based Pesticide Spraying
In recent years, Japan's agricultural sector has faced significant challenges due to labor shortages and an aging population, making the burden of pest control a major issue. In particular, tasks like weeding and managing stink bugs must be performed at the right time, as delays can negatively impact rice quality and yield. However, the physical strain of carrying heavy sprayers and the difficulty of managing large fields with limited manpower have made efficiency a key theme for many farmers. While drone-based pest control is an effective solution, its adoption by individual farmers, especially on small plots of land, has been slow due to cost and scale issues.
### Stink Bug Damage in Rice Cultivation
Stink bug damage is a critical issue that significantly affects rice quality. These pests appear during the rice plant's heading stage and feed on the rice kernels, causing 'spotted rice,' which leads to a lower grade and reduced value. Since 2020, rice stink bugs have been confirmed in 33 prefectures, with reports of substantial yield losses. Recent high temperatures are also believed to create favorable conditions for their proliferation. A key challenge is that damage often becomes apparent only after harvest, making timely preventative spraying crucial.
### Effects of Drone Pesticide Application
On farms where Nihon System conducted spraying, implementing two applications for stink bug control at optimal times—instead of the conventional single application—resulted in a significant reduction in damage found during sorting. In the sprayed areas, the damage ratio was confirmed to be reduced to about one-third of conventional levels. Similarly, for weed control, the company recommends two applications, starting with an initial herbicide when weeds are small, which has been shown to reduce the workload and need for additional spraying later in the season.
### About the 'Omamori Drone Service'
The 'Omamori Drone Service' is a one-stop pest control support service that provides drone spraying, spray-timing design assistance, and record management for each field. By adopting a 'joint spraying' model that groups neighboring farms, the service makes drone control accessible and affordable even for small plots from around 0.5 hectares (5 tan). It helps farmers maintain consistent and stable pest management by recording and utilizing data on field history and chemicals used for future planning. An 'Annual Package Plan' is also available, covering management from initial weeding to stink bug control, significantly reducing the planning burden on farmers.
### What to Expect at the Demonstration Event
At the upcoming event, attendees can witness a drone in flight, observing its speed, spray range, and workflow firsthand. Experts will also explain the joint spraying system, including how to apply, eligibility, and minimum acreage. Furthermore, the session will cover crucial topics such as the timing for herbicide and stink bug control, chemical selection, and creating an annual pest management plan. The event is designed for those who want to see the technology in action and learn if it's a viable solution for their farm.