Shichijocho, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Tomita has been engaged in natural rice cultivation and field farming for many years in this area, which is nationally famous as one of Japan's leading rice-producing areas.
Inspired by the teachings of Mokichi Okada, the founder of natural farming, he has been growing rice without fertilizer or pesticides for the past 40 years.
Due to its high quality, Tomita's rice is so popular that it sells out as soon as the new rice is released.
As Tomita's naturally grown carrots are finally due for harvest, I immediately headed to the production site.
Tomita's farm is located near the Melon Dome, a famous landmark in Shichijo Town.
The Sakoma River, a tributary of the Kikuchi River, flows near the fields, and cosmos flowers were in full bloom all over the place.
A refreshing autumn breeze blows through the area.
"I'm very busy harvesting hyacinth beans, so I don't have much time," says Tomita, but he answers questions with a smile as he answers our questions.
The entire staff is always energized by their kindness and embracing warmth.
The carrot field is located halfway up a small hill.
When I went there I found that the plants had sprouted healthily and were growing well.
"The unusually hot weather continued and the temperature never really dropped. Because of that, it was difficult for the seeds to sprout. But they've grown well so far. I've been collecting seeds every year, so I guess they've gradually become suited to the soil."
The Tomita family, including his daughter Saki and son Kazutaka, are the successors of his farming and rice cultivation and are engaged in natural farming.
He grows carrots together with his daughter, Saki.
"Saki is working really hard this year too. It's really nice to be able to do it together as a family."
Listening to Tomita talk so happily makes me feel happy too.
"As we continue to grow the fruit naturally, the taste gradually becomes more refreshing and lightly sweet.
``Even if you just bite into it, it's not bitter at all and is delicious.'' He casually pulls a carrot out of the field and says, ``Here, try one.''
I quickly brushed the dirt off with my hand and took a bite.
The subtle sweetness spread throughout your mouth, and you couldn't help but jump for joy, exclaiming, "Delicious!!"
Tomita's organically grown carrots are delicious even with the soil still attached. They're amazing.
"Foods that use fertilizers and pesticides have a strong, strange taste. But that's okay, and you should never criticize others. Everyone is doing their best, whether it's conventional, organic, or natural, and I think it's important to respect each other and coexist."
It was more than 40 years ago that Tomita decided to cultivate his crops without fertilizer or pesticides.
"What was the trigger? If I may sound arrogant, I guess it was because I was scared of what the future holds for the Earth due to environmental pollution. When I was around 20 years old, I felt a sense of crisis about the fact that agriculture, which uses pesticides and chemical fertilizers as a matter of course, is polluting the Earth. So I asked an instructor at the agricultural cooperative, 'How can we grow rice without using fertilizers or pesticides?' But he made fun of me (laughs)."
Nowadays, the terms pesticide-free, organic, and natural farming have become common terms, but back then, pesticides and chemical fertilizers were in their heyday amid the rapid economic growth.
It is said that there were very few people who thought like Tomita.
“It’s not good to act like you’ve done everything you’ve done. I’m who I am today thanks to the efforts of my predecessors. I must never forget those words.
There is a saying that goes, "The more rice ripens, the more it bows its head." I want to continue to work with gratitude and humility forever."
Despite always being at the forefront as a pioneer of natural farming, his words are always humble.
Many people are drawn to his personality, which is why I was reminded that there are always smiles around Tomita-san.
At the end of the interview, we asked Tomita about his dreams.
"My big dream is for all people in the world to be healthy and happy. My medium-sized dream is to make Kikuchi a place where people can feel relaxed and happy. My small dream is to master natural farming. What we all have in common is 'for everyone to be healthy and happy.' Health is especially important."
At the end of the interview, some kindergarten children came for a walk around Tomita's field.
Tomita responds with a smile to the children's cheers of "Good luck at work!"
"I want to create an environment where children can come and play in peace," says Tomita with a smile, and he is always thinking about the happiness of the entire community.
"It's good to be indecisive. Be kind and gentle and don't say no. I want to strive to live a big, inclusive, and flexible life."
First of all, we recommend you try biting into Tomita's naturally grown carrots raw.
You will surely be impressed by its clear flavor.
Use it in juice, salad, stews, miso soup, and hot pots.
Tomita and his son grow their carrots naturally in the Shichijo area.
Why not give it a try?
Shichijocho, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Tomita has been engaged in natural rice cultivation and field farming for many years in this area, which is nationally famous as one of Japan's leading rice-producing areas.
Inspired by the teachings of Mokichi Okada, the founder of natural farming, he has been growing rice without fertilizer or pesticides for the past 40 years.
Due to its high quality, Tomita's rice is so popular that it sells out as soon as the new rice is released.
As Tomita's naturally grown carrots are finally due for harvest, I immediately headed to the production site.
Tomita's farm is located near the Melon Dome, a famous landmark in Shichijo Town.
The Sakoma River, a tributary of the Kikuchi River, flows near the fields, and cosmos flowers were in full bloom all over the place.
A refreshing autumn breeze blows through the area.
"I'm very busy harvesting hyacinth beans, so I don't have much time," says Tomita, but he answers questions with a smile as he answers our questions.
The entire staff is always energized by their kindness and embracing warmth.
The carrot field is located halfway up a small hill.
When I went there I found that the plants had sprouted healthily and were growing well.
"The unusually hot weather continued and the temperature never really dropped. Because of that, it was difficult for the seeds to sprout. But they've grown well so far. I've been collecting seeds every year, so I guess they've gradually become suited to the soil."
The Tomita family, including his daughter Saki and son Kazutaka, are the successors of his farming and rice cultivation and are engaged in natural farming.
He grows carrots together with his daughter, Saki.
"Saki is working really hard this year too. It's really nice to be able to do it together as a family."
Listening to Tomita talk so happily makes me feel happy too.
"As we continue to grow the fruit naturally, the taste gradually becomes more refreshing and lightly sweet.
``Even if you just bite into it, it's not bitter at all and is delicious.'' He casually pulls a carrot out of the field and says, ``Here, try one.''
I quickly brushed the dirt off with my hand and took a bite.
The subtle sweetness spread throughout your mouth, and you couldn't help but jump for joy, exclaiming, "Delicious!!"
Tomita's organically grown carrots are delicious even with the soil still attached. They're amazing.
"Foods that use fertilizers and pesticides have a strong, strange taste. But that's okay, and you should never criticize others. Everyone is doing their best, whether it's conventional, organic, or natural, and I think it's important to respect each other and coexist."
It was more than 40 years ago that Tomita decided to cultivate his crops without fertilizer or pesticides.
"What was the trigger? If I may sound arrogant, I guess it was because I was scared of what the future holds for the Earth due to environmental pollution. When I was around 20 years old, I felt a sense of crisis about the fact that agriculture, which uses pesticides and chemical fertilizers as a matter of course, is polluting the Earth. So I asked an instructor at the agricultural cooperative, 'How can we grow rice without using fertilizers or pesticides?' But he made fun of me (laughs)."
Nowadays, the terms pesticide-free, organic, and natural farming have become common terms, but back then, pesticides and chemical fertilizers were in their heyday amid the rapid economic growth.
It is said that there were very few people who thought like Tomita.
“It’s not good to act like you’ve done everything you’ve done. I’m who I am today thanks to the efforts of my predecessors. I must never forget those words.
There is a saying that goes, "The more rice ripens, the more it bows its head." I want to continue to work with gratitude and humility forever."
Despite always being at the forefront as a pioneer of natural farming, his words are always humble.
Many people are drawn to his personality, which is why I was reminded that there are always smiles around Tomita-san.
At the end of the interview, we asked Tomita about his dreams.
"My big dream is for all people in the world to be healthy and happy. My medium-sized dream is to make Kikuchi a place where people can feel relaxed and happy. My small dream is to master natural farming. What we all have in common is 'for everyone to be healthy and happy.' Health is especially important."
At the end of the interview, some kindergarten children came for a walk around Tomita's field.
Tomita responds with a smile to the children's cheers of "Good luck at work!"
"I want to create an environment where children can come and play in peace," says Tomita with a smile, and he is always thinking about the happiness of the entire community.
"It's good to be indecisive. Be kind and gentle and don't say no. I want to strive to live a big, inclusive, and flexible life."
First of all, we recommend you try biting into Tomita's naturally grown carrots raw.
You will surely be impressed by its clear flavor.
Use it in juice, salad, stews, miso soup, and hot pots.
Tomita and his son grow their carrots naturally in the Shichijo area.
Why not give it a try?