Building the Future of Agriculture: Noda Community FES 2026 Gathering in Tokyo
On September 26, 2026, an exciting event will take place at Tokyo University of Agriculture in Setagaya. The 'Noda Community FES 2026' will gather alumni, producers, students, and young professionals involved in agriculture and food at a time when the demand for sustainable community-building has never been higher. This event aims to explore the future of food, agriculture, and local communities through a series of panel discussions, project pitches, and networking opportunities.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, serving as a reflective backdrop for our discussions. To honor this significant milestone, we will feature notable speakers Koichi Suzuki from Suzuki Farm and Yoshihiko Niida from Niida Honke, both based in Koriyama, Fukushima. These inspiring individuals have not only invested their efforts into local agriculture and sake production but have also worked intimately with their communities through past challenges. They will shed light on the concept of recovery, emphasizing the current challenges that arise in sustaining and revitalizing local industries rather than merely returning to past norms.
Suzuki, an alumnus of Tokyo University of Agriculture with a degree in Agricultural Economics, has established a successful farm cultivating over 400 varieties of vegetables and has been a key figure in the establishment of the Koriyama brand of vegetables. He will discuss his endeavors in promoting agricultural development and bridging gaps between the fields of culinary arts and agriculture, including initiatives like the 'Food Camp' that connect chefs with local produce.
Meanwhile, Niida, who graduated from the university's brewing department, will speak about his mission to protect Japan's rice paddies through sustainable sake brewing. As the 18th head of Niida Honke, he has committed to using organic rice and natural water, and strives to obtain regenerative organic certification for rice paddies by 2025. His dedication to environmental sustainability also includes crafting wooden sake barrels from the cedar trees on his own land.
In addition to inspiring talks, the festival will feature diverse programming from both alumni and current students, tackling themes around agricultural management, food systems, and development challenges facing local communities. Students will have the opportunity to pitch projects aimed at addressing these vital issues while fostering collaboration and learning across generations.
The Noda Community FES is open to all individuals who share an interest in agriculture, food, and community revitalization. Participants can expect a day filled with insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration with industry professionals and local community members.
Event Details:
- Initiatives by alumni and agricultural producers
- Project pitches from current students
- Networking events
Participation Fees:
To register for the event, please use the following link: Event Registration
In collaboration with 'Noda Grand Marche,' organized by Noda Support Co., the event will also showcase a variety of agricultural products and processed goods, allowing visitors to engage directly with producers and experience the essence of agriculture firsthand.
The festival will promote a vibrant atmosphere where various stakeholders can come together, exchanging ideas around food, agriculture, and community-building. The day’s highlight will be an interactive networking session that goes beyond mere card exchanges, focusing instead on establishing supportive relationships and new collaborative ventures driven by shared interests.
About Noda Community:
Noda Community has been established as a collective for alumni from Tokyo University of Agriculture. Committed to energizing Japan through a spirit of 'Noda Soul,' it connects people from diverse backgrounds who are involved in agriculture and food. As we enter our fourth year of activities, we continue to host events, disseminate information about producers and alumni, support the activities of young professionals, and facilitate networking opportunities within the agricultural community.
For more information, visit our community site: Noda Community
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, serving as a reflective backdrop for our discussions. To honor this significant milestone, we will feature notable speakers Koichi Suzuki from Suzuki Farm and Yoshihiko Niida from Niida Honke, both based in Koriyama, Fukushima. These inspiring individuals have not only invested their efforts into local agriculture and sake production but have also worked intimately with their communities through past challenges. They will shed light on the concept of recovery, emphasizing the current challenges that arise in sustaining and revitalizing local industries rather than merely returning to past norms.
Suzuki, an alumnus of Tokyo University of Agriculture with a degree in Agricultural Economics, has established a successful farm cultivating over 400 varieties of vegetables and has been a key figure in the establishment of the Koriyama brand of vegetables. He will discuss his endeavors in promoting agricultural development and bridging gaps between the fields of culinary arts and agriculture, including initiatives like the 'Food Camp' that connect chefs with local produce.
Meanwhile, Niida, who graduated from the university's brewing department, will speak about his mission to protect Japan's rice paddies through sustainable sake brewing. As the 18th head of Niida Honke, he has committed to using organic rice and natural water, and strives to obtain regenerative organic certification for rice paddies by 2025. His dedication to environmental sustainability also includes crafting wooden sake barrels from the cedar trees on his own land.
In addition to inspiring talks, the festival will feature diverse programming from both alumni and current students, tackling themes around agricultural management, food systems, and development challenges facing local communities. Students will have the opportunity to pitch projects aimed at addressing these vital issues while fostering collaboration and learning across generations.
The Noda Community FES is open to all individuals who share an interest in agriculture, food, and community revitalization. Participants can expect a day filled with insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration with industry professionals and local community members.
Event Details:
- - Event Name: Noda Community FES 2026
- - Date and Time: September 26, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
- - Location: Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya Campus, Tokyo
- - Activities:
- Initiatives by alumni and agricultural producers
- Project pitches from current students
- Networking events
Participation Fees:
- - Part 1 (Lecture): Adults: 1,000 yen; Students: Free
- - Part 2 (Networking): Adults: 6,000 yen; Students: 3,000 yen
To register for the event, please use the following link: Event Registration
In collaboration with 'Noda Grand Marche,' organized by Noda Support Co., the event will also showcase a variety of agricultural products and processed goods, allowing visitors to engage directly with producers and experience the essence of agriculture firsthand.
The festival will promote a vibrant atmosphere where various stakeholders can come together, exchanging ideas around food, agriculture, and community-building. The day’s highlight will be an interactive networking session that goes beyond mere card exchanges, focusing instead on establishing supportive relationships and new collaborative ventures driven by shared interests.
About Noda Community:
Noda Community has been established as a collective for alumni from Tokyo University of Agriculture. Committed to energizing Japan through a spirit of 'Noda Soul,' it connects people from diverse backgrounds who are involved in agriculture and food. As we enter our fourth year of activities, we continue to host events, disseminate information about producers and alumni, support the activities of young professionals, and facilitate networking opportunities within the agricultural community.
For more information, visit our community site: Noda Community
Topics People & Culture）
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