#Japan #Palsystem Gunma #Isezaki City #Mame Mame Course

Harvesting Edamame and Corn in Isezaki City

On July 11, 2026, from 8 AM, families will have a chance to connect with nature by participating in a vegetable harvesting experience at "Minna no Hatake" in Isezaki City. This event, hosted by the Gunma Direct Production Council "Megurunma," marks the conclusion of a continuous agricultural experience program that began with planting in April.

Families, around 90 participants, will harvest the edamame and corn they planted months prior. The Gunma Direct Production Council and the Tone River Producers Group will support the event, ensuring all vegetables are tended to and harvested with care.

A Journey from Seed to Harvest

This event is the final session of the "Mame Mame Course," where families learned how to grow edamame and corn. Moreover, participants engaged in two previous sessions dedicated to maintaining the crops, emphasizing the necessary practices to cultivate high-quality produce. Through this immersive experience, children not only gain a deeper appreciation for food and nature but also nurture gratitude towards the producers, fostering essential food education.

Following the harvesting activities, families will enjoy the freshly harvested vegetables alongside the producers from the Tone River Producers Group. This moment of tasting the fruits of their labor allows participants to express their gratitude directly, sharing in the joy of the harvest together.

Event Details

• - Date: July 11, 2026 (Saturday)
• - Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (light rain will not cancel; severe weather will)
• - Location: "Minna no Hatake," adjacent to Isezaki City Sakai Takashi Community Center (862-3 Sakai Shimotake, Isezaki City)
• - Parking: Available at the nearby Sakai Sports Park (846 Kamitake, Isezaki City)
• - Participants: Approximately 90 families from Palsystem Gunma
• - Activities: Harvesting edamame and corn, agricultural tasks, and tasting the freshly harvested vegetables.

Future Events

Following this event, another session, focusing on red onion harvesting, will take place on November 7, 2026. A previous session in June featured participants harvesting potatoes, which will be available for sale at the upcoming Palsystem product exhibition on October 10, 2026.

Continuing Agricultural Engagement

Palsystem Gunma is holding seasonal events throughout the year to provide children with opportunities to engage with farming, linking agrarian tasks to emotional growth. Besides Isezaki, they are implementing various programs including a corn course and a red onion cultivation course that encourages families to get involved in local agriculture. Furthermore, a program called “Mame Katsu! 2026” allows families to participate in growing edamame at home, with promotional efforts encouraging people to document and share their growing experiences through a dedicated chat room.

The Impact of Local Farming on Future Generations

The "Megurunma" initiative, advanced by Palsystem Gunma and three local produce groups, is dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture, encouraging healthy living, and enhancing community vitality in Gunma. The committee proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2026, welcoming three new organizations as full members, further expanding their outreach.

In the coming year, workshops will be held to focus on organic produce and cuisine featuring dairy products, aiming to deepen the ties between consumers and producers in a sustainable way.

Conclusion

Palsystem Gunma remains committed to bridging the gap between producers and consumers, advocating for sustainable practices that ensure healthy food choices for future generations.