The Japanese agriculture industry has long been admired for its resilience, productivity, and ability to overcome daunting challenges. Despite a greying agricultural workforce and the fact that only approximately 20 percent of the land area in the island nation is suitable for cultivation, Japan has emerged as a global leader in agricultural innovation. Through a combination of forward-thinking strategies, advanced technologies, and a deep respect for tradition, the rest of the world can draw valuable lessons from Japan's agribusinesses.

One of the key factors behind Japan's success in agriculture is its unwavering commitment to innovation. The country has been a pioneer in implementing advanced cultivation techniques, utilising precision farming methods, and leveraging automated robotics systems and agricultural drones to overcome the challenges of limited resources. As such, in anticipation of the forecasted water shortages by 2030, Japan has actively been investing in IoT and AI solutions to have predictive analytics algorithms that can optimise resource allocation.

These efforts have allowed Japan to not only sustain its agricultural sector but also thrive in a highly competitive global market. In 2022, the value of agricultural commodity exports from Japan witnessed significant growth from approximately JP¥313.6 billion in 2013 to around JP¥886.16 billion last year. This major pivot can be traced back to Japan’s adoption of automated machinery, remote sensing, and GPS-guided systems that allow farmers to achieve higher crop yields, reduce resource waste, and optimise land usage.

A realisation of smart and digital agriculture developed in Japan can be seen on a tomato farm in Shizuoka prefecture. Aside from a climate-controlled greenhouse that can produce a consistent harvest year-round, robotic sorting machines equipped with image recognition software, which can track damage and the size of each tomato, are also used. This, along with multiple other commitments, has paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in agriculture, ranging from robotics and automation to sustainable farming methods.

In this context, industry events such as AGRI WEEK TOKYO, GARDEX, and TOOL JAPAN continue to play a crucial role in boosting the overall agricultural industry in Japan. These annual exhibitions provide a platform for manufacturers, researchers, government leaders, and technology providers to come together, exchange ideas, and showcase the latest advancements in the field.

Through AGRI WEEK TOKYO and its concurrent shows, Japan continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving the growth and development of the agriculture sector. The lessons and practises learned from Japan can inspire and guide other nations in their pursuit of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

To participate as an exhibitor or visitor in the upcoming AGRI WEEK TOKYO and its associated shows, please visit the official website at www.agriexpo-week.jp. Mark your calendars and join AGRI WEEK TOKYO, GARDEX, and TOOL JAPAN on 11-13 October 2023 at Makuhari Messe, Japan.