2023 Volume 59 Issue 2 Pages 74-80
In the Kita-Harima region of Hyogo Prefecture, a contractual rice cultivation system, known as the “Muramai System,” has been in place since around the 1890s between communities and sake breweries. The Muramai System is still in place in 37 communities and nine sake breweries in Yoshikawa-cho, Miki City. This paper aims to clarify the potential perceptions and value standards of farmers regarding the Muramai System, and to discuss issues for its future succession. The survey was conducted by interviewing farmers in communities that maintain the Muramai System. The results of the survey revealed that the economic value of the Muramai System has become less important as the farmers have become dual-income farmers who do not depend solely on agricultural income. Contrarily, social value, which is a source of pride and self-esteem, was considered a factor in the inheritance of the Muramai System.
