Research and production of vegetables in Japan

摘要

Research and production of vegetables in Japan were reviewed for the last 55 years. Research and production were affected strongly by policy and socio-conomic conditions. Bsically owner-farmers changed from tenant-farmers had a strong incentive to grow vegetables. Researches were made on problems, which appeared as a policy was adopted or as socio-economic conditions changed. Successful use of plastic films for protected cultivation had a most remarkable effect on vegetable production in Japan. Many important researches contributed to its development. However, outflow of labor force from rural areas to city, which started in the 1960, caused a serious shortage of agricultural labor. At this time, laborsaving technique is most required for vegetable production at a low cost under conditions of labor shortage.