Discover the Treasures of Rural Japan: Award Now Open for Entries!

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan has officially opened the application period for the "Discover Rural Treasures Award" (12th selection), aimed at highlighting efforts that contribute to revitalizing and enriching Japan's rural areas. This initiative is designed not only to recognize exemplary practices but also to promote successful rural case studies that can serve as models for other communities nationwide.

Overview

MAFF is dedicated to creating a strong agricultural sector and vibrant rural communities. The "Discover Rural Treasures Award" focuses on identifying and showcasing outstanding initiatives in rural areas that leverage local resources to enhance community vitality and increase income levels. As part of this ongoing effort, applications are invited from local participants to share their innovative projects.

Selected areas will receive a certificate of recognition and have their activities publicized on the special award website, ensuring that the accomplishments of these communities gain wider visibility across Japan.

Special Award Website

Application Details and Eligibility Criteria

(1) Application Details

Applications are welcomed across three broad categories that reflect the following focal areas:

- A: Efforts to pass down beautiful and traditional rural customs to future generations.
- B: Initiatives that aim to revitalize the agricultural sector through collaboration across various fields and regions.
- C: Projects that align domestic agriculture with emerging overseas markets and demand.

There are two divisions in the award: a "Group Division" for organizations, and an "Individual Division" for individual applicants.

(2) Eligibility Criteria

- A: Organizations and individuals engaged in projects that fit into the aforementioned categories are welcome to apply, regardless of self-nomination or third-party nomination.
- B: It’s possible to apply in both the “Group Division” and “Individual Division”.
- C: Previous winners cannot apply again; however, members of past winners can apply in the “Individual Division”. Groups recognized in local versions of the award may reapply.

(3) Application Period

The application window is from June 2, 2025, to August 12, 2025.

(4) Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by an expert committee, and approximately 30 outstanding cases will be selected. Additional awards will be given for excellence in various categories:

- A: For the Group Division, categories such as Business Innovation (incorporating income-boosting initiatives and job creation) and Community Produce Outreach (projects bringing regional vitality through collaboration) will be recognized.
- B: Individual awards will highlight significant contributions made by outstanding individuals.

Moreover, among the selected examples, the most exemplary will be named "Grand Prize", and particularly innovative projects will receive "Special Awards".

(5) Announcement of Results and Certificate Presentation

Results will be made public between October and November 2025 on the official award website. Selected areas will be honored at a certificate presentation ceremony, with an invitation for a networking session following the announcement.

(6) Previous Grand Prize Winners

- 11th Award (2024): Horokanai High School, Hokkaido - Learn more
- 10th Award (2023): Oda Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shimane - Learn more
- 9th Award (2022): Okinawa UKAMI Silkworms, Nakijin - Learn more

How to Apply

To submit your entry, please fill out the application form with your necessary details and attach the application document (Word file) here. Consult the detailed application guidelines on the award's special website for further instructions.

Attached Documents:

- Application Guidelines (PDF: 786KB)
- Recruitment Leaflet (PDF: 6,661KB)
- Additional Materials (PDF: 1,041KB)

This award represents a unique opportunity for communities and individuals to celebrate and innovate in the agricultural landscape of Japan, showcasing the beauty and power of rural areas across the nation.