On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) welcomed 42 first-year students from Tochigi Prefectural Tochigi High School for the 20th session of the “Future Science Talent Academy.” The school conducts science training programs to enhance students’ interest in science and raise awareness of future career paths, and this visit was part of that program.
The session consisted of two parts: a lecture in the JIRCAS main building’s international conference room and hands-on training at the Hachimandai experimental field. Students were divided into two groups and took turns attending the lecture and participating in the field exercises.
During the lecture, JIRCAS’s research activities and international collaborations were introduced, explaining how research in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries conducted with global partners contributes to the food systems and daily lives of people in Japan. The session also focused on the current state of food production in Japan and global food production and distribution, providing concrete examples to show the significance of Japan’s cooperation in research and technology development in developing countries.
In particular, students engaged in group discussions on the topic of “How research in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” sharing their group opinions with each other. This discussion allowed students to reflect on the potential of science from their own perspective.
At the Hachimandai experimental field, Senior Researcher SASAKI Kazuhiro of the Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division led the hands-on training. Students compared five varieties of rice and were challenged to identify four differences among them. They observed carefully, touched the plants, and discussed their findings within their groups.
Some students husked rice grains to enable close observation, while others tasted different varieties to compare flavor and texture. Dr. Sasaki was impressed by the students’ keen observation and analysis. Based on the students’ findings, he explained the differences among Japanese and global rice varieties, their history, the Green Revolution, and current sustainable agriculture. He also addressed contemporary social issues surrounding food, such as the recent spikes in rice prices.
Dr. Sasaki shared his own career journey, describing how experiencing a cold-weather crop failure in middle school sparked his interest in crop breeding and how his work at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) allowed him to contribute to global rice research. He encouraged students to “cherish what you are interested in now.” Another staff member who guided the students around the fields also shared his own path, explaining how an early interest in space research led him to agriculture, and urged the students to explore various fields and develop an interest in agriculture.
Through this visit, the students deepened their understanding of the potential of science, the social significance of research, and the importance of international cooperation, while reflecting on their future career goals. JIRCAS aims to continue providing opportunities for young scientists to experience research firsthand and further stimulate their interest and curiosity in science and technology.
