Japan-made lawnmowers make cut on Russia fields at World Cup

MATSUMOTO, Japan — Japan-made lawnmowers are working behind the scenes of the soccer World Cup in Russia.

Although the tournament is nearly over, with only the third-place playoff and the final remaining, the machines made at IHI Agri-Tech Corp.’s factory in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, are expected to continue working in Russia even after the World Cup.

The manufacturer of farm equipment and machinery for grass maintenance is said to have begun receiving new business inquiries thanks to the “World Cup effect.”

According to the company, it supplied more than 10 units of a four-wheel-drive lawnmower to the World Cup. Although it had not been confirmed, the company said the riding mowers may have been used at all 12 World Cup venues, which would help ensure that games are played under the same conditions.

According to Masahiko Oe, 47, of the company’s sales and planning section, the firm has been receiving inquiries especially from abroad after its shipping of the machines to the World Cup was decided.

Other lawnmower models from the company are used at Matsumotodaira Park Stadium Alwin, the home stadium of Matsumoto Yamaga FC, and Nagano U Stadium, where AC Nagano Parceiro is based.

“Our lawnmowers are currently used mostly at golf courses. But we’d like to contribute to better sports stadium maintenance, too, given the increasing awareness of that in Japan,” Oe said.