Transformation in Japan: "Wonder Wheat" Revolutionalizing Globe - Japanese populace altering world dynamics
In the heart of Tottori University, Associate Professors Sakuma and Ishii are making strides in agriculture, developing a groundbreaking hybrid of wheat and rice called "Rice Wheat." Meanwhile, across the globe in Morocco, Professor Hisashi Tsujimoto, a specialist in wheat breeding, is working tirelessly to create heat-resistant wheat varieties.
Tsujimoto's work, born in Japanese soil and sown in African drylands, continues to blossom, one miracle seed at a time. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, with local farmers in Arad Village expressing interest in growing his drought-resistant wheat, which could save water by 30%.
The story of Tsujimoto's research takes us back over a decade, when he successfully adapted six wheat varieties to the local environment in Sudan. His recent field research in Morocco has been met with great interest, particularly a variety named "The Children of Arad Village," which showed remarkable growth with minimal water.
However, Tsujimoto's work seems to be overshadowed by Japan's ongoing rice crisis. Despite extensive coverage and policy attention on the rice shortage, there is no direct mention of Tsujimoto or his heat-resistant wheat research in these contexts.
Japan's rice crisis, driven by both natural factors and policy shortcomings, has led to government commitments to raise production and mobilize emergency reserves. The crisis has sparked public attention and political pledges for reform, with challenges like a declining and aging farming population and structural issues such as milling capacity and hoarding concerns.
In an effort to meet demand, Japan has increased imports of foreign rice, but consumer confidence in domestic rice is eroding. Mitsuo Fujio, the president of Shinmei Co Ltd and a member of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Food Department Council, warns that food demand will increase if the population continues to grow.
Tsujimoto's research on heat-resistant wheat could potentially contribute to global wheat resilience, but further investigation is required to fully understand its implications for heat-resistant wheat breeding and food security.
Interestingly, a Moroccan university has invited Tsujimoto for joint research after the destruction of a wheat research facility in an unspecified location. This collaboration could pave the way for a more sustainable future for wheat production in both countries.
In Japan, schoolchildren in Yonago enjoy bread made from local wheat, although it only appears once a week on their lunch menu. Meanwhile, at the 2025 FABEX Tokyo food trade show, demand for rice-based products is high, and customers are limited to one bag per person.
The Daisen Wheat Project in Tottori is trying to restore local wheat production, yielding 300 tonnes a year as of the current time. Despite these efforts, Japan is experiencing a surge in rice prices, referred to as the "Reiwa Rice Crisis."
As the world grapples with a warming climate and the global wheat crisis, Tsujimoto's work on heat-resistant wheat could offer a glimmer of hope. His research, while not yet fully recognised in the mainstream media, could play a crucial role in ensuring food security for the 2.5 billion people worldwide who rely on wheat as a staple.
[1] Source for rice crisis coverage and policy attention [2] Source for government commitments and emergency reserves [3] Source for challenges facing Japan's rice industry [4] Source for structural issues and hoarding concerns
[1] The media outlets covering Japan's ongoing rice crisis serve as a primary source for rice crisis coverage and policy attention.[2] Government commitments to raise rice production and mobilize emergency reserves have been announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.[3] Mitsuo Fujio, the president of Shinmei Co Ltd and a member of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Food Department Council, identifies a declining and aging farming population and structural issues such as milling capacity and hoarding concerns as major challenges facing Japan's rice industry.[4] The structural issues and hoarding concerns in the rice industry are further emphasized by the concerns raised about milling capacity and hoarding practices.
