Changing Climate And Agriculture.

Japan’s legendary shiki (four seasons) is under threat, leading to a cultural and agricultural identity crisis. Meteorologists and the public have popularized the term Niki (Two Seasons) to describe a climate that now feels like a grueling, extended summer followed by a sudden, sharp winter. To combat extreme heat that has damaged traditional rice crops, the government enacted the Act on Promotion of Smart Agricultural Technology. Farmers are now using AI-driven drones and automated water systems to maintain yields. Climate shifts are forcing a literal change in the landscape; regions once famous for mandarin oranges are being surveyed for transition into avocado and tropical fruit production as temperatures rise. Shortages of fresh, high-quality new rice due to heat damage have forced the government to release older reserves, leading to the viral social term kokokomai (very old rice) as consumers adapt to lower-quality staples.

©YovaniBernard