ONODERA GROUP Establishes Own Farm in Sekikawa Village, Niigata Prefecture! Enters Rice Business, Producing Approximately 200 Tons In-House

ONODERA GROUP (Representative: Group CEO Yuji Onodera, Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will enter the rice business and begin rice production at its own farm in Sekikawa Village, Niigata Prefecture, starting April 1, 2026.

Japanese agriculture faces serious structural challenges such as "unstable farmer income," "aging farmers," "shortage of successors due to harsh working conditions," and "response to climate change." This time, we will produce rice together with "Ito Farm" (Sekikawa Village, Niigata Prefecture), with whom we have been collaborating on food and agriculture since December 2024. The rice produced at our own farm will be used within the ONODERA GROUP. Furthermore, by actively challenging cultivation methods that promote adaptation to climate change and labor saving, we aim to provide rice farmers with stable salaries as company employees and work-life balance, striving to create a "sustainable working environment" that the next generation will aspire to.

■Three Features

1. Strengthening Rice Procurement Capabilities

ONODERA GROUP consumes approximately 9,000 tons of rice annually at over 3,000 locations, including its group company LEOC, a school meal service provider, and restaurant brands such as "Ginza Onodera" and "Nadaman." The produced rice will be used within the group. In the first year, we expect to produce approximately 200 tons, and in the future, we plan to expand the cultivated area and increase production to approximately 500 tons. This will enable stable procurement and supply of rice from our own farm.

2. Introduction of Farming Methods Aimed at Efficiency

To cope with climate change such as heatwaves and reduce labor burden, we will actively introduce "direct seeding cultivation," which involves directly sowing seeds in paddy fields, as opposed to traditional transplanting cultivation where seedlings are grown in paddy fields. In the future, we will also challenge "early winter direct seeding" to disperse the busy spring season unique to snowy regions. We also plan to utilize drones and introduce agricultural management systems that incorporate agricultural land data, thereby promoting smart agriculture.

3. From "Livelihood" to "Industry": Connecting Farmers' Wisdom in Rice Cultivation to the Future with Corporate Power

In December 2024, we took a new step forward with "Ito Farm" in Sekikawa Village, with whom we had been collaborating on food and agriculture, such as introducing "environmentally friendly rice" that contributes to greenhouse gas reduction at LEOC's business sites. While respecting the valuable techniques and knowledge that farmers have protected, we will build a sustainable agricultural model that supports "stable income" and "work-life balance" as a company to protect them.

ONODERA GROUP will take a new step towards realizing a sustainable society through this project, which contributes to the revitalization of primary industries and the reduction of environmental impact.

【About ONODERA GROUP】

ONODERA GROUP operates diverse businesses globally, including food services, human resources & technology, medical, pharma, and sports, with LEOC Co., Ltd., which provides meal services at over 3,000 locations nationwide. Under the corporate philosophy of "Joy and Impression for Customers," "Growth and Happiness for Partners," and "Contribution to Society," we continue to challenge ourselves as a leading company in creating happiness for each individual.

· Representative: Group CEO Yuji Onodera

· URL: https://www.onodera-group.jp/