Beekeeping Experience at Nagata Apiary in Yaotsu

The Natural Environment Through the Eyes of a Beekeeper

As they fly from flower to flower collecting nectar, honeybees play a vital role in pollination, helping plants grow and reproduce. In doing so, they deeply influence the surrounding natural environment. Without bees carrying pollen and enabling crops to bear fruit, it’s said that even the survival of humankind could be at risk.

Today, as global warming and environmental destruction continue to make headlines, we must reflect on the fact that human economic activity is built upon the foundation of a rich and healthy natural world. In this respect too, honeybees are truly indispensable.

In recent years, mysterious phenomena like Colony Collapse Disorder ? where bees suddenly die off or vanish without explanation ? have been reported around the world. Japan is no exception. More and more farmers have been voicing concerns: “We hardly see bees anymore, and our crops aren’t producing like they used to.”

As beekeepers, we hope to share the importance of maintaining an environment where bees can live safely. Bees offer us far more than honey and royal jelly. Through their pollination, they support our food supply and nurture a thriving natural ecosystem ? blessings we wish to pass on to children and people of all generations.

Nagata Apiay

Nagata Apiay (bee yard) is located in Yaotsu, a quiet mountain village nestled deep in the hills of eastern Gifu Prefecture, along the banks of the Kiso River. Surrounded on all sides by forested mountains, our bees gather nectar from the wildflowers that bloom across this rich, natural landscape. 

Each season brings its own unique flavor and aroma ? from mountain cherry blossoms in spring, to acacia, Japanese horse chestnut, and a mix of wildflowers in early summer. At Nagata Apiay, we deliver only fully ripened, high-quality honey, just as it was harvested.

About 25 years ago, what began as a hobby quickly grew into a deep passion for beekeeping. I left my job as a public servant and made the leap to becoming a full-time beekeeper. Things went smoothly at first ? until our hives were struck by Colony Collapse Disorder, believed to be caused by pesticides. Faced with the sudden loss of bee colonies and reduced honey harvests, we went through many hardships. Still, we persevered, rebuilt our colonies, and continued on.

Today, Nagata Apiary not only produces honey but also actively works to share with others the important role bees play in the natural world.

Our honey is harvested mainly in the satoyama (woodlands) of Yaotsu ? including mountain cherry, wildflower blends, as well as acacia, Japanese horse chestnut, and evergreen clethra from nearby areas. We are committed to offering only pure, natural honey, just as the bees made it.

Recipient of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award
Awarded on October 24, 2024 (Reiwa 6)

A Word of Gratitude on Behalf of the Honorees
I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. As someone who has been involved in beekeeping for 25 years, I owe this recognition entirely to the guidance and teachings of my mentor, to whom I am truly grateful.
There’s one phrase my mentor often repeated to me:
“ハチ屋は毎年が１年生やでな” which means
"A beekeeper is a first-year student every year."
I’ve taken this to mean that we must never lose our beginner’s mindset ? a belief I’ve carried with me to this day.
I believe many fellow beekeepers can recall the early days ? running through the great outdoors, discovering the joy of working with bees, the long year of labor culminating in the excitement and emotion of the honey harvest. I, too, hold onto those feelings, and I hope to carry them with me as I continue in this journey.
Beekeeping is a quiet, humble profession ? one deeply rooted in nature, and always at the mercy of the weather. Yet the honey our bees produce supports human health, and the pollination they provide helps increase food production and sustain agriculture.
Today, the work of honeybees is essential to everyday life, and I believe the role of beekeepers is one of great social value and contribution.
There are three guiding principles that Chairman Nakamura often reminds us of:
First, that we must never allow the beekeeping industry of Gifu Prefecture?the birthplace of modern Japanese beekeeping?to fall into decline.
Second, that we must nurture the next generation. As the beekeeping industry ages, it’s essential to make this profession more appealing, so that young people are inspired to carry it forward.

And third, that beekeepers must be able to adapt to environmental change. With the effects of global warming, the methods of the past are no longer sufficient?we need new techniques, new approaches, and constant innovation.
These three messages from Chairman Nakamura are ones I hold close to my heart, and I am committed to doing my part to contribute to the continued growth of Gifu’s beekeeping tradition.
Lastly, as a beekeeper working here in Gifu Prefecture?widely recognized as the birthplace of modern Japanese apiculture?I feel a deep sense of pride, joy, and responsibility. With that in mind, I will continue to dedicate myself to this important work each and every day.
Thank you very much for this honor.

Nagata Beekeeping
Michio Nagata

※Gifu Prefecture is known as the birthplace of modern beekeeping, and beekeeping has been practiced here since the Meiji period.