Shimane and Tottori, Japan

GROW participants are introduced to Japanese agriculture on the family-run farms of Shimane and Tottori Prefectures. Located in a region historically rich in agriculture, it’s home to wide swathes of farm land. However, as career trends in Japan lean towards tech-driven industry, the region faces a shortage of would-be farmers.

That’s where GROW comes in, bridging the gap between Japan’s short-staffed farms and ready-to-learn young professionals. Participants get a first-hand introduction to Japan’s vibrant farming practices while helping plant and harvest thriving crops.

This region of Japan has been selected as the population breakdown and current job trends do not favor agricultural work, causing a shortage of local farmers and threatening traditional industry. We would like to boost the agricultural capacity of the region to meet the amount of land dedicated to farming, while additionally providing related community services like language cafes, computer classes, public greenspace care, and more. There is also a great deal of information sharing that can be done in each region surrounding organic farming methods, improving the practices, understanding and health of people abroad.

The experience provides a chance for rich cultural exchange, from getting to know the local language to immersion in Yasugi’s award-winning museums and relaxing pace. Agricultural wisdom and technique varies greatly from nation to nation, so participants from the US will have the unique opportunity to get to know a different perspective on farming.