Key Facts
• August 27, 2025: Wakayama’s “Stone Terrace Orchards” recognized as World Agricultural Heritage.
• 17th such recognition in Japan; globally, it marks the 102nd designation.
• System dates back over 400 years, featuring stone terraces and diverse mandarin varieties.
• Farmers adapted storage techniques for long-term shipping of mandarin oranges.
• Application submitted to FAO in October 2023; site inspection conducted in July 2025.
• Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki emphasized benefits for tourism and market expansion.
• Previous recognition in Wakayama: “Minabe-Tanabe Ume System” in 2015.
• Related systems: “Shimosu Warehouse Mandarin System” (2018) and “Arita Mandarin System” (2020) as Japanese Agricultural Heritage.
Summary
The traditional mandarin cultivation system of Wakayama’s Arida and Shimosu regions, including the “Stone Terrace Orchards,” has been recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage by the FAO on August 27, 2025. This marks Japan’s 17th and the world’s 102nd such designation. The system, over 400 years old, features stone terraces, diverse mandarin varieties, and innovative storage techniques for extended shipping periods. The recognition is expected to boost tourism and market opportunities. Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki expressed pride in the achievement and highlighted the need to prepare for increased tourism. This is Wakayama’s second World Agricultural Heritage recognition, following the “Minabe-Tanabe Ume System” in 2015. Related systems, such as the “Shimosu Warehouse Mandarin System” and “Arita Mandarin System,” were previously recognized as Japanese Agricultural Heritage in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
