Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- 1 In spring, as the land of Hokuryu awakens, 100 hectares of "life" begin to sprout.
- 2 A 100-hectare dream resides in six houses.
- 3 A team of 10 people running a large-scale agricultural operation.
- 4 The heart of dense seedling cultivation: seedling trays and seed soaking tanks.
- 5 High-density rice seedling transplanter – the forefront of smart agriculture
- 6 Future work plans - in dialogue with the earth
- 7 Mizuho's Report
- 8 YouTube videos
- 9 Other photos
- 10 Related articles
In spring, as the land of Hokuryu awakens, 100 hectares of "life" begin to sprout.
As April begins, patches of snow still linger in many parts of town. However, there is no snow remaining inside the seedling greenhouses at Mizuho Farm.
"The snow melted early this year. We were able to start spring work without having to clear snow from inside the greenhouse."
For farmers in Hokkaido, this single phrase holds immense significance. Normally, spring begins with the arduous task of shoveling snow from inside greenhouses. But this year, that was unnecessary. Nature was on the farmers' side this spring. Mizuho Corporation's 2026 season began with a gentle tailwind.
A 100-hectare dream resides in six houses.
Mizuho Corporation uses six greenhouses for growing rice seedlings. Each greenhouse is 100 meters long, and together they cultivate seedlings for "100 hectares" (approximately 100 hectares).
When we visited in early April, the staff were in the midst of tying plastic strings to the greenhouse pipes. They were efficiently and silently working at their respective stations, attaching the horizontal bars, wrapping the plastic, and securing the strings.
"We'll cover it with plastic sheeting on a day when there's no wind. We're planning to do it early next week when the conditions are just right."
A team of 10 people running a large-scale agricultural operation.
Currently, Mizuho Corporation has a team of 10 people, including executives and staff, working on spring tasks. Two more people are expected to join during the sowing season.
Takahiro Nakamura (Sapporo resident, Ready Reserve Self-Defense Force member)
"At a time when I was considering leaving the Self-Defense Forces, I realized that farming suited me better. I enjoy being active in nature."
My encounter with Mizuho began when she was approached by farm manager Sakuraba at a fair for new farmers. Her discipline and physical strength, honed during her time in the Self-Defense Forces, are now shining brightly in the agricultural field.
Yuki Sato (resident of Shintotsukawa)
"I used to work for a cardboard company in Kitaryu. Ms. Goto's mother introduced me to Mizuho. I like machinery and I like working outdoors. The distance from Shintotsukawa doesn't bother me, so I'm working here."
Mr. Sato had the image that farming was hard work. However, after actually working in the field, he found that there was a lot of work involving farm machinery, and he felt that it suited his body. His affection for machinery and the opportunity to work under the wide open sky—that's what drew Mr. Sato to the rural areas of Hokuryu Town.
Tsutomu Komatsu (a resident of Fukagawa, and the eldest son of representative Masami Komatsu)
"Until March, I worked at Kitasorachi Agricultural Cooperative (Fukagawa City). My father is getting older, and since it's my family business, I decided to take over."
Although she understands the annual flow of farm work, this is her first time actually getting her hands dirty. While she honestly expressed her anxieties, there was a clear determination in her eyes.
"I believe there will continue to be opportunities to try new things in agriculture. I encourage everyone to take on the challenge."
Because he himself is a newcomer, his words carry weight.
The heart of dense seedling cultivation: seedling trays and seed soaking tanks.
The next step is to prepare the rice seeds for soaking in water, also known as "making the water tank."
Three custom-made flood tanks (AQUA PRO AQ-300) are planned to be installed in a row inside the warehouse.
"We line up three of these tanks here, fill them with water, and soak the rice seeds in the water. Then we move them over here and apply heat to germinate them. When the rice seeds swell up like a pigeon's breast and are about to sprout, we prepare to sow them," explains Kiyotaka Hasegawa.
The rice seeds are pre-treated with hot water disinfection at the agricultural cooperative, and vinegar is added during the soaking process. It's a meticulous process that combines years of experience with science.
Meanwhile, in one corner of the warehouse, seedling trays specifically for dense seedling cultivation were stacked almost to the ceiling. This number represents about two-thirds of the total amount used. They say there's still room to increase it further.
Tomoya Nishino picked up a seedling tray and explained it to me.
"With potted seedlings, each one has a hole in it, but the dense seedling trays are made entirely of mat-like material, and the roots intertwine inside the tray, turning it completely white. Unless it's run over by a tractor, it's practically indestructible. It can be used for many years."
High-density rice seedling transplanter – the forefront of smart agriculture
Five Yanmar rice transplanters, specifically designed for dense seedling cultivation, were neatly lined up at the back of the warehouse. Their presence was overwhelming.
"If you load the curve key with seedlings, you can plant about 3 tan (approximately 30 ares) without needing to resupply."
Rice transplanters for potted seedlings and those for densely packed seedlings have fundamentally different structures. With potted seedlings, the seedling trays are set into the transplanter, but with densely packed seedlings, the seedling mats are removed from the trays and set into the transplanter. The seedling trays of the transplanter are always left outside. This difference significantly affects work efficiency.
What's even more noteworthy is the inclusion of a GPS automatic straight-line navigation function.
"You simply set points A and B with a switch, and it will automatically travel in a straight line between them. It's simple, so it's less likely to break."
"One operator monitors the planting progress in front and behind the machine while the machine automatically controls straight-line movement. The plan to plant 100 hectares with 5 machines, 10 people, and 10 days is made possible by the accumulation of these technologies."
"Rice planting is scheduled to begin on May 15th. The plan is to plant about 2 hectares per machine per day, with a total of 10 hectares planted per machine, and the work will be completed around 3 p.m.," explained Tomoya Nishino and Kiyotaka Hasegawa in detail.
Future work plans - in dialogue with the earth
- Late April:Corn planting (using one of the six greenhouses)
- April 27th onwards:Rice planting (dense seedlings of Nanatsuboshi variety) has begun.
- Until around the end of the Golden Week holidays in May:Seedling period (approximately 18 days)
- May 15th onwards:Rice planting has begun (using 5 machines, expected to be completed in 10 days).
- Until mid-July:Rice paddy leveling using a laser leveler
This year, we will be planting only the "Nanatsuboshi" variety. By narrowing down the variety, we aim to standardize management and simplify the shipping plan.
"Please come again around the middle of the season when the sown seeds start to sprout. It's the most impressive sight then," they kindly told me.
Listening to the voice of the earth, and steadily marking the changing seasons, Mizuho Corporation's spring is just beginning to unfold.
Mizuho's Report
We have received some images related to intimacy from Mizuho, which we would like to share with you.
Meeting with members of the Self-Defense Forces on Thursday, April 2nd.
April 6th (Monday) Setting up 6 tents
Around 7:30 AM, when the wind died down, we simultaneously set up tents in all six buildings (100m).
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
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