Seisen University Faculty of Agriculture
This is the site of the former Koshoku Branch of Chikuma City Office (formerly Koshoku City Office).
The construction fencing has been removed, and a sign has been erected along the road.
The sign reads: “Seisen University Faculty of Agriculture (provisional name) Construction Site Scheduled to Open in April 2027.”
The building visible on the left was originally constructed south of the former city office as a health center but now houses the “Chikuma-Sakaki Fire Department Headquarters and Koshoku Fire Station”
I’ve passed by several times to observe the demolition progress, and it’s now completely overgrown with grass. My last visit here was probably last September, so it’s been a year.
My main purpose for visiting Chikuma City this time wasn’t to see this site, but to attend the pre-opening campus event for Seisen University’s Faculty of Agriculture held at the nearby Koshoku Cultural Center (Shinshu no megumi Anzu Hall).
The event ran all day, featuring a citizen briefing, admissions information session, and mock classes in the morning, followed by lectures and seminars in the afternoon. I only attended the opening citizen briefing.
The entrance to the Koshoku Cultural Center. Its nickname, “Shinshu no megumi,” was chosen by a local company through naming rights.
The citizen briefing was held in the small hall.
I’ll use just one slide photo.
The department to be established is the Agri-Design Department within the Faculty of Agriculture. (Planned)
The department will have two courses: the “Agriculture and Regional Co-creation Course” and the “Food and Fermentation Course.”
I also received a pamphlet, so I’ll quote the explanation from it.
Agriculture and Regional Co-creation Course
Turn all of Nagano into your campus! Cultivating “co-creation learning” with the region.
Going beyond textbook learning, students will use the field sites of agriculture, related industries, and the food industry within the prefecture as their classroom. Collaborating and co-creating with diverse related parties—including local governments, companies involved in agriculture, food, and distribution, and research institutions—the course aims to cultivate individuals who can tackle challenges. This is achieved by building on specialized knowledge in agriculture and food, combined with experience gained through self-directed learning.
Food and Fermentation Course
Scientifically exploring Nagano’s “deliciousness”! Researching food possibilities based on fermentation and brewing.
Through hands-on learning about Nagano’s thriving fermentation and brewing industries, we cultivate talent capable of contributing to further industrial development while exploring new product development and market expansion opportunities. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, we also examine the prefecture’s food and culinary culture, delving into the causal relationships behind Nagano’s status as one of Japan’s top regions for health and longevity.
The capacity: 85 students.
First-year students will study foundational agricultural science together, then split into the two courses mentioned above in their second year.
In their third and fourth years, students will join research labs. The “Agriculture and Regional Co-creation Course” will focus on fieldwork, while the “Food and Fermentation Course” will enhance specialization through exercises and practical training.
Future Schedule:
2026
January: Scheduled start of building construction
March: Application for Ministry of Education approval
Late August: Approval expected
September: Student recruitment begins
2027
April: Faculty of Agriculture established
(Based on information from the briefing session)
According to an article in the “Chikuma Mirai Shimbun WEB,” the construction contractor for the school building has already been selected through bidding. The construction cost is approximately 3 billion yen, with funding expected from: 1) National subsidies (over 1.2 billion yen) , 2) Seisen University’s own funds and loans (900 million yen), 3) Subsidies from Chikuma City and Nagano Prefecture (800 million yen).
The land will be leased free of charge for the time being, then it will change for payment after the administration of the university got on track. Discussions and considerations are also underway to secure necessary training farms.
[Reference] (written in Japanese)
“Seisen University Faculty of Agriculture Establishment Council: Substantive Discussions Begin at Second Meeting” (Chikuma Mirai Shimbun WEB / 2025-08-09)
“Sign for ‘Seisen University Faculty of Agriculture Construction Site Scheduled to Open April 2027’ Erected” (Chikuma Mirai Shimbun News WEB / 2025-09-19)