On November 14, 2024 (Thu), 32 first-year students from Tochigi Prefectural Tochigi High School visited JIRCAS as part of their “Tokyo-Tsukuba Study Tour.”

The students were divided into two groups: an indoor lecture where JIRCAS introduced its research activities and an outdoor lecture at the Hachimandai Experimental Field where rice cultivation was explained.

In the outdoor lecture at the Hachimandai Experimental Field, Dr. SASAKI Kazuhiro (Senior Researcher, Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division) explained the ongoing work on tropical rice variety improvement and the characteristics of rice varieties around the world that are not cultivated in Japan. The students actively participated by closely observing the characteristics of various rice cultivars. They also had the opportunity to present their observations and findings and ask many questions.

In the indoor lecture, the students learned about JIRCAS’s research and development activities aimed at addressing global food and environmental issues, with a particular focus on how agricultural, forestry, and fisheries research contributes to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The students asked many questions, showing a growing interest in research and technical development in this field and the toward international contribution.

Through school visits, JIRCAS aims to provide the young generation with opportunities to develop a global perspective and foster their interest in science, technology, and innovation.