A new rice cultivation method using beer yeast is gaining attention for eliminating the need to flood fields, significantly reducing labor and water use. Japan's agriculture ministry plans to launch research and development to establish it as common practice.
In Kasukabe, Saitama, a innovative rice cultivation method using beer yeast has been highlighted. Unlike traditional practices of plowing fields, flooding them, and transplanting seedlings, this approach involves direct seeding into dry paddies. It was adopted by agricultural corporations in 36 prefectures in 2025.
Yamazaki Rice, an agricultural corporation in Sugito, Saitama, which produces about 600 tons of rice annually, has applied the water-saving technique to 10% of its fields since 2024. President Yoshio Yamazaki, 51, reflected on last year's harvest: “It was comparable to rice grown from seedlings.” The method cut working hours by 70% and reduced costs.
The key is an agricultural material containing beer yeast, developed in 2015 by Asahi Biocycle Co., part of Asahi Group Holdings. When sprayed on seeds, it boosts plant immunity, promotes root extension, and enhances water absorption. Fukuda Nojo F4 farm in Abashiri, Hokkaido, started using it in 2020 and expanded to 1.5 hectares by 2025. Representative Minoru Fukuda, 44, called it “revolutionary because it allows us to grow rice even in fields that aren’t equipped to draw in large amounts of water.”
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry ran a demonstration project at eight corporations nationwide in 2024. Noting yield declines in some fields, it will research optimal water amounts, weed prevention methods, and overall management impacts. Hisao Kuroda, professor emeritus at Ibaraki University and agricultural engineering specialist, stated: “The method will lead to more effective use of water resources and may also reduce agricultural labor.” He added, “However, there have been cases in which the quality of the harvested rice has declined. In order to popularize it, the government needs to provide guidelines for cultivation methods.” This technique holds promise for addressing labor shortages in Japan's farming sector.
