From flatlands to cold uplands over 1,200 meters above sea level, a wide variety of agriculture takes place in our prefecture that takes advantage of the characteristics of these fertile farmlands.
Our prefecture is blessed with rich water resources such as rivers like the Kinu River. These water resources make the production of high-quality agricultural products possible.
The climate here is mild throughout the year. Long winter daylight hours and a large day-night temperature difference allows the production of a wide variety of agricultural products, making Tochigi’s agricultural production the ninth largest in Japan.
We are promoting exports of agricultural products to meet the demand of individual countries. For example, we export mainly strawberries and pears (Nikkori) to South East Asia and beef (Tochigi Wagyu) to the US and Singapore.
We are advertising the attractiveness of Tochigi agricultural products to further expand their export by working with local buyers to plan and carry out promotions targeting consumers in destination countries and by inviting local buyers to Tochigi prefecture.
We support areas that export products by helping them negotiate for sales channel development and creating materials for keeping products fresh. By doing so we are on our way to further expanding our appealing agricultural products.
Tochigi Wagyu is the name of a beef brand. Only top-grade beef, with the yield grade of A or B, and the meat quality grade of 4 or 5 (5 is the highest) from cows of the Japanese Black breed that are raised with meticulous care and attention by designated producers in Tochigi is entitled to this brand name.
In FY2019, 25,400 tons of strawberries were produced in Tochigi prefecture. Since 1968, meaning for over a half century, we have been the largest strawberry producer in Japan.
Nikkori is the local pear brand developed in Tochigi prefecture. The brand "Nikkori" is named after "Nikko", the nationally famous sightseeing destination in Tochigi prefecture, and the Chinese character "梨" which is pronounced as "Ri" in Chinese.
In December 2013, "Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese" was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, making Japanese food once again attract global attention. This also has led to an increased volume of rice exports. Targeting further expansion of rice exports, we put a lot of effort into promotions to overseas markets such as South East Asia and the US.
In this video, foreigners living in Tochigi Prefecture learn about the ingredients produced in Tochigi and try them to find out how delicious Tochigi products are. Please take a look! (English version)
