Call for Applications: 'Discover the Treasures of Rural Japan' Begins Today!

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is calling for applications from Monday, June 15, Reiwa 8 (2026), to Monday, August 31, Reiwa 8, for initiatives under the program titled 'Discover the Treasures of Rural Japan,' aimed at realizing a 'strong agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sector' and 'beautiful, vibrant rural communities.'

1. Overview

MAFF is promoting the realization of a 'strong agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sector' and 'beautiful, vibrant rural communities.' The 'Discover the Treasures of Rural Japan' initiative aims to identify and publicize outstanding local initiatives that utilize regional resources to revitalize communities and increase incomes, thereby inspiring similar efforts in other regions. This year, MAFF is once again seeking exemplary projects that can serve as models for other areas. Selected regions will receive a certificate of selection and be featured on a dedicated website to promote their activities nationwide. [Official Website] https://www.discovermuranotakara.com/ (external link)

2. Application Content and Eligibility

(1) Application Content

MAFF is widely accepting applications for initiatives that fall under one of the following categories (a) to (c), which contribute to revitalizing agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as enhancing regional vitality through uncovering new demand, creating innovation, and utilizing latent local resources: (a) Initiatives to pass on beautiful, traditional rural communities to the next generation (b) Initiatives to revitalize agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural areas through collaboration across diverse fields and regions (c) Initiatives that contribute to improving productivity in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, or expanding demand and adding value to agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and food

(2) Eligibility

(a) Organizations or individuals implementing initiatives that meet the above criteria (self-nominations and third-party nominations accepted) (b) Both organizations and individuals are eligible to apply (c) Previous awardees may reapply

(3) Application Period From Monday, June 15, Reiwa 8 (2026) to Monday, August 31, Reiwa 8 (2026)

(4) Selection Process

Based on submitted materials, a panel of experts will conduct a comprehensive review and select approximately 30 outstanding cases. Special emphasis will be placed on initiatives under (1)(c) that enhance productivity, expand demand, or add value. Within these, the following awards will be granted by category:

(a) Productivity Enhancement Category Initiatives utilizing advanced technologies such as plant factories, land-based aquaculture, satellite data, and AI analysis, or full utilization of farmland (b) Demand Expansion and Value-Added Category Initiatives that expand demand or exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and food, or promote branding and high-value-added development

Additionally, regardless of category, the most outstanding initiative will receive the 'Grand Prix,' and pioneering initiatives in specific fields will be awarded the 'Special Prize.'

(5) Announcement of Results and Award Ceremony

Results are expected to be announced on the dedicated website and other channels around October to November, Reiwa 8. Selected regions will be invited to the certificate award ceremony and networking event to be held after the announcement.

Reiwa 7 Certificate Award Ceremony (MAFF Auditorium)

Reiwa 7 Networking Event (Prime Minister's Office)

(6) Past Grand Prix Winners

▶ 12th Edition (Reiwa 7) General Incorporated Association Local Revolution (Hakodate City, Hokkaido) https://www.discovermuranotakara.com/sentei/select12/no01/ (external link)

▶ 11th Edition (Reiwa 6) Hokkane High School (Hokkane Town, Hokkaido) https://www.discovermuranotakara.com/sentei/select11/no03/ (external link)

▶ 10th Edition (Reiwa 5) Oda Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oda City, Shimane Prefecture) https://www.discovermuranotakara.com/sentei/select10/no18/ (external link)

3. How to Apply

Please fill out the application form on the dedicated website URL below and submit it with the required application document (Word file) attached. [Dedicated Website] https://www.discovermuranotakara.com/ (external link)

For detailed application instructions, please refer to the 'Application Guidelines' under Section 4, 'Attached Documents.'

4. Attached Documents

- 'Discover the Treasures of Rural Japan' Application Guidelines (PDF: 805KB) - 'Discover the Treasures of Rural Japan' Program Overview (Brochure) (PDF: 12,897KB) - Press Release (PDF: 816KB)

Contact Information

Rural Revitalization Division, Rural Planning Department, Rural Affairs Bureau, MAFF Contact: Rural Development Promotion Team Main: 03-3502-8111 (Ext. 5449) Direct Line: 03-3502-6001