The NIJIN Academy Project (operated by NIJIN Inc. / Location: Koto-ku, Tokyo / Representative: Tatsuro Hoshino) will hold a project for elementary school students, combining a rice planting experience with regional issue exploration, titled "Protect the Rice Paddies! Rice Planting Experience x Regional Issue Exploration Project," starting May 15, 2025, for a total of four sessions in Togane City.

Project Background: Thinking about "Fewer people working in rice paddies" through the power of children

In Togane City, Chiba Prefecture, and across Japan, the aging of agricultural workers is progressing, leading to an increase in abandoned cultivated land. Rice paddies are not merely places for food production; they play a vital role in supporting the local natural environment and livelihoods, including water conservation, ecosystem maintenance, and flood prevention.

NIJIN Academy Togane School planned this project to create a space where children, who will bear the next generation, can experience, think about, and express solutions to this regional issue as "their own problem," rather than leaving it as "an adult-only problem."

Three things gained from this project

【Real Agricultural Experience】 By actually entering the rice paddies and experiencing rice planting, children can feel the reality of agriculture firsthand, something that cannot be learned from textbooks.

【Awareness of Regional Issues】 Children will have the opportunity to delve deeper into "why fewer people are working in rice paddies" and gain insights into the current state of the region.

【Ability to Think of Solutions】 Everyone will brainstorm ideas on "how to continue rice farming" and present them in the final session. This will foster their ability to think and communicate.

Event Schedule

Session 1: May 16, 2025 (Saturday) Theme: Rice Planting Experience Content: Actually entering the rice paddies and experiencing rice planting. Experiencing the "reality of agriculture" through conversations with farmers. *Time and meeting place will be communicated after application. Location: Within Togane City.

Session 2: May 22, 2025 (Thursday) 15:30-17:00 Theme: Discovering Challenges Content: Reflecting on the experience and delving deeper into "why fewer people are working in rice paddies."

Session 3: May 29, 2025 (Thursday) 15:30-17:00 Theme: Exploring Solutions Content: Brainstorming ideas on "how to continue rice farming" and thinking about solutions together.

Session 4: June 5, 2025 (Thursday) 15:30-17:00 Theme: Presentation and Proposal Content: Children will present the solutions they have considered. Delivering children's voices for the future of the region.

Event Overview

Date: Starting May 15, 2025 (Thursday) - Total 4 sessions Venue: Within Togane City (Details will be communicated after application) Participation Fee: Free Target Audience: Elementary school students Capacity: Limited number Application Method: Purchase free tickets via Peatix *https://peatix.com/event/4989486

Hosted by: NIJIN Academy Project (NIJIN Inc.)

The NIJIN Academy Project is an educational institution where children's individuality shines, based on the educational philosophy of "Be HAPPY, Do HAPPY - Every child has the power to be happy and to make others happy." Over 700 children from more than 42 prefectures nationwide participate.

NIJIN Academy Togane School Location: Togane City, Chiba Prefecture HP: https://project.nijin.co.jp/

Inquiries regarding this matter

NIJIN Academy Togane School, Contact Person: Sato

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event