Collection: Hirotaka Nishi (Respect for Nokichi)

Producer: Hirotaka Nishi

Production area: Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Main products: Taro, chili peppers, potatoes, onions, etc.
No pesticides used
Fertilizer use: None

Providing environmentally friendly agriculture in the Kuma region of Hitoyoshi City, where there are no successors

The Hitoyoshi Basin is located in the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture and is surrounded by the Kyushu Mountains.
In the Kuma region of Hitoyoshi City, which is famous for hot springs and river rafting along the Kuma River , Nishi Hirotaka grows taro, potatoes, onions, chili peppers, rice, and other crops using natural farming methods.

Nishi-san originally worked as a carpenter and was also a member of the local fire brigade. He is a man full of smiles who loves the Hitoyoshi Kuma region very much.

What prompted me to start natural farming? In 2012 , a local city council member told Nishi that he was the only agricultural successor in the Satsumase area, but Nishi, who was working as a carpenter at the time, argued that "it is not possible to make a living from farming."

However, in 2013 , when two city council members at the time began traveling around the country to teach Nishi about various types of farming, he intuitively discovered that one of the methods was "natural farming," which is good for both the environment and the body, and he wanted to try it.

In 2014 , we reclaimed 120 a of land in Hitoyoshi that had been abandoned for over 10 years and began cultivation.

He then ran "The Banks of the Kuma River" together with other organic farming farmers in the Hitoyoshi Kuma region.

Afterwards, he participated in a study session held by the National Natural Farming Promotion Association in Minamata City, where he talked until the early hours of the morning with people including Kaoru Inamoto, a natural farmer from the same city of Yatsushiro in Kumamoto Prefecture.

He was further impressed by the concept of natural farming and began to work towards environmentally friendly agriculture for the future.

My encounter with Purely came through my connection with Mr. Nishida of Nishida Orchard, and that's how I've continued to be with him to this day.

Flooding in July 2020

The Kuma River, which flows through Hitoyoshi City, brings many natural blessings to the city.

However, in July 2020, the Kuma River flooded due to heavy rains that hit southern Kyushu. The first floor of Nishi-san's family home, which lives along the river, was washed away, and the fields were also washed away by the mud.

He himself was affected by the disaster, and all of his belongings, including his farm equipment, were washed away.

Unable to do farm work, he was busy cleaning up every day, and he was beginning to lose hope in life.

Taro survived even after being buried under sand

What saved Nishi-san was a taro root that was still alive despite being buried under the mud.

Thanks to the power of natural cultivation, which does not rely on fertilizers or pesticides, they were able to survive in the soil without any human help.

Nishi realized the power of life from the taro, which was full of vitality.

The taro that sustains this life was named "Satokichi."

The seed harvesting has continued and is still carried on today.

They are working hard every day towards reconstruction and for the future of Hitoyoshi City.

They also have farmland in mountainous areas, and many crops sustain their lives.

We deliver a wide variety of items including taro, onions, and potatoes.

We hope you will enjoy our food and experience the nature of Hitoyoshi.

To our customers who supported us

We are truly grateful for your help, which has enabled us to make progress, albeit slowly, in rebuilding our agricultural industry.

We are currently reviewing our roots and starting an important agricultural practice, so we would be honored if you would continue to watch over us with kindness and support agriculture for the future.

From now on, Keinoyoshi will continue to bring you fun, funny, and safe agriculture from Hitoyoshi, so please look forward to it.

Hirotaka Nishi