NOK Kyushu Continues Efforts to Foster Regional Groundwater Through "Paddy Field Owner System" Rice Planting

NOK Kyushu Corporation (Headquarters: Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, President: Hiroyuki Imamura, hereinafter "NOK Kyushu"), a group company of NOK Corporation, is participating in the "Paddy Field Owner System" implemented by the Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation as part of its efforts to conserve the region's precious groundwater.

This year, on June 13 (Sat), 41 employees of NOK Kyushu and their families participated in planting rice in two paddy fields in Kikuchi-gun, Ozu Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, where they are owners, alongside local producers.

The "Paddy Field Owner System" involves producers who own paddy fields and sponsoring companies, organizations, and individuals who become owners, working together to cultivate rice. This initiative protects paddy fields, which allow rain and water to seep into the ground, thereby contributing to the "recharge"*1 of groundwater.

Participants in the 2026 "Paddy Field Owner System" Rice Planting

NOK Kyushu's four locations in the Aso region (Kumamoto Factory, Aso West Factory, Aso North Factory, Aso East Factory), which use Kumamoto's abundant groundwater in their manufacturing processes, are engaged in conservation activities to protect this valuable water resource. NOK Kyushu has continued its participation in this system, which began during its time as the Kumamoto Business Site.

In the fall, rice harvesting will take place, and the harvested rice is planned to be donated to food banks and children's cafeterias in Kumamoto City to support local food initiatives. Additionally, around November, a "Groundwater Recharge Certificate" indicating the amount of groundwater fostered through rice cultivation will be issued. NOK Kyushu hopes that this initiative will lead to a greater recharge volume than last year (approximately 4,500 tons).

Deepening Understanding of Groundwater Conservation Through Regional Exchange

At the opening ceremony on the day, Mr. Masanori Ege of the Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation explained that the "Paddy Field Owner System" aims to conserve groundwater levels. He stated that in the Maki district of Ozu Town, approximately 50,000 cubic meters of groundwater, equivalent to about 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools, is recharged during the system's operational period.

Children experiencing rice planting for the first time and employees who participate annually worked together, getting muddy but successfully planting the target two fields. The activity also provided an opportunity to interact with the Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation and local producers, deepening their understanding of regional agriculture and groundwater conservation.

Scenes from the rice planting

Participant Comments

Many participants this year expressed a sense of accomplishment due to the expanded scale of the work and a newfound awareness of the role of paddy fields.

・Satoshi Horie, Business Planning Section, Global Business Strategy Department, NOK Kumamoto Business Site

I participate every year, and it has become a cherished annual event where I see the children planting seedlings more smoothly than the previous year, feeling their growth. The children themselves look forward to this event and always enthusiastically say "Yes!"

・Fusako Kosaka, Environmental Safety Section, Operations Department, NOK Kyushu Kumamoto Factory

Last year, we only planted one field, so it finished quickly. This time, with two fields, each person's work area increased, and it was very rewarding. Through this experience, I have come to appreciate the rice we eat every day anew.

・Rena Sakanashi, Aso East Operations Section, Operations Department, NOK Kyushu Aso East Factory

I participated wearing rice planting boots, but my feet got stuck in the mud more than I expected, and I had to brace myself to avoid falling. Rice planting after a long time was very enjoyable, and I am happy to have directly contributed to groundwater conservation activities, which I have been interested in for some time.

・Wataru Yamazaki, Operations Department, NOK Kyushu Aso West Factory

It was a very enjoyable time to experience rice planting again after 20 years. It was a good opportunity to relearn how the water in the paddy fields contributes to groundwater conservation, and I would definitely like to participate again next year.

Overview of NOK Kyushu's Participation in the Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation's "Paddy Field Owner System" Rice Planting

・Date: June 13, 2026 (Sat) 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

・Location: Paddy fields in the Maki district, Ozu Town, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture

・Participants: 41 employees of NOK Kyushu and their families

About the Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation's "Paddy Field Owner System"

Kumamoto Prefecture, including Kumamoto City, is a rare region in Japan where nearly 100% of tap water sources are supplied by groundwater, covering 11 municipalities*2. To conserve this groundwater, the Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation was established in 2012. Under the philosophy of "Omoisui" (thinking about water), the foundation works to protect groundwater levels and maintain water quality throughout the Kumamoto region. One of its symbolic initiatives is the "Paddy Field Owner System."

・Implementing Body: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation

・Content:

Launched in 2013, this system involves producers with paddy fields in groundwater recharge areas entering into an agreement with sponsoring companies, organizations, and individuals to jointly cultivate rice, thereby protecting paddy fields and promoting groundwater recharge. After harvest, owners receive rice corresponding to the cultivated area and a "Groundwater Recharge Certificate" indicating the amount of groundwater fostered through rice cultivation.

"Groundwater Recharge Certificate" (Fiscal Year 2025)

*1 Recharge: The process by which rainwater and other water seep into the soil and are stored as groundwater in aquifers.

Recharge area: Land such as fields and forests where water easily infiltrates.

*2 The 11 municipalities are: Kumamoto City, Kikuchi City (formerly Yosui Town and Asahi Village), Uto City, Koshi City, Ozu Town, Kikuyo Town, Nishihara Village, Mifune Town, Kashima Town, Mashiki Town, and Kouza Town.

NOK Kyushu Corporation Overview

・Headquarters Location: 2089 Nagakusa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture

・Establishment: April 1, 2026

・Number of Employees: 2,131

・Integrated Organizations/Companies: NOK Corporation Precision & O-Ring Business Unit Manufacturing Division & Indirect Divisions (partial), Saga NOK Corporation, NOK Elastomer Corporation, Aso NOK Corporation, Kusu NOK Corporation, Kumamoto NOK Corporation, Nichinan NOK Corporation

Inquiries Regarding This Release

NOK Corporation Corporate Affairs & Corporate Communications

TEL: 03-5405-6372 Mail: mb_nok_corporate_affairs@jp.nokgrp.com

About NOK Corporation

The NOK Group operates under the banner of "Essential Core Manufacturing - Manufacturing that supports essential core areas of society," supporting "safety" and "comfort" that form the foundation of a prosperous society. Approximately 37,000 employees in 14 countries and regions engage in product development based on accumulated fundamental research and achieve high-quality mass production and stable supply. The Group continues to provide technologies and products to all industrial fields, including mobility such as automobiles, electronic devices represented by PCs and smartphones, medical and healthcare equipment, industrial robots, and even artificial satellites.