Toshihiko Yamada

I was born in the Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Earlier in my career I worked on the breeding of improved forage crops at several Research Stations controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries [Morioka city, Nagasaka town (Yamanashi), and Sapporo] before my appointment to the Experiment Farm. At the Hokkaido University my research has focused on the breeding and cultivation of bioenergy crops, especially species of the grass<i> Miscanthus</i>. Since 2005 my research has aimed to establish efficient and low cost feedstock biomass production for cool environments like those found in Hokkaido. Recently my research interest is genetic analysis for vegetable crop, onion to enhance consumer health promotion as well.
I have travelled throughout Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa to collect seeds from genetically diverse <i>Miscanthus </i>populations for use as bioenergy cultivars. During my travels I have had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of rural landscapes throughout Japan. So, it is my wish that the beautiful rural landscapes of Japan’s paddy fields and <i>Miscanthus </i>pastures continue forever.