Shinichiro Matsugami of the Ground Self-Defense Force (third from right) with members of the "Agricultural Self-Defense Force" and local resident Masahiro Ito (second from left) on November 15 in Tako Town, Chiba Prefecture. (©Sankei by Hiroaki Okada)
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The voluntary group known as the "Agricultural Self-Defense Force" was launched in January 2025. It is informally dubbed the "fourth Self-Defense Force," following the land, sea, and air forces.
Now active in Tako Town, Chiba Prefecture, the five-member team is made up of active Ground Self-Defense Force personnel and company employees. The group aims to help retired SDF members transition into farming while also addressing Japan's serious agricultural labor shortage.
On November 15, in fields near Narita Airport in Tako Town, airplanes passed overhead every few minutes as the group worked in rice paddies. They were preparing for their first planting next spring. Wearing T-shirts printed with "Noei" ("Agricultural Defense") on the back, they tended the fields under the autumn sky.
The 'Commander' and His Team
The group was launched by Shinichiro Matsugami (50), an active member of the Ground Self-Defense Force who calls himself the "Commander." His "Deputy Commander," Takafumi Inoue (50), is a company employee and the only member who lives locally. The other members travel from outside the prefecture on their days off.
Matsugami first became interested in farming through an agricultural trial program in 2024. There, he was struck by the severe shortage of farming successors.
"Defending the nation and safeguarding the nation's food supply are closely connected," he said. He believes farming offers an ideal second career for physically fit retired SDF members. That idea ultimately led to the group's formation.
According to the Defense Ministry, there are two main types of Self-Defense Force retirements. These include early mandatory retirement in the mid-50s and fixed-term service ending in the 20s to mid-30s. In fiscal 2023, about 7,600 personnel retired, with most finding reemployment in the service sector.
Only around 1 percent entered primary industries such as agriculture. Farming, however, poses high barriers. These include difficulty leasing land, the high cost of agricultural equipment, and a lack of technical skills.
A New Dream
In June, the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reached an agreement to promote the reemployment of retired SDF members in primary industries. However, Matsugami says local government offices are still unsure how to move forward in practical terms.
To overcome those hurdles, the group is learning rice farming from the ground up. They are being guided by Masahiro Ito (60), a part-time farmer in the Ushio district. Ito has lent them about 0.2 hectares of farmland.
"Touching the soil and breathing the fresh air is refreshing," Matsugami said. "I've gained a deeper appreciation for food."
Tako Town is known for its premium "Tako Rice," one of Chiba Prefecture's three major branded rice varieties. Each fall, producers compete in a local Grand Prix rice contest. Encouraging the rookie farmers, Ito urged them to enter next year's competition. As they hesitated, he added with a smile, "After all, you have a good mentor."
With dreams of producing prize-winning rice, the members are steadily strengthening their teamwork. They are taking on a new mission — this time in the fields.
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Author: Hiroaki Okada, The Sankei Shimbun
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