Japanese Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
—Rice and Carp Cultivation System Using Meltwater—

The Nagaoka-Ojiya “Birthplace of Nishikigoi” Revitalization Promotion Council, which is made up of citizens’ groups from both cities, JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives), and various organizations dealing with nishikigoi (multi-colored ornamental carp), sent in a petition to have their Rice and Carp Cultivation System Using Meltwater recognized as a Japanese Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage System. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries certified the council’s request in the 2016 fiscal year.
This certification signifies that this community’s agricultural system, handed down continuously through the generations, of using terraced rice paddies and terraced ponds to cultivate rice and nishikigoi has been recognized to be representative of Japanese culture. This certification also has a deep connection with the citizens’ pride and the development of regional brands.

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