This Year's Summer Research Project: "Rice Terraces"!

Yamatane Corporation (President and CEO: Iwao Kawaharada, hereinafter "Yamatane") will cooperate with the "Paddy Field Secrets: Where People and Many Creatures Live" summer vacation online seminar, hosted by the "Kodomo to IT" editorial department of Impress Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Takashi Takahashi, hereinafter "Impress") on July 22 (Wed.). This seminar, useful for summer vacation research projects, aims to deepen participants' understanding of rice terraces using a "Rice Terrace Worksheet" and is planned in conjunction with Yamatane's photo contest, the "Japan's Rice Terraces Photo Contest."

[Purpose]

Yamatane aims to be "The No. 1 Company for Protecting Rice Terraces in Japan" and is promoting initiatives for rice terrace conservation with the goals of regional revitalization and sustainable community development. Rice terraces are not only places where rice is grown but also places where many creatures and people live. As a theme suitable for research projects, rice terraces offer learning opportunities from various perspectives, including nature, food, living creatures, and local life.

This seminar will feature photographer Mitsuhiko Imada, who has been photographing rice terraces and satoyama for many years, and Mitsugu Osaki, a science teacher at Seto SOLAN Gakuen Elementary and Junior High School (Seto City, Aichi Prefecture). They will explain observation points and how to compile research materials for summer vacation projects focusing on rice terraces, delve into the charm of rice terraces and satoyama, and deliver exciting content that will make parents and children want to visit rice terraces during their summer vacation.

The "Rice Terrace Worksheet," created by Mr. Osaki in conjunction with this seminar, can be submitted directly to school as a summer vacation research project. By simply visiting rice terraces with family, observing and experiencing them with all five senses, and recording these experiences with photos and text on the worksheet, participants can deepen their understanding of rice terraces, not only the scenery but also the creatures, plants, and people involved.

[Event Overview]

Event Name: Paddy Field Secrets: Where People and Many Creatures Live

Date and Time: July 22, 2026 (Wed.) 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Format: Online (Zoom Webinar)

Organizer: Impress "Kodomo to IT" Editorial Department

Cooperation: Yamatane

Target Audience: Elementary and junior high school students, their guardians, and teachers

Participation Fee: Free

Registration: Advance registration is required via the URL below

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SqHGYUT7QDK9JwWqIE9YvQ

[Link with "Japan's Rice Terraces Photo Contest"]

Following the first "Japan's Rice Terraces Photo Contest" held in 2025, which received approximately 2,000 entries, Yamatane will hold the second "Japan's Rice Terraces Photo Contest" starting August 1 (Sat.) this year. This seminar is linked with the "Japan's Rice Terraces Photo Contest," and photos taken using the "Rice Terrace Worksheet" can be submitted to a newly established category (name undecided, entries limited to those under 18 years old). Prizes will be awarded to winning entries, so please participate!

[Speaker Profiles]

Mitsuhiko Imada (Photographer / Judge for "Japan's Rice Terraces Photo Contest")

Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1954. A photographer based in an atelier located amidst the rural landscape overlooking Lake Biwa. He has consistently pursued the relationship between nature and people through the spatial concept of "satoyama." His numerous books include "Satoyama Monogatari" (Shinchosha), "Kohhen" (Sekai Bunka Publishing), and "Sekai Konchuki" (Fukuinkan Shoten). He has received numerous awards, including the 20th Kimura Ihei Photography Award and the 28th Domon Ken Award.

Mitsugu Osaki (Science Teacher, Seto SOLAN Gakuen Elementary and Junior High School)

Born in Jyoetsu City, Niigata Prefecture. After graduating from Joetsu University of Education, he taught science and integrated studies at junior high schools in Niigata Prefecture (including a period at the Graduate School of Joetsu University of Education) before being appointed to the Junior High School attached to Joetsu University of Education. He joined Seto SOLAN Gakuen Elementary and Junior High School in fiscal year 2024. His book includes "GIGA School Support! Junior High School Science Class ICT Utilization Guide" (Meiji Tosho).