Yamatane Corporation Hosts Inaugural Rice Planting Experience for Shareholders

Yamatane Corporation Hosts Inaugural Rice Planting Experience

On May 31, 2025, Yamatane Corporation, situated in Koto City, Tokyo, held its first-ever rice planting experience event at the stunning Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Fields in Tokamachi City, Niigata. This special gathering was designed exclusively for the corporation's shareholders, marking the first event following an expansion of the shareholder benefit program.

The initiative came as a way to express gratitude to shareholders for their ongoing support and to bolster the attractiveness of investing in Yamatane's stock. The company aims to encourage a long-term holding strategy among its shareholders, hence enhancing the appeal of ownership in its shares. The expansion of the shareholder benefits program was announced on November 14, 2023, underscoring the company’s commitment to acknowledging its loyal investors.

In addition to enhancing its reward system, Yamatane Corporation has committed to sustainability efforts related to the preservation of terraced rice fields—an endeavor vital due to economic challenges and labor shortages threatening their existence. As part of this initiative, Yamatane became a corporate member of the Non-Profit Organization Echigo Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization, which manages the “Matsudai Terraced Rice Bank”. This collaboration focuses on the conservation of the breathtaking Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Fields.

The rice planting event was exclusively offered to shareholders who owned 1,000 shares or more as of the end of September 2024, allowing them to register for this unique experience. Despite the rain that greeted participants on the day, around 50 shareholders from various regions came together to take part in this memorable occasion. In addition to the rice planting, attendees were treated to freshly made rice balls by Yoshie Kamiya, known for her role as a “nigiribito” (rice ball artisan). The positive feedback reflected the event’s success, with shareholders expressing their enjoyment and the uniqueness of the experience. Participants will also have the chance to join a rice harvesting event scheduled for September 2025.

In line with Yamatane's 100-year legacy in rice wholesaling, the company continues its dedication to enhancing its corporate value while furthering the cause of terraced rice field conservation. The endeavor aims not only to elevate shareholder satisfaction but also to address pressing issues faced by local agricultural communities, fulfilling its role as a responsible corporate citizen.

Looking ahead, Yamatane Corporation is committed to boosting the attractiveness of its investments while also contributing positively to societal challenges related to rice production and preserving Japan’s rich agricultural heritage. For more information, interested parties can reach out to Yamatane’s Public Relations Department via their contact details below.