[OH26 Co., Ltd.] Virtually explore the secrets of natural cultivation and the world of microorganisms
*OH26 Co., Ltd.*
Press release: September 10, 2024
**
Virtually explore the secrets of natural cultivation and the world of microorganisms
*Hiyama Farm opens agricultural metaverse world ~1 billion
microorganisms in 1 gram of soil, experience the potential of next-generation agriculture~*
As the agricultural workforce continues to age, young people are becoming more interested in new forms of agriculture. Capturing this trend, OH26 Co., Ltd. (Representative: Haruyo Ono, location: Kodaira City, Tokyo), which operates the Metaverse demonstration experiment 17 Campus, has established Hiyama Farm (Representative: Masakazu Hiyama, Hiyama Farm is a new virtual world introducing the world of natural cultivation and microorganisms in collaboration with the Metaverse x Agriculture Project, which is located in Ishikari District, Hokkaido. We are pleased to announce the opening of “Natural Cultivation and Microbial Paradise”.
* Invisible small craftsmen who support delicious rice *
Natural rice cultivation utilizes the power of microorganisms in the soil to the fullest without using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, organic fertilizers, or compost. Each gram of healthy soil contains approximately 1 billion microorganisms, and these microorganisms play an important role in maintaining soil health and promoting crop growth.
For example, symbiotic bacteria such as mycorrhizal fungi can double the range of plant roots and increase phosphate uptake by 2 to 4 times. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria also convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb, providing the nutrients necessary for rice growth. The actions of these microorganisms make sustainable rice cultivation possible.
* Experience the world of natural cultivation in the Metaverse * “Hiyama Farm” which will open recently
“Natural Cultivation and Microbial Paradise” uses the latest virtual technology to create an experiential game that introduces you to the world of soil microorganisms, which you can’t normally see. Visitors can learn about microorganisms in a virtual gallery, and get up close to microorganisms through hands-on games, promoting an understanding of natural cultivation.
Microorganism gallery image
Microorganism world mini game image
* Holding the opening event *
To commemorate the opening of the world, we will hold the following opening event.
* Date and time: * Saturday, September 28, 2024 20:00-21:30
* Location: * Simultaneous distribution on metaverse platform Spatial.io and YouTube LIVE
*Contents:*
1. Special lecture by Yumi Hiyama “The story of delicious rice woven through natural cultivation”
2. Virtual gallery tour
3. Microbial world adventure experience session
4. Q&A session & giveaway
Event introduction URL: https://digima-campus.com/240928-2/
Participation application form: https://forms.gle/T1a2scnjYN6typhZ9
* Improve food education and environmental awareness with new agricultural experiences *
This world aims to be used as a new type of food education tool that allows you to learn while having fun. We help consumers understand the value of natural cultivation and provide an opportunity to think about the future of sustainable agriculture and food.
Currently, the area of organic farming in Japan remains at about 0.5% of the total cultivated land area, and the proportion of natural cultivation, which has even stricter standards, is estimated to be less than that. However, interest in organic farming is increasing among young people, and according to a survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, approximately 30% of those who wish to start farming want to work in organic farming.
Yumi Hiyama commented as follows. “Small creatures that we cannot see are actually the main players in producing delicious rice.Through this metaverse world, many people can experience the wonders of natural cultivation and improve food, agriculture, and the environment. I hope it will give you a new perspective.”
* How to participate *
Participation in the event is free. Please apply from the website below. https://forms.gle/T1a2scnjYN6typhZ9
* 17Campus Metaverse x Agriculture Project *
“Hiyama Farm
“Natural Cultivation and Microbial Paradise” is planned and produced by members of the “Metaverse x Agriculture Project” of 17Campus, a community that conducts demonstration experiments on the Metaverse. Eight members will discuss agricultural issues from a variety of perspectives over a period of six months, and will output the results as an event.
This project is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “2. Zero Hunger” and “12.
We aim to contribute to “Responsible Consumer Use” and “15. Let’s protect the richness of the land.”