Shinichi Taniguchi

Producer: Shinichi Taniguchi
Production area: Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Main product: Rice
No pesticides used
Fertilizer use: None

A rice-growing region with 2000 years of rice cultivation

Tamana City is located in the northern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, in the Kikuchi River basin (Kikuchi City, Yamaga City, Nagomi Town, Tamana City). Rice has been grown there for over 2,000 years. During the Edo period, rice was presented to the shogun, and even today it is one of Japan's leading rice-producing areas, continuing to receive the highest rating in the country.
On a clear day, you can see Mount Fugen in Nagasaki Prefecture, where Shinichi Taniguchi grows his naturally grown Hinohikari rice. Tamana City, located in the lower reaches of the Kikuchi River, is rich in fertile soil that is rich in nutrients, and agriculture, including rice farming, is actively carried out here.
Taniguchi's rice fields are located near the home of Kanaguri Shiso, who is well known from the historical drama "Idaten" and spent his later years. In fact, when Taniguchi was a child, he learned how to run a marathon from Kanaguri Shiso, the father of the Japanese marathon and an honorary citizen of Tamana City.

From duck farming to natural cultivation

From the age of 20, Taniguchi-san joined a group that studied environmental conservation agriculture and food additives. His family has been rice farmers for generations, but Taniguchi-san began growing rice without pesticides and using the Aigamo farming method 40 years ago, when he was 20 years old.
The reason he decided to start natural farming was largely due to the presence of Chikayoshi Tomita, who he has known for a long time and who has also helped him at Purely.
Originally, they grew their rice with as little fertilizer and compost as possible, but they became concerned about the fact that adding even a small amount of fertilizer could cause insects such as aphids to appear and the rice plants to become diseased, so 15 years ago they switched to completely natural farming.
"Adding fertilizer will attract insects and diseases, so it's better not to add it."
"The work is easier and more enjoyable now that we've switched to natural farming rather than duck farming."
"I am filled with gratitude that there are people who eat my food," says the humble Taniguchi.

Interview with Shinichi Taniguchi

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