This research explores farmland markets as social networks in and around a local community. Specifically, following international trends in rural studies, this study adopts the theoretical framework of New Economic Sociology and Qualitative Social Network Analysis. Focusing on brokers who reduce Transaction Costs, it reveals the scope of networks and transaction channels within the farmland market. The results of a case study show that networks mainly consist of actors connected by “embedded ties” such as relatives, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances, with trust and reputation among actors providing transaction channels of farmland markets. Agricultural land policy requires the government institutions working together with “trusted” brokers in cooperation.

Consumer acceptance is an important factor in expanding the application of sewage-sludge fertilizer. This study investigates consumer acceptance of the agricultural use of sewage-sludge fertilizer and purchase intention for products grown using it. Based on data from an online survey of 1,860 consumers nationwide, we employed a generalized ordered logit model for analysis. The findings reveal that public awareness of sewage-sludge fertilizer is markedly lower than that of conventional fertilizers and is frequently associated with negative perceptions. Crucially, higher consumer acceptance of its agricultural use significantly strengthens the purchase intention for the resulting agricultural products. We conclude that initiatives aimed at enhancing consumer acceptance are important for the widespread dissemination of sewage-sludge fertilizer.

In this study, I analyze variable cyclical fluctuations using monthly data on pork-carcass production and wholesale prices for 36 years to 2024. The pork-carcass production cycle increased from 60 months to 106 months through 1995, then remained at approximately 80 months until 2015, and has recently changed to 42 months. For wholesale pork-carcass prices, the cycle period shortened from 120 months to 85 months through 2013 and has increased to 110 months in recent years. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination for the variable cyclical fluctuations was larger than that for fixed cyclical fluctuations, demonstrating the rationality of explaining the relationship between production volume and price using variable cyclical fluctuations that reflect changes over time.

From a structured perspective, this study clarifies what experiences constitute “continuing to prepare meals” for those individuals who perform this activity. We conducted online semi-structured interviews and analyzed the data using a modified grounded theory approach. Results confirmed that, through the process of continuing to prepare their own meals, single persons could maintain early eating habits. Furthermore, involvement with tools supporting meal preparation, such as convenience foods and cooking videos, allowed them to undergo a kind of self-transformation as they changed their attitude toward and became more proficient at meal preparation, thus lowering barriers in this area.

This study examines the determinants of Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions for Japanese seafood following China’s import ban after the release of ALPS-treated water in August 2023. Using structural equation modeling based on dual-process theory, we analyze the effects of radiation anxiety, radiation knowledge, and trust in Japan. Results show that radiation anxiety significantly weakens purchase intentions, while trust in Japan both directly and indirectly strengthens them by reducing anxiety. Radiation knowledge also has a positive but weaker effect. Multi-group analysis indicates that prior purchase and promotional experience enhance the role of trust. These findings suggest that addressing emotional concerns through strategic communication is essential, beyond providing scientific safety information, to restore consumer confidence.

Community-development initiatives in rural Japan have become increasingly organized; however, sustaining such initiatives presents ongoing challenges. This study investigates how community-based organizations can be structured and managed to promote autonomous participation among members. Focusing on a resident-led organization in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, the study employs organizational analysis and semi-structured interviews. Three analytical dimensions are examined: participant characteristics, activity content, and role allocation. The findings highlight that empathy toward the community and organization is critical for engagement. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the importance of creating an environment that encourages continued involvement and assigning roles that match participants’ interests and abilities. Based on these key points, the study identifies essential elements for community organizations that foster autonomous participant engagement. These insights offer implications for designing sustainable community organizations that support long-term, proactive involvement.