From May 31 to June 10, 2026, the Faculty of Agriculture at Shinshu University welcomed nine undergraduate students and an accompanying professor from one of our partner institutions, California State University, Chico, in the United States of America, for the inaugural inbound Short-term program titled "Tradi-Smart Shinshu Program".

The program explored how traditional knowledge and culture of food and agriculture and new technologies coexist in Shinshu. Through lectures, discussions, laboratory visits, farm activities, factory tours, and cultural experiences, students examined how healthy longevity, fermentation, sustainability, rural communities, and smart agriculture are interconnected.

Field activities included natural rice cultivation in the Ina area, smart agriculture and climate data activities in the Shinshu University Education and Research Center of Alpine Field Science Nobeyama Station, a visit to local food factories, learning about food processing and miso production, and visits to traditional eggplant and tea plantation in Tenryu Village. Students also gained insight into nationally-known local food businesses and regional food systems in the Ina area.

The students stayed with local host families and participated in intercultural activities with Shinshu University students. These experiences provided opportunities to become familiar with everyday life in Shinshu and to exchange ideas about food, culture, and university life in Japan and the United States.

On June 10, the students presented their final reflections on healthy longevity, fermentation, traditional agriculture, smart technology, sustainability, and rural revitalization. They also discussed what other regions could learn from Shinshu and what Shinshu could learn from international perspectives.

Participant feedback showed a high level of satisfaction with the program, particularly regarding hands-on activities during field visits, homestay experience, lectures, and cultural exchange activities.

The Faculty of Agriculture sincerely thanks those who supported this program: host families, farmers, companies, organizations, community partners, Shinshu University students, faculty and staff. We look forward to further strengthening collaboration between Shinshu University and our Global partners.

Courtesy Visit to the Dean

Training at the Nobeyama Station, Faculty of Agriculture

Practical Training in Tea Fields

Reflections on the Training

At the Certificate Award Ceremony