What are Challenges and Current Situation of Regenerative Agriculture in Japan?

The conditions surrounding Japanese agriculture face several structural challenges. Japan’s food self sufficiency rate has declined continuously since 1965 and the calorie based rate currently remains low at approximately 38%. Self sufficiency rates for wheat, soybeans, and fruits are particularly low, and much of the feed for livestock also relies on imports from overseas. Furthermore, conventional farming practices in Japan still heavily rely on pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and heavy machinery. This has led to concerns about health risks from pesticides, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and impacts on climate change.

Within this context, regenerative agriculture has been gaining attention both domestically and internationally. It aims not only to reduce environmental impact but also to restore soil and ecosystems, guiding them to a better state. Internationally, the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), established in 2017 through collaboration of corporations such as Patagonia, is recognized as a leading third party certification system. It is evolving as a comprehensive standard encompassing environmental considerations, soil health, animal welfare, and social equity.

In Japan, a key challenge is the absence of a domestic third party certification body specializing in regenerative agriculture. Within the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector, the Green Food System Strategy formulated in 2021 promotes reducing pesticides and chemical fertilizers while increasing organic farming. Currently, industry, government, academia, and citizens are collaborating to conduct research and study groups on regenerative agriculture.

Reference: Regenerative Organice Alliance (Official Website) 
Reference: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 「Green Food System Strategy」

Niko Niko Farm, Practicing Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture refers to farming methods that aim to increase organic matter and restore soil health. Specific practices include no-till farming, which cultivates crops without tilling the soil, utilizing cover crops for soil recovery, and organic farming, which avoids pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Soil restored through no-till farming stores CO2. Incorporating regenerative agriculture into a company’s value chain is said to offer benefits from an ESG perspective, including climate change mitigation.

Founded in 2008, NPO ma,icca!! Niko Niko Farm is based in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture. The farm has focused on regenerative agriculture practices such as organic and no-till farming for approximately 17 years, guided by the motto “Growing vegetables without relying on pesticides or chemical fertilizers.” Beyond just farming, Niko Niko Farm creates opportunities for a diverse range of people to engage through initiatives like face-to-face vegetable sales in local markets, implementing agriculture-welfare partnerships, and accepting new farmer trainees.

We at Lively resonated with Niko Niko Farm’s vision of a “Universal Farm” where anyone regardless of age, gender, or disability, can thrive through agriculture. This shared vision led us to launch this joint program. Moving forward, we plan to develop and implement corporate welfare programs. We aim to leverage Niko Niko Farm’s proven track record in agricultural projects, Lively’s network, and co-creation experience with companies to advance these initiatives.

Reference: NPO ma,icca!! Niko Niko Farm (Official Website)

An Experiential Program to Touch the Soil, Taste Local Agricultural Products, and Reflect on the Future

The Regenerative Agriculture Experience Program offers participants opportunities to reflect on their connection to nature and food through on-site and immersive experiences such as planting seeds and harvesting crops. The program also includes a gathering where participants can enjoy special soups made with vegetables harvested at the farm, along with handmade miso, umeboshi, and locally grown rice. Through conversations with the farm staff and fellow participants, attendees deepen their understanding of sustainable food self sufficiency and future oriented food choices.

As the program facilitator, Lively focuses on designing and running experiential programs that create opportunities for people with diverse interests in food and agriculture to connect and learn.

View highlights from the first program held in October 2025 here

Reference: Cultivating Soil, Nurturing People at Niko Niko Farm, Practicing Regenerative Agriculture: Part 1
Reference: Cultivating Soil, Nurturing People at Niko Niko Farm, Practicing Regenerative Agriculture: Part 2