Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
260 results(9 / 11)
EXAMINATION OF THE LAND USE MANAGEMENT BY A COMMUNITY GARDEN METHOD
2014Noriko Akita · AIJ Journal of Technology and Design · Japan, United States (New York City)
This research examines the institutionalization of community gardens in Japan by referencing New York City's model. New York City has 35 years of community garden management experience and an established support structure, with many gardens having individual divisions for land use. In contrast, Japan's community gardens primarily use public spaces. The study clarified the specific support contents and management conditions in New York City.
CommunityPolicyQuantitative assessment of the Japanese 'local production for local consumption' movement: a case study of growth of vegetables in the Osaka city region
2013Hara Y., Tsuchiya K., Matsuda H., Yamamoto Y., Sampei Y. · Sustainability Science (Springer) 8, 515–527 · Japan (Osaka)
A multi-scale GIS analysis of the 'local production for local consumption' movement in the Osaka city region, estimating a ~70% vegetable production/consumption ratio within 80 km (rising to 75% by restoring abandoned farmland), quantifying peri-urban agriculture's contribution to regional food security.
都市部における体験農園経営の立地と利用者需要－東京都内を対象とした実証分析－
2013八木洋憲 · 農村計画学会誌 · Japan (Tokyo)
A 2013 empirical analysis of how location shapes demand for 'experience farms' (taiken nouen, farmer-led pay-to-participate allotments) in Tokyo, Japan, combining a user survey with small-area census statistics (Journal of Rural Planning Association 32, Special Issue, pp. 323–328). Most users lived within 2 km of the plot, and roughly 0.5% of residents within 250 m became users. Nearby competing experience farms reduced demand at more distant sites, whereas adjacent conventional allotment gardens showed no competitive relationship. For an operator this means the catchment is narrow and neighbouring facilities of the same type divide the same demand, so siting largely determines whether the operation works. The paper does not analyse fees or profit and loss.
EconomicsCommunity東京都稲城市における農家直売所の経営特性 : 都市における「農」の役割を考える
2013卓也 林 · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Japan (Inagi City)
This study examined the management characteristics of direct farm sales outlets and the role of agriculture in urban areas, using pear farmers in Inagi City, Tokyo, as an example. Field surveys confirmed a decrease in pear picking activities and a high ratio of direct sales and home delivery. While familiarity with agriculture has increased due to farmers' cooperation in agricultural experience learning and the establishment of many community gardens, a limitation was identified: to convey the value of urban agriculture to those with low interest, the enhancement of pear picking, allowing easy interaction with farmers on farmland, is required.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood educationEconomicsUrban–rural linkage「援農ボランティア」による都市農業の持続可能性 : 日野市と町田市の事例から
2013修一 舩戸 · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Japan (Hino City)
This paper examined the sustainability of urban agriculture through volunteer farming initiatives in Hino City and Machida City, Tokyo. In Hino City, the "Hinojin Ennou no Kai" has provided free farming assistance since 2006, while in Machida City, the NPO "Tagayasu" has offered paid assistance since 2002. Based on these cases, the impact of collaboration between citizens and local farmers on the sustainability of urban agriculture was discussed.
CommunityWelfareEconomicsUrban–rural linkagevegehouse project―都市農家の庭先野菜直売ユニットの計画―
2013元 山中 · Hosei University Repository (Hosei University) · Japan
This plan designs a small unmanned store for farmers to directly sell vegetables, aiming to revitalize declining urban agriculture by building relationships between citizens and farmers. Thinner timber is used as a construction material, contributing to forest reproduction through forest volunteer participation and timber purchase. The unit is designed to be foldable and movable, and methods for displaying vegetables suitable for each type are proposed.
Urban–rural linkageCommunityEconomicsRegional Distribution of Stay-type Allotment Gardens and their Stay Facilities
2013Masao Makiyama, Norifumi Hosoya, Mami Inoue · JOURNAL OF RURAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION · Japan
This study examined the regional distribution of stay-type allotment gardens (kleingartens, KGs) and their facilities, focusing on vacant facilities and future construction planning. Significant numbers of KGs and facilities were found in Nagano and Hyogo Prefectures, with Nagano having many early constructions. In fiscal year 2011, 22 KGs had vacant facilities, but this could not be solely explained by facility location density.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageA STUDY ON USER CHARACTERISTIC AND EFFECT OF ALLOTMENT GARDEN
2012Akira Yuzawa · Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ) · Japan
This study examined user characteristics and effects of allotment gardens, focusing on "the community farm YUI" in Japan. It found that the main applicants were men aged 50 or older, and key factors in choosing an allotment garden were use charge, distance from home, and agricultural guidance. The identified effects of allotment gardens included providing a purpose for living, fostering agricultural understanding, and promoting exchange among participants.
CommunityFood educationHealthEconomicsAnnual change and temporal change of fertilizer component in rooftop garden thin substratum light soil
2012Takanori Kuronuma, Saori Hashimoto, Ryuta CHIMURA, Haruaki YOKOKAWA, Kazunori Sakamoto, Hitoshi Watanabe · Journal of the Japanese Society of Revegetation Technology · Japan
This study investigated the annual changes in lightweight soil in a thin substratum rooftop garden planted with Zoysia grass. No annual changes were observed in grass growth or soil physical properties. Soil organic matter tended to increase after construction, and nutrient salt content was comparable to golf course green soil diagnostic standards. However, nutrient salt levels in unused lightweight soil were significantly higher than after construction and decreased annually. No difference in nutrient salt content was confirmed with or without additional fertilization, suggesting the need for fertilization management tailored to the unique rooftop environment.
Organic cycleBiodiversityClimate changeEvaluation of Life Cycle Carbon Dioxide Emissions through Sustainable Lifestyles Related to Food Production and Consumption: Case Study of Osaka
2012Yugo YAMAMOTO, Asami ORITA, Motoyuki NAGAI · Studies in Regional Science · Japan (Osaka)
A questionnaire survey was conducted among LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) and general consumers in Osaka Prefecture to identify sustainable lifestyles related to food production and consumption and evaluate their effect on CO2 emissions. LOHAS consumers tended to participate in local food production activities and make purchasing decisions based on health and environmental consciousness. Their total daily life CO2 emissions were 15% lower than regular consumers, but their transportation-related CO2 emissions were higher due to roundtrips to local farm shops.
CommunityClimate changeDIYThe Effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Stay-type Allotment Gardens and Some Issues of the Response to the Effects
2012Masao Makiyama, Mami Inoue · JOURNAL OF RURAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION · Japan
This study investigated the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Fudouson and Hippo stay-type allotment gardens in Marumori Town, Miyagi Prefecture. Immediately after the earthquake, management entities confirmed user safety and conducted rescue operations. Post-earthquake, some users retired, but the gardens gained new users who were earthquake victims or reconstruction workers.
CommunityPolicyWelfare農の風景育成地区制度
2011東京都都市整備局 · 東京都都市整備局（民有地の緑の保全・創出 制度） · Japan
A Tokyo system created in 2011 to conserve dwindling farmland as open space and carry the agricultural landscape into the future. Districts where farmland and homestead groves remain clustered are designated so that scattered farmland can be conserved collectively as urban-planning parks/green space. Designations include Setagaya's Kitami (the first) and Nerima's Takamatsu and Minami-Oizumi, providing the policy framework for municipal urban-farmland conservation.
PolicyBiodiversityCommunity地域固有の食文化が観光の対象となるまでの形成過程に関する一考察：大和の伝統野菜を事例として
2011Katakami T. · 観光研究 (Journal of the Japan Institute of Tourism Research) · Japan
Using Yamato traditional vegetables, examines the process by which place-specific food culture becomes a tourism resource, stressing the role of key persons creatively managing how the culture is supplied to others.
Heirloom & landraceCommunityEconomicsFood educationDESIGN LIVE LOADS FOR ROOFTOP GARDENS BASED ON SURVEY RESULTS OF URBAN DETACHED HOUSES
2011Takao Koyama, Takayuki Minagawa, Tsutomu Hanai, Hideki IDOTA · Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering (Transactions of AIJ) · Japan (Tokyo)
The validity of using residential design live loads for rooftop gardens has not been confirmed. This study proposes new design live load values for rooftop gardens based on building survey results from 24 steel-framed houses in the Tokyo area. The proposed design live load value will enable rational structural design for residences with rooftop gardens.
DIY三富地域における持続的な循環型都市農業の課題〔論文〕
2011幸治 江口 · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Japan
The Santome Area in Saitama Prefecture has practiced circular urban agriculture utilizing plain woods for 300 years, but urbanization, particularly in Kawagoe City and Tokorozawa City, is causing a significant decline in farmland and plain woods. While the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Saitama Prefecture promote urban agriculture and plain wood preservation, the plain-wood-utilizing circular urban agriculture in Santome Area faces specific problems. This paper identifies land systems, including taxation, as a central issue among these problems and examines the possibility of integrated preservation for farmland and plain woods.
Governance failureOrganic cyclePolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFactors for Transition towards Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Japan: Underlying Motivations and Challenges
2011Hiroaki Murase, Takashi Maéno, Kiyohiko Sakamoto · The International Journal of Environmental Cultural Economic and Social Sustainability Annual Review · Japan
This is a scholarly article by Hiroaki Murase, Takashi Maeno, and Kiyohiko Sakamoto, published in The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability: Annual Review.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsA quantitative assessment of agricultural production from allotment gardens
2011Shinichi TAHARA, Sayaka SHIOYAMA, Hideharu KURITA, Toru Terada · Journal of The Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture · Japan
This study in Japan aimed to identify the actual amount of agricultural production by measuring harvested products from two urban agricultural gardens. It found that production from an 'experience farm' was sufficient for annual household consumption, while allotment gardens could not reach these amounts. At the district scale (500m radius) in this study, urban agricultural gardens could cover more than 10% of all vegetable consumption by urban residents.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomics利用実態から捉えた団地屋外空間の活用による団地再生に関する研究
2010· ランドスケープ研究（日本造園学会誌）73巻5号 pp.469- · Japan
A field study of how danchi outdoor (open) spaces are actually used, examining directions for regeneration through stock utilization; it found demand was highest for children's play, followed by walking and resting, pointing to the need for regeneration plans that promote diverse outdoor uses, including gardens.
CommunityPolicyHealthThe Development of Extended-stay Allotment Garden and the Restructuring of Rurality in the Outer Area of Tokyo Metropolis : A Case Study of the Kasama Klein Garten
2010規宏 小原, Norihiro Obara · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Japan (Kasama)
This study analyzed the development factors of Kasama Klein Garten, an extended-stay allotment garden in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, focusing on "rurality" as represented in rural areas by external actors. The findings revealed that the development of Kasama Klein Garten is driven by diverse agriculture-related events and workshops offered within the facility, which promote the reconstruction of users' rurality, and this reconstructed rurality encourages continued use of the Klein Garten.
Peri-urban agricultureCommunityUrban–rural linkageRestoring Urban Fringe Landscapes through Urban Agriculture: The Japanese Experience
2010Makoto Yokohari, Marco Amati, Jay Bolthouse, Hideharu KURITA · disP - The Planning Review · Japan (Tokyo)
This paper advocates for re-establishing mixed land-use garden zones in and around cities, conceptualized as spaces for urban residents to develop local food cultures. It outlines post-war planning policies that separated urban and agricultural uses, investigates demographic shifts threatening domestic agricultural production, and examines Edo's urban agricultural heritage for a new planning paradigm. The paper demonstrates the need for multifunctional green spaces with examples from the greater Tokyo area and concludes by discussing the need for hybrid garden zones that encourage mixed urban and agricultural uses.
Urban–rural linkagePolicyCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceCost-benefit Analysys of Kleingartens in Japan
2010Satoru USHIROZAWA, Masao Makiyama, Takaaki Takahashi · JOURNAL OF RURAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION · Japan
This study evaluated the benefits of Kleingartens (stay-type allotment gardens) for local municipalities in Japan, using data on investment, maintenance costs, and user fee revenue. A main finding is that municipalities, on average, incur a considerable deficit, with a typical Kleingarten having an estimated annual deficit of approximately 240,000 yen. The study concluded that it is difficult for municipalities to achieve profit by providing Kleingartens, even with marginal improvements from increased user fees.
Economic viabilityEconomicsPolicyMultiple origins and high genetic diversity of cultivated radish inferred from polymorphism in chloroplast simple sequence repeats
2009Yamane Kyoko, Lü Ning, Ohnishi Ohmi · Breeding Science, 59(1): 55-65 · Japan
Analyzing 25 chloroplast SSR loci across 59 cultivated radish accessions and 23 wild Raphanus accessions, the study found evidence for at least three independent domestication events and high genetic diversity in cultivated radish.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversity1990年以降の兵庫県の都市における農業の変化
2009大阪産業大学 · 大産大論集 第30号, 51–60 · Japan (Kobe)
An empirical analysis of agricultural change in urban Hyogo Prefecture (including Kobe) since the 1990s, statistically tracking trends in farmland conversion and the number of farm households driven by urbanization.
EconomicsHISTORICAL CHANGE OF THE JAPANESE COMMUNITY GARDEN AND ITS PUBLICNESS
2009Yutaka Kudo · Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ) · Japan
This research examines the development processes of community gardens in Japan and discusses their "publicness" as public spaces. Japanese community gardens were introduced before WWII as a form of urban open space, similar to Kleingarten in Germany and Allotment in England. In the postwar period, they expanded quantitatively through the practical use of urban unused farmland, and are now provided from the perspective of urban environment and rural development. The publicness of community gardens in Japan has been intentionally shaped by various actors throughout their historical transition.
CommunityPolicyUrban–rural linkageGenetic diversity of the azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & Ohashi) gene pool as assessed by SSR markers
2008Xu Hong-Xia, Jing Tao, Tomooka Norihiko, Kaga Akito, Isemura Takehisa, Vaughan Duncan A. · Genome, 51(9): 728-738 · Japan
Using 13 SSRs on 616 azuki accessions from eight Asian countries, the study found highly diverse Japanese wild germplasm, supporting Japan as a domestication center, while cultivated azuki from China, Korea, and Japan were genetically distinct.
Heirloom & landraceBiodiversity