Revitalizing Noto: The Off-Grid WEAZER Initiative for Terraced Rice Paddy Conservation

On February 3, 2026, a groundbreaking alliance was formed in Himi City, Japan, comprising regional partners including Yamatané Co., Ltd., ARTH Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Together, they established a partnership to promote sustainable local development focusing on the preservation of terraced rice paddies, which are recognized as a national treasure by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture. This collaboration aims not only to safeguard agricultural heritage but also to lay the groundwork for a sustainable future through innovative concepts.

The Beauty of Traditional Terraced Rice Paddies

The terraced rice paddies in the Nagasaka area of Himi City boast breathtaking views of the Tateyama mountain range and have been designated as a “Connecting Terraced Rice Paddy Heritage.” However, the area faces a critical shortage of caretakers as well as an aging farming population, leading to grave concerns about the maintenance of these historical landscapes.

To address these challenges, the partnership aims to construct a sustainable community model through three core principles:
1. Conservation and Value Enhancement of Rice Paddies: Maximizing the value of terraced rice and developing systems to revive abandoned farmland.
2. Creating Relationships: Offering opportunities for urban residents to experience local agriculture, history, and culture through accommodation facilities.
3. Legacy for the Future: Establishing a sustainable circular model to pass down local resources to future generations.

A New Lifeline: Off-Grid Innovations for Disaster Recovery

The Noto Peninsula earthquake in 2024 severely affected Himi City, making the recovery process crucial for local communities. A pivotal aspect of this initiative is the introduction of the off-grid module, "WEAZER," which allows accommodations to achieve complete self-sufficiency in energy and water, relying solely on natural assets like solar power and rainwater. This first-of-its-kind project aims to demonstrate a novel approach to community resilience and disaster recovery.

The WEAZER system's ability to operate independently of conventional infrastructure positions it as a viable solution for sustaining local communities during challenging times. By minimizing environmental impact, WEAZER seamlessly coexists with the scenic beauty of Japan's terraced rice paddies.

Roles of Stakeholders in the Partnership

This partnership invites contributions from the five participating entities, leveraging their unique insights and resources to tackle local issues from multiple angles:

- Himi City: Provides support for partnerships with local businesses and the community.
- Nagasaka Area: Works on the maintenance of rice paddies and cultural heritage, facilitating urban resident exchanges.
- Yamatané Co., Ltd.: Coordinates accommodation facilities and enhances the value of terraced rice, potentially through NFTs.
- ARTH Co., Ltd.: Responsible for constructing and managing accommodations using the WEAZER system and developing local experience content.
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation: Offers business support for accommodation projects and fosters collaborations between local and outside businesses.

Together, these efforts aim to create a new regional economic model merging off-grid technology with the preservation of terraced rice paddies, showcasing a pathway to a sustainable future starting from Himi City and spreading across Japan.

About WEAZER

WEAZER is an architectural module that achieves 100% self-sufficiency in electricity and water, liberated from traditional infrastructure while eliminating CO2 and wastewater emissions. This innovative model promises an unforgettable stay that respects and coexists with the natural world.

For more details, visit the official website: WEAZER
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