Aspiring female farmers have traditionally had only two routes into the business in Japan — being born into a farming family or marrying a farmer.
The country's male-dominated society has ingrained barriers that make it difficult for women to lease farmland or obtain a loan to purchase a farm.
Two young hopefuls are defying this. Haruna Takano, 25, and Eri Sawai, 26, who attended an agricultural university together, will open their own farm this spring with the help of supporters.