On December 12, 2023, the JIRCAS Tropical Agriculture Research Front (TARF) held its 52nd Public Lecture entitled "Strawberry Cultivation on Ishigaki Island". The event was held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the 2F Audio Visual Room of the Ishigaki City Health and Welfare Center, and attracted a total of 81 participants.
 
Dr. NAKAYAMA Masakazu, TARF researcher, served as the lecturer and began with an overview of the basic natures of strawberries as plant and crop which has difficulties to grow in open fields  on Ishigaki Island. He then delved into the essential aspects of strawberry cultivation in a plant factory, highlighting techniques such as soilless cultivation and greenhouse environmental control. Dr. Nakayama also shared insights into ongoing TARF research focused on strawberries.
 
Following the presentation, the audience actively engaged with Dr. Nakayama, asking numerous questions and commenting on various aspects such as taste, yield advances through research, potential adjustments to the growing season, estimated electricity costs, and potential to breed new cultivars adapted to Ishigaki Island. The ensuing discussion fostered a meaningful exchange of opinions among the participants.