The aim of this study was to clarify how experiences with agricultural activities affect persons with mental health difficulties. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for persons with difficulties in mental health that are engaged in agriculture. The collected data were qualitatively and descriptively analyzed using the KJ method. A total of 13 persons were asked to participate in the study, including 1 farmer and 12 persons who had difficulties in mental health and used hospital day cares and/or support facilities for continuous employment. All agreed and were provided informed consent to participate in the study. For persons with mental health difficulties, by working in rice fields and other farm fields, they can stay active at outdoors and cooperate with colleagues to share the hard work of taking care of crops. As a result, they experience various scenes using their five senses, share the common place with their colleagues, and experience what they can do by interacting with various people. Our results found that feelings of self-esteem, self-confidence, and sense of security that are favorable to mental health were improved by being involved in agriculture.
