Okayama University Transforms Abandoned Farmland into an 'Edible Forest': Niimi City and Four Universities' Regional Revitalization Project Selected by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

June 16, 2026 (Reiwa 8) Okayama University, National University Corporation

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Overview

The joint project 'Transforming Abandoned Farmland into a Valuable Ecosystem: The Niimi Model Created by Data, Design, and Synergy Farming®,' proposed by Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu), Niimi City in Okayama Prefecture, Okayama Prefectural University, Tobita Women's Junior College, and Osaka Metropolitan University, has been selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 'Furusato Mirai College Model Demonstration Project (Supplementary Budget FY2025)'.

This project is one of the inter-university collaboration initiatives based on the 'Symbiotic Consortium' that our university has established with Osaka Metropolitan University and others. It aims to regenerate abandoned farmland—increasing due to depopulation and aging populations—into a biodiversity-rich 'valuable ecosystem.' It also seeks to secure raw materials for 'Kodai Washi,' a traditional craft that has existed since the Middle Ages, and to create relational populations through sustained exchanges with students and stakeholders from urban areas.

The demonstration project will primarily advance three initiatives. The first is the construction of an 'edible forest.' Incorporating the principles of 'Synergy Farming®'※—a method of polyculture without tilling, fertilizers, or pesticides—this initiative will cultivate not only vegetables and fruit trees but also kozo (paper mulberry) and mitsumata (oriental paperbush), which are raw materials for Kodai Washi paper. This will regenerate abandoned farmland into a space that nurtures biodiversity while allowing people to experience the joy of engagement.

The second initiative is achieving 'zero psychological distance' through digital technology. Okayama University's Data Science Department will lead the development of a remote farmland monitoring app. By visualizing biodiversity data and farmland conditions, this system will enable people in urban areas to experience on-site changes and the growth of their designated plots remotely.

The third initiative is the high-value utilization of regional resources through 'total table design.' By developing recipes using harvested produce and creating tableware using Kodai Washi paper, the project aims to deliver regional resources as 'experiences to be enjoyed with all five senses' and to build a new communication model connecting urban and rural areas.

In terms of implementation, Niimi City will oversee the overall project and present regional challenges, while Okayama University will coordinate data science and inter-university collaboration. Okayama Prefectural University will handle washi paper product design and external outreach, Tobita Women's Junior College will lead total table design and recipe development, and Osaka Metropolitan University will provide agricultural expertise and validate business models.

The demonstration will be conducted from July 2026 (Reiwa 8) to March 2027 (Reiwa 9) in the Kogo area of Niimi City. In addition to summer and spring fieldwork, monthly on-site stays and exchanges will be conducted to address regional challenges and build sustainable social implementation models.

Okayama University will continue to expand practical learning environments that harmonize nature and regional revitalization by leveraging frameworks such as the Symbiotic Consortium and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, government, and civil society. We look forward to your continued support for Okayama University, an open, regionally central, and distinctive research university.

This announcement was originally published on May 27, 2026.

※ 'Synergy Farming®' is a registered trademark of Sakura Shizenjuku Co., Ltd.

◆ References

・ Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 'Furusato Mirai College Model Demonstration Project (Supplementary Budget FY2025)'

https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/furusatomiraikarejji.html

・ Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization

https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

・ Okayama University Data Science Department (DS Department)

https://okadai-dsc.studio.site/

・ Okayama University Regional Core and Distinctive Research University Strengthening Promotion Project (J-PEAKS)

https://j-peaks.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Reference Information 1

・ [Okayama University] Regional Co-Creation Initiative 'Okayama Shineko Culture (Synergy Farming) Project': Students Visit Oiso Farm and Exchange Opinions

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003893.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] Launch of the Regional Co-Creation Initiative 'Shineko Culture Project in Miyoshi City' — From the Terraced Rice Fields of Miyoshi City, a Globally Recognized Agricultural Heritage Site, Toward a Future of Symbiosis with Nature

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003646.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] Launch of the Regional Co-Creation Initiative 'Okayama Shineko Culture (Synergy Farming) Project in Niimi City' — Toward Regenerating Raw Materials for the Traditional Craft of Kodai Washi

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003477.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] Regional Co-Creation Initiative 'Shineko Culture (Synergy Farming) Project': Ridge Formation and Planting of Fruit Trees, Seedlings, and Seeds — Student-Led Design of a Nature-Symbiotic Farm

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003399.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] Full Launch of the Regional Co-Creation Initiative 'Shineko Culture (Synergy Farming) Project' — First Operation of Remotely Controlled Grass-Cutting Machine, Jointly Developed by Industry, Academia, and Government, at Demonstration Site

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003313.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] Launch of the Regional Co-Creation Initiative 'Synergy Farming Project' — Aiming to Create Nature-Symbiotic Communities Through Regeneration of Abandoned Farmland

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003220.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] Regional Co-Creation Initiative 'Okayama Shineko Culture (Synergy Farming) Project in Niimi City' — Installation of Wildlife Damage Prevention Fences Using Corporate Surplus Resources and Deepening Regional Exchange

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003840.000072793.html

◆ Reference Information 2

・ [Okayama University] Dr. Ryudai Ueyama, Special Advisor to the Cabinet Office, Visits Okayama University — Exchanging Opinions on the Symbiotic Consortium and State-of-the-Art Research Facilities

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003797.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] General Meeting of the Symbiotic Consortium Held at Osaka Metropolitan University — Discussing Regional Problem Solving and New Strategies for Regional Revitalization through University Collaboration

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003712.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] First Individual Meeting of the 'Symbiotic Consortium' Held — Universities in National Strategic Zones Collaborate to Drive Social Change

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002780.000072793.html

・ [Okayama University] Kickoff Meeting for Japan's First 'Symbiotic Consortium' — Universities in National Strategic Zones Collaborate to Advance Social Change

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002518