{"id":72942,"date":"2026-04-07T09:36:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T00:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/?p=72942"},"modified":"2026-04-17T06:41:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T21:41:57","slug":"%e5%a4%a7%e5%9c%b0%e3%81%8c%e7%9b%ae%e8%a6%9a%e3%82%81%e3%82%8b%e6%98%a5%e3%80%81%e5%8c%97%e7%ab%9c%e7%94%ba%e3%81%ab-100ha-%e5%88%86%e3%81%ae%e3%80%8c%e3%81%84%e3%81%ae%e3%81%a1%e3%80%8d%e3%81%8c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/72942\/","title":{"rendered":"Mizuho Co., Ltd.'s "Dense Seedling Journey 2026, Second Flight" | Spring awakens the land of Hokuryu Town, and 100 hectares of "life" begin to sprout."},"content":{"rendered":"

Tuesday, April 7, 2026<\/p>\n

\nIn April, the land of Hokuryu Town was still covered in remnants of snow. However, at the fields of Mizuho Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Masami Komatsu), preparations for seedling cultivation were steadily progressing in six greenhouses. This is the sixth year of dense seedling cultivation, which supports 100 hectares (100 cho, more than 200 rice paddies). A team of 10 elite members has once again begun their journey toward that golden harvest.\n<\/div>\n

In spring, as the land of Hokuryu awakens, 100 hectares of "life" begin to sprout.<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/a>
Guided by Tomoya Nishino inside a seedling greenhouse with no remaining snow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"The snow melted early this year. We were able to start spring work without having to clear snow from inside the greenhouse."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/p>\n

A 100-hectare dream resides in six houses.<\/h2>\n

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).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Vinyl<\/a>
Vinyl stringing work<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"We<\/a>
We plan to cover the plants with plastic sheeting on a windless day early next week.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"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."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A team of 10 people running a large-scale agricultural operation.<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Takahiro Nakamura (Sapporo resident, Ready Reserve Self-Defense Force member)<\/h3>\n
\"Takahiro<\/a>
Takahiro Nakamura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"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."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Yuki Sato (resident of Shintotsukawa)<\/h3>\n
\"Yuki<\/a>
Yuki Sato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"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."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\u2014that's what drew Mr. Sato to the rural areas of Hokuryu Town.<\/p>\n

Tsutomu Komatsu (a resident of Fukagawa, and the eldest son of representative Masami Komatsu)<\/h3>\n
\"Tsutomu<\/a>
Tsutomu Komatsu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"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."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/p>\n

"I believe there will continue to be opportunities to try new things in agriculture. I encourage everyone to take on the challenge."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Because he himself is a newcomer, his words carry weight.<\/p>\n

The heart of dense seedling cultivation: seedling trays and seed soaking tanks.<\/h2>\n

The next step is to prepare the rice seeds for soaking in water, also known as "making the water tank."
\nThree custom-made flood tanks (AQUA PRO AQ-300) are planned to be installed in a row inside the warehouse.<\/p>\n

"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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Kiyotaka<\/a>
Kiyotaka Hasegawa guides you through the rice seed germination machine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tomoya Nishino picked up a seedling tray and explained it to me.<\/p>\n

\"Seedling<\/a>
Seedling trays specifically for dense seedlings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Stacked<\/a>
Stacked seedling trays<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"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."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

High-density rice seedling transplanter \u2013 the forefront of smart agriculture<\/h2>\n

Five Yanmar rice transplanters, specifically designed for dense seedling cultivation, were neatly lined up at the back of the warehouse. Their presence was overwhelming.<\/p>\n

\"Five<\/a>
Five rice transplanters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"If you load the curve key with seedlings, you can plant about 3 tan (approximately 30 ares) without needing to resupply."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.
\nWhat's even more noteworthy is the inclusion of a GPS automatic straight-line navigation function.<\/p>\n

"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."<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

"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."<\/p>\n

\"Going<\/a>
Going straight is on autopilot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mr.<\/a>
Mr. Nishino explains the heart of the rice transplanter.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

"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.<\/p>\n

\"Mr.<\/a>
Mr. Nishino and Mr. Hasegawa explained everything to us in detail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Future work plans - in dialogue with the earth<\/h2>\n