Participated in Activities for the Matsudai Tanada Bank in Fiscal 2024
Rice terraces where Kajima employees participated in planting and harvesting rice
Since 2022, Kajima has supported the Matsudai Tanada Bank*1 (Matsudai, Tokamachi City, Niigata) as a corporate owner. This initiative cultivates rice in paddy fields that would otherwise be left untended. Over the past year, our employees took part in rice planting and harvesting events, as well as cafeteria events using the harvested rice. Through these activities, we raised employee awareness and deepened understanding of rice terrace preservation.
In FY2024, the rice terraces faced challenges including light snowfall in winter and insufficient rainfall in early spring, leading to water shortages and even drought in many fields. Thanks to measures such as pumping water from reservoirs and rivers, planting could proceed as scheduled. On May 25 and 26, 182 participants, mainly members of the Matsudai Tanada Bank, joined the planting event. They spent the day planting rice by hand under the guidance of local farmers.
Planting rice
Doing stretches during a lunch break with a local soccer team
On September 28 and 29, after enduring the hot summer, the golden rice fields were ready for harvest. A total of 232 participants joined the harvesting event, where they cut, bundled, and set up the rice plants for drying (hazakake), again under the guidance of local farmers. Like the planting event, it provided a fulfilling hands-on experience, leaving participants with both a sense of accomplishment and pleasant fatigue.
A large number of rice plants were harvested
The harvest set up for drying
As with the previous year, the terraces suffered from a shortage of rainfall. However, sufficient rain during the ripening stage allowed for a successful harvest of high-quality Koshihikari rice, noted for its rich sweetness and flavor.
Employees enjoying the freshly harvested rice at one of our company cafeterias
A terrace rice raffle held at a company cafeteria
On December 4 and 5, we held a "Terrace Rice Event" at the cafeterias of Kajima's head office buildings in Minato-ku, Tokyo, featuring the newly harvested rice. Alongside the fresh rice, local specialty dishes and carefully selected ingredients were served. After the meals, rice raffles were held, and information on rice terrace preservation was shared through posters and leaflets.
Going forward, Kajima will continue to contribute as an official supporter of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' program "TSUNAGU TANADA Heritage-Passing Hometown Pride to the Future." Through both business and social contribution activities, we will help build sustainable farming environments in rice terrace regions while promoting their cultural and environmental value.
*1 Matsudai Rice Terrace Bank official website
https://www.echigo-tsumari.jp/en/support/tanada-bank/
