Tokyo Adventures

For our final full day in Japan, we made a day trip to Tokyo by train. We started the day off by visiting the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. There were numerous interactive and engaging exhibits to explore. The museum is supported by Sakura Science who also provided funding for this exchange experience. We were able to explore many different parts of the city and had to deal with some rain showers off and on. During one of the heavier rains, we stopped off at a Burger King for lunch and made sure to compare to what we know Burger King as in the United States. 

Following lunch, we ventured to the Sensouji Temple. The architecture was magnificent. Around the temple there were many gift shops and stores for us to explore. After a busy day we returned to Kofu and took advantage of some last-minute shopping. We look forward to safe travels in the days ahead as we return to Iowa. 

Tomatoes and Eggs Abroad

Today was our first full day in Japan and we learned a lot and took in great sites. Both of the operations that we visited were located outside of town. this provided a great opportunity to see the countryside including: rice, vineyards, natural areas, and even monkeys. We started the day by visiting Agrimind. This is a company that grows hydroponic tomatoes in greenhouses. The growing greenhouses cover 19,314 square meters (69,965 square feet). This facility was the first project of this type in all of Asia when it began in 2014. 

For lunch we had the opportunity to experience our first Japanese restaurant. The helpings were plentiful and we did not leave hungry. Next, we visited Kurofuji Poultry company that gathers 600,000 eggs per day. Everything is produced organically and with sustainability in mind. They are engaged with innovative practices of feeding algae, fermenting and mixing their own feed, creative composting, and more. We enjoyed some of their store products while discussing their farm and company before exploring their operation. 

We rounded out the evening at a local ramen noodles restaurant. After a spectacular meal some did a little shopping and exploring. 

Japan: Travel and Squid

 A group of 9 (7 students and 2 faculty/staff) from Hawkeye Community College are currently studying abroad in Japan hosted by our partners at the University of Yamanashi thanks to funding from Sakura Science. Twenty-nine hours of travel included a Hawkeye van, a couple flights, and a bus. After all of our travel we grabbed some food and beverages from a local store and are settling into our hotel before our first full day on the ground tomorrow. Some grabbed traditional snacks such as chips, ham, candy, etc., while others got more adventurous with lobster flavored crab cakes and dried squid. 

Fukushima Dairy

When people think about the Fukushima area in Japan they often remember the earthquake and tsunami that caused a nuclear crisis in 2011, but one couple is trying to change that reputation with their Jersey cattle. Linked below is a story about Daisuke and Nana Shimizu's farm. They discus their challenges and successes in the article. Within the article there is a six minute video that showcases their farm and how it operates. We encourage you to read through the article, watch the video, and utilize the discusion points to guide conversations around the globe.

Couple Dreams of Revitalizing Fukushima with Jersey Milk

Discussion Points

• What challenges do the Shimizu's face on their farm and with consumers? What are they doing to overcome these challenges?
• What are the similarties and differences when you compare dairy production at Farm Tsubasa compared to your home region?
• What did you find most interesting from this story? What is your big take away? Explain.

African Swine Flu Takes Flight

Often times individuals become frustrated with long lines at customs as they fly into another country or return home. However, this weeks featured article shows the importance of the work these custom agents have. We are featuring an article that explains how African Swine Flu became mobile via a flight to Japan. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to have conversations with others around the globe!

African Swine Fever Detected in Luggage at Airport

Discussion Points

• Why is African Swine Fever such a concern to producers around the world?
• Is there extreme concern with this sausage causing the spread of African Swine Fever? Explain.
• Put yourself in the position where you are in charge of customs at an airport. What would be your top priorities/practices to protect agriculture in your home country? Think about both animal and plants.

Sericulture in Japan

Do you know how silk is produced? It is an interesting process that most might be unaware of. Linked below is an article that explains silk production, trends the industry has seen, and what is being done to increase efficiency. We encourage you to look over the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Japan Looks to Revitalize Sericulture

Discussion Points

• Over the years what have been the trends in sericulture?
• What is being done to improve efficiency in sericulture production? What are your overall thoughts on this? Good, bad, or indifferent? Why?
• What was the most interesting piece of information you learned from this article? Explain your thoughts.
• Many challenges were mentioned in sericulture. Brainstorm and explain possible improvements that the industry could make to improve production and efficiency even more? Think outside the box. The possibilities are endless. 

U.S. and Japan Beef Trade

Agriculture products are traded around the world and are very important to agriculture markets and farmers bottom lines. This week we take a look at the relationship between Japan and the United States on trade, specifically Beef. We encourage you to look over the attached article and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the world!

U.S. Urges Japan to Eliminate Import Restrictions on U.S. Beef

Discussion Points

• What is the history of beef trade between Japan and the United States?
• What trade agreements does your home country have with others? Why are these trade agreements so important?
• Recently I moderated a panel of agriculture experts who stressed the importance of building positive relationships with other countries to strengthen trade agreements. In your opinion what are the best ways to build strong relationships with other countries?
• What are your predictions on the future of U.S. beef imports into Japan and why?