Beneficial microbes in the soil of rice paddies could be key allies in a collaborative project to build a circular agricultural economy in the celebrated rice-growing region of Niigata, Japan.

In this episode of Focus, we explore Niigata's groundbreaking innovations, from turning rice into sustainable plastics to ...

In a rice field in Niigata prefecture, Japan, a small robot trundles along on big orange wheels, navigating a ridge edging the paddy while hacking away at weeds. This compact machine’s work is ...

Niigata Prefecture, known for its rice, is redefining sustainability. Local startup Rice Resin turns wasted rice into low-carbon plastics, reducing petroleum use and emissions. Meanwhile ...

We journey the JR Hakushin and Uetsu Main Lines of Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures in search of traditional food culture in one of Japan's major rice-producing regions. At Niigata Station we ...

NIIGATA--Featuring three massive sculptures ... Around 540 kilograms of straw were used for each installation. The rice was grown in paddy fields at seven elementary schools in the ward.