#Japan #Joetsu #Redhorse Corp #Joetsu City #Kounoumai

Supporting Future Farmers: The Joetsu City Rice Project

In a prominent step towards revitalizing local agriculture and supporting future farmers, the Redhorse Corporation, based in Sumida, Tokyo, has launched the Joetsu City Rice Project. This initiative showcases rice cultivated by students from Takada Agricultural High School, making it the first time this locally grown rice is available as a return gift for the hometown tax program in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.

Established in August of last year, Redhorse Corporation has been aiding Joetsu City's efforts to promote its local charms through their hometown tax initiatives. With the current rice shortage, this program aims to introduce the delicious flavors of Joetsu rice to a broader audience. Collaborating with local farmers and agricultural stakeholders, Redhorse has produced approximately 500 tons of rice to be offered as part of these tax returns.

The Rice of Tomorrow

The highlight of this project is the Kounoumai rice, painstakingly cultivated by the dedicated students of Takada Agricultural High School. This school, with a legacy stretching back over 120 years, is synonymous with agricultural education in Niigata. The students are deeply involved in every stage of rice production—from planting to harvesting and beyond—instilling a sense of pride and responsibility in their work.

Kounoumai rice has achieved global recognition with its GLOBALG.A.P. certification, which maintains rigorous standards for agricultural practices, ensuring safety and sustainability. The rice has even been served at notable establishments during the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2023, showcasing its premium quality. Furthermore, students engaged in special cultivation techniques that have significantly reduced the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, aligned with the Niigata Prefecture’s initiatives for sustainable agriculture.

The final product is a flavorful and sticky variety known as Koshihibiki, which is cherished not only for its taste but also for its eco-friendly cultivation methods.

A Message from the Students

The students expressed their joy in being able to contribute through this initiative by providing rice as a return gift for hometown tax donations. They have been motivated to share their hard work and the benefits of their cultivation techniques with the public, hoping that many people will enjoy the rice they have nurtured with care.

“The snowmelt water from the mountains nourishes our rice, and we hope more people will taste our Kounoumai,” remarked one of the students. This sentiment encapsulates the ethos of the project: a commitment to quality and a hopeful vision for the future of agriculture.

Why Joetsu Rice?

Joetsu City, located in the southwestern part of Niigata Prefecture, is renowned for its snowy landscapes. The fertile soil and the pure snowmelt water from the Myoko Mountain Range create ideal conditions for rice cultivation, a tradition that has thrived over centuries.

Through the Joetsu City Rice Project, Redhorse Corporation aims to establish partnerships with local businesses and increase the cultivation of nutritious rice, continuing to elevate Joetsu's rice on the national stage. This project serves not only as a means of supporting local farmers and future agricultural leaders but also as a bridge between the city and its residents and supporters across Japan.

In addition to the Kounoumai rice, which is available for a minimum donation of 15,000 yen (approximately 5 kg), residents are encouraged to visit the various hometown tax donation sites. Multiple platforms, including major retailers and online services, facilitate easy access for interested contributors.

The Joetsu City Rice Project represents a promising beginning for the next generation of farmers, enhancing the community's agricultural identity while encouraging sustainable practices. This initiative embodies hope springing from the roots of cultural pride and agricultural dedication.

For detailed inquiries or participation information, reach out to the Redhorse Corporation or visit the dedicated hometown tax donation platforms for Joetsu City.

About Redhorse Corporation

Founded in March 1964, Redhorse Corporation has been committed to regional industrial support and revitalization, with a focus on community engagement and sustainable practices.

For more information about Redhorse Corporation, visit their official website: Redhorse Corporation.