Supporting Matsudai Tanada Bank through Rice Harvesting and "New Rice" Events: Continued Participation in Conservation Activities in Fiscal 2025
In 2025, Kajima continued its support of the activities of the Matsudai Tanada Bank (Matsudai, Tokamachi, Niigata), which leases and cultivates rice paddies that are no longer tended by local farmers. Employees and their families participated in rice planting and harvesting, and on December 1 and 2, events were held at the cafeterias of Kajima’s head office buildings (Minato-ku, Tokyo), where newly harvested rice was served to celebrate the harvest and to raise awareness of the significance of conservation activities.
While rice terraces contribute not only to food production but also to ecosystem conservation and disaster prevention, their locations on mountain slopes and their limited areas make the use of agricultural machinery difficult, which has resulted in a serious shortage of farmers. Based in one of Japan's leading rice terrace regions, the Matsudai Tanada Bank addresses this issue by recruiting "foster farmers" (owners) to invest in these rice terraces, undertake their cultivation, provide services that deliver rice in proportion to the area owned, and offer opportunities for people to participate in activities such as rice planting. Kajima has been conducting smart agriculture demonstration projects in the surrounding area and, as part of its environmental conservation and community contribution efforts, has continuously supported these activities since becoming a corporate owner in fiscal 2022.
In the operating area of the Matsudai Tanada Bank, which aims to conserve the satoyama landscape that serves as the setting for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale held in the Echigo-Tsumari region of Niigata, yellow and blue art objects inspired by agricultural work dot the area.
In fiscal 2025, marking the fourth year of participation, planting got off to a smooth start thanks to an ample supply of meltwater following heavy snowfall. Amid the heightened interest caused by rice shortages, a total of 283 people, around 100 more than the previous year, took part in the rice planting events held on June 7 and 8. Under the early summer sun, Kajima employees worked up a satisfying sweat as they carefully planted seedlings one bundle at a time. Matsudai later experienced a record drought, but thanks to substantial rainfall in late August, average rice quality and yields were ultimately secured. Over the two days of rice harvesting events held on October 4 and 5, a total of 237 participants experienced the harvest season amid the swaying golden rice. In fiscal 2025, the Matsudai Tanada Bank was responsible for the conservation of a total of 180 rice terraces covering 115,457 square meters and harvesting 21,150 kilograms of rice.
At December's "Terrace Rice Event" held at the employee cafeterias of Kajima's head office buildings, newly harvested rice was served alongside regional specialty dishes. After the meal, a raffle was held where participants had a chance to win a three-go bag of terrace rice (about 540 ml) , and through activities such as the distribution of flyers, employees deepened their understanding of conservation efforts while enjoying the event.
"Terrace Rice Event" held at Kajima's head office
The distribution of event posters (left) and flyers (right) promoted the importance of rice terrace conservation.
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.
* Matsudai Tanada Bank official website
https://www.echigo-tsumari.jp/en/support/tanada-bank/
