Karatsu South High School Students Harvest Honey in Eco-Region of Saga

On June 6, 2026, a collaborative honey harvest event took place at the Yokomakura Natural Coexistence Area in Ochi Town, Saga Prefecture. This event was part of the Karatsu Beekeeping Project led by the NPO, Karatsu Farm & Food. Students from Karatsu South High School's Food Distribution Course worked hand-in-hand with local residents to gather approximately 2 kg of bumblebee honey, brimming with nectar from a diverse range of flowers.

The Karatsu Beekeeping Project commenced in 2024, aiming to contribute to biodiversity preservation within a region recognized by the Ministry of the Environment as a natural coexistence site (OECM). Throughout this annual program, students gain valuable knowledge about food, local resources, and sustainable practices through hands-on beekeeping with Japanese honeybees (Nihon Mitsubachi). The project strives to establish a tradition that connects the community while promoting nature-positive initiatives and environmental education.

This unique project, titled "Cultivating Local Connections and Learning at the Karatsu Beekeeping Project – A Natural Coexistence Site", has been registered as a national collaboration program for the upcoming GREEN×EXPO 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition in Yokohama. The initiative exemplifies an innovative model of environmental education that bridges high school students with the local community, highlighting the significance of teamwork for preserving the environment while simultaneously learning.

Engaging Generations: The Harvest Event

Students, including newcomers from the first year of high school, joined this year’s honey harvest, alongside families they met at a recent green market in Fukuoka. Participants rolled up their sleeves and took part in everything from harvesting the honeycomb to extracting the honey, all while learning about the local ecosystem.

As the honeycomb was removed from the hives, the attendees expressed awe at the rich, fragrant aroma and the sweet flavor of the Yokomakura wildflower honey. The collaborative efforts of local residents and new members showcased not just the honey's abundance but the stories and traditions that anchor this initiative to the land. The golden nectar of Yokomakura is a testament to nature's gifts, crafted with care and community spirit.

Honoring Story and Quality Over Quantity

Japanese honey, often referred to as “hyakkamitsu” or bumblebee honey, is derived from a variety of flowers, manifesting the characteristics of each season and locale. While the volume may be modest, the focus lies on conveying the value through its narrative, quality, and locality. This ethos forms the foundation of a regional brand that cherishes the stories and experiences associated with the production of this honey.

The harvested honey is also available as a reward for those who participate in the hometown tax system, allowing supporters to contribute to the sustainability of both the Yokomakura area and the ongoing efforts of the project.

Voices from the Community

"Seeing first-year students and families from Fukuoka working side-by-side with local residents during the honey harvest was the highlight of the day for me. The honey produced here is not just sweet; it embodies the unique stories and flavors that can only be found here. We aspire to nurture this collaborative learning between students and the community into a traditional event that thrives for decades," shared Hiroaki Kojima, Vice Chair of the NPO Karatsu Farm & Food.

About the Karatsu Beekeeping Project

Situated in Ochi Town’s Yokomakura, the area is enriched by clear streams, bamboo groves, rice paddies, and diverse ecosystems, home to endangered species like the Japanese fire belly newt and various wildlife. This project has been successfully running since 2024, successfully harnessing the region's rich biodiversity. The program not only yields honey but has also resulted in significant educational achievements, such as the best essay award at the National High School Essay Contest, demonstrating the profound impact of experiential learning.

Our Mission

The primary focus of the project is to foster a lasting collaboration between students and local communities, aiming to establish the beekeeping initiative as a cherished, traditional event for over a decade. By aligning with national programs such as GREEN×EXPO 2027, the project seeks to sustain itself while making strides towards environmental education and awareness, promoting a harmonious coexistence with nature that thrives through collective effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Karatsu Beekeeping Project?
A: It is an annual program where students from Karatsu South High School and local residents keep and harvest honey from Japanese bees in Saga Prefecture’s first certified natural coexistence site.

Q: Where can I get the harvested “hyakkamitsu”?
A: The honey is available as a reward for hometown tax contributions, making it a unique keepsake from the Yokomakura region.

About NPO Karatsu Farm & Food

NPO Karatsu Farm & Food, based in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, actively engages in biodiversity conservation, environmental education (ESD), and circular economy initiatives. They manage the Yokomakura Natural Coexistence Area and oversee the Precious Plastic Karatsu project aimed at environmental sustainability.