Although research into and practice of grassland farming in Japan have a comparatively short history of only 30 years, the results obtained have been significant and the establishment of pastures in mountainous regions and cultivation of forage crops in arable land have been implemented actively in these years. The increase in the area devoted to pastures and to the cultivation of forage crops was associated with the increase in the number of dairy cattle, the decrease of the area of natural pastures and the number of horses. Research results which contributed to pasture development include the no-tillage method of establishment of pastures, the extension of the grazing period, etc. The present level of pasture productivity is still low and improvement of daily gain through the promotion of intensive production and efficient utilization of herbage is being considered. Cropping systems adopted by progressive farmers changed from an extensive, complicated laborious system to an intensive, simple, labor-saving system, and feeding practice shifted from soiling to year-round silage feeding. The increase of productivity obtained through these changes was remarkable. For future development the need for designing effective fanning systems is emphasized and a new strategy of research is presented.