The demand for labor-saving crops and domestically produced feed has increased, as has the cultivation of grain maize in upland fields that were previously used for rice cultivation. Compared to wheat and soybeans, grain maize can be managed more efficiently in large-scale operations and on large plots, making the application of highly efficient cultivation and harvesting systems advantageous during optimal periods. Plowing tillage maintains grain maize growth and yield, increases root lodging resistance, and reduces work time by 19%-36% compared to conventional rotary tilling. Also, using a maize header for harvesting reduces work time by 21% while maintaining accuracy comparable to a reel header. Standard operating procedures for highly efficient work systems, from cultivation to harvest, have been developed and implemented for social adoption and extension. This review assesses various aspects of these integrated, highly efficient work systems for grain maize production in upland fields converted from Japanese paddy fields.