2026-08-17
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS)
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

JIRCAS, in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and related organizations in Japan, will hold the “Japan–IRRI Strategic Forum and Technical Workshop on Heat-Resilient Rice Systems” in Tokyo from October 13 (Tuesday) to October 14 (Wednesday), 2026.

Rice is the staple food of more than half of the world’s population and is a critical crop supporting food security in many countries and regions, particularly across Asia. However, rising temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves associated with climate change have led to a global challenge of reduced rice yield and quality due to heat stress. The impacts extend not only to tropical regions of Asia but also to temperate regions, including Japan, making integrated research and development and international cooperation encompassing heat-tolerant breeding, crop physiology, cultivation management, climate impact assessment, and digital technologies essential.

This forum and workshop are being organized in response to the kickoff meeting of the “Cool Rice for a Warming World (CoolRice)” project, held in the Philippines on June 29, 2026. The objectives are to further strengthen collaboration between Japan and IRRI and to discuss future directions for research cooperation on heat-resilient rice production systems.
The forum will bring together policymakers, researchers, universities, private-sector representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and priority research issues facing rice production under climate change, as well as opportunities for international collaboration. The technical workshop will provide a platform for sharing research findings and infrastructure resources while exploring strategies for joint research, capacity building, and strengthening research networks. 

Through these activities, the organizers aim to build a shared understanding of heat-resilient rice production systems research, strengthen international research networks, foster future collaborative research initiatives, and contribute to sustainable rice production and global food security.
 

【Event Details】

Japan-IRRI Strategic Forum and Technical Workshop on Heat-Resilient Rice Systems

1. Dates

October 13-14, 2026
Day 1 (October 13, Tuesday), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM - International Strategic Forum
Day 2 (October 14, Wednesday), 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM - Technical Workshop

2. Venue

Tokyo, Japan (in-person event)

3. Organizer

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

4. Co-organizers

JIRCAS and partner organizations

5. Languages

Japanese and English (simultaneous interpretation available)

6. Participation Fee

Free of charge (open to all participants)

7. Registration link

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/7AtYMtpPL5

Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki

President

HASEGAWA Toshihiro

Program Director 

HAYASHI Keiichi

Press Coordinator 

MARUI Junichiro (Head, Public Relations Partnership Unit)
e-mail : info-pr@jircas.go.jp