Japanophiles: Ziaul Karim - Japanology Plus

Key Concepts

• Organic Farming: Agricultural practices that prioritize ecological balance, biodiversity, and soil health, avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Plant Biotechnology: Utilizing biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use, including plant tissue culture and cloning.
• Regional Revitalization (地方創生 Chihō Sōsei): Japanese government initiatives aimed at addressing population decline and economic stagnation in rural areas.
• Stevia: A natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant.
• Papaya Cultivation in a Non-Tropical Climate: Adapting agricultural techniques to grow tropical fruits in regions with colder temperatures.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Farming practices that meet current food and fiber needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Japanophile: A person who is fond of or admires Japan, its culture, and its people.

Revitalizing Japanese Agriculture: The Story of Dr. Jial Karim

Introduction: The Declining State of Japanese Farming

Japan faces a critical challenge: a declining agricultural sector due to an aging and shrinking population. This episode of Japanology Plus profiles Dr. Jial Karim, a Bangladeshi agricultural scientist dedicated to revitalizing Japanese farming. Karim, with 30 years of agricultural research experience across five Japanese universities, combines scientific expertise with practical farming, aiming to inspire a new generation of farmers.

Dr. Karim’s Urban Garden & Miracle Plants

The program begins with Peter Barakan visiting Dr. Karim’s unconventional garden nestled between apartment buildings in Okayama, known as the “Land of Sunshine.” Karim has transformed concrete spaces into productive farmland by importing soil. He cultivates diverse vegetables, including Malabar spinach and pumpkin. A key focus is Stevia rebaudiana, a plant Karim has researched for over 20 years. He highlights its potential as a natural sweetener, offering 200-300 times the sweetness of sugar without calories, particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from diabetes, a prevalent issue in Bangladesh. Karim practices strictly organic farming, utilizing cow manure and rice bran as natural fertilizers, avoiding all chemical inputs. He emphasizes the importance of selecting plants with shallow root systems for this unique urban farming environment.

Background & Education: From Bangladesh to Japan

Born in 1973 in Ntori, Bangladesh, Jial Karim’s early life was deeply rooted in agriculture through his father’s farm. He pursued a degree in Plant Biotechnology, specializing in plant tissue culture, with the ambition of contributing to his country’s development. He focused his research on Stevia to combat rising diabetes rates in Bangladesh. In 2003, he received a scholarship to pursue a PhD in Japan, a nation that was among the first to recognize Bangladesh’s independence and has consistently provided developmental aid. Karim expresses deep gratitude for Japan’s support, stating, “Japan was the first developed nations recognize our independence after our liberation…until now Japan is helping us tremendously for our development of economy.” He completed his PhD in 2006 and returned briefly to Bangladesh before relocating to Japan with his family in 2012, seeking a better future for his children.

From Research to Regional Revitalization: The Yakage Experience

Karim initially worked as a researcher at universities in Chiba and Toyama before joining Okayama University of Science in 2014. A turning point came with his involvement in a government-sponsored regional revitalization program (Chihō Sōsei). This led him to relocate to Yakage, a rural town, to support local development through new product creation. He decided to introduce papaya cultivation, despite the challenges of growing a tropical fruit in a temperate climate. He focused on utilizing green, unripe papaya, developing products like papaya ramen and papaya leaf tea – a “Yakage brand” specialty. Karim actively engaged with local farmers, distributing seedlings and sharing his knowledge, ultimately involving 20-30 farmers in papaya cultivation across Okayama Prefecture. He learned traditional Japanese farming techniques from Sato, a local rice farmer, who became his mentor.

Current Endeavors: Green Chili Powder & Inspiring a New Generation

After completing his term with the regional revitalization program in 2023, Karim moved to Okayama City, transitioning from research to supporting international students at a vocational school. He continues his passion for agriculture as a side business, focusing on growing green chili peppers, a relatively uncommon ingredient in Japan. He’s collaborating with Maya Toshiyuki, an expert in organic farming and processed foods, to develop green chili powder for use in local restaurants, offering a unique alternative to the dominant red chili seasonings. A test at a local udon restaurant revealed the powder’s distinct flavor and heat. Karim believes the key to revitalizing Japanese agriculture lies in attracting young people to the profession. He advocates for creating enjoyable and accessible agricultural business opportunities, even as a side venture, stating, “So we should also think about agriculture business new new type business policy…to bring young people in for young people.” He also acknowledges the potential need for foreign agricultural workers.

Seminars & Community Engagement

Karim actively conducts seminars to promote interest in farming, inviting academics, international students, and utilizing social media to reach a wider audience. He emphasizes the importance of interaction and community building alongside agricultural knowledge. His former colleagues recognize his dedication to practical, on-the-ground efforts to support agriculture.

Karim’s Vision for the Future

Karim’s primary motivation is not financial gain but a desire to contribute to a thriving and harmonious society. He believes in fostering a future where everyone can live happily and contribute to Japanese society. He also expresses a commitment to supporting his native Bangladesh. He views Japan as a land of opportunity, stating, “Japan is a country where dreams come true…here Japan ensures our family security supports our livelihood.” He recognizes the urgency of addressing the aging farmer population and ensuring the sustainability of Japan’s food supply.

Notable Quote:

“Japan is a country where dreams come true.” – Dr. Jial Karim.

Technical Terms:

• Plant Tissue Culture: A technique used to grow plants from small pieces of plant tissue in a sterile environment.
• Plant Cloning: Creating genetically identical copies of plants.
• Organic Fertilizer: Natural fertilizers derived from plant or animal matter.
• Nitrogen, Potassium, Calcium: Essential plant nutrients.
• Calorie-Free: Containing no calories.
• Udon: A type of thick wheat flour noodle popular in Japanese cuisine.