Kaoru Inamoto, naturally grown glutinous rice

25 years of seed harvesting.

Purple green rice

A rare variety of glutinous rice. A master of naturally grown rice representing Yatsushiro.

Rare varieties of glutinous rice

Green rice is a type of glutinous rice. It is one of the varieties that has been eaten since ancient times, and is the original glutinous rice that has not been selectively bred.
From mid-September, the ears of rice turn a beautiful purple color, adorning the surrounding area. This is a rare variety that is produced in small quantities nationwide.

A master of naturally grown rice representing Yatsushiro

Yatsushiro in Kumamoto Prefecture is a production area of ​​rush grass, with lush rice fields spreading out across it.
Here we have Kaoru Inamoto, a representative natural rice farmer from Yatsushiro who is known as the "master of natural rice cultivation."

We have been growing rice without using pesticides or fertilizers for over 40 years.
"By producing naturally grown rice, I want to purify the earth," says this passionate producer.
Inamoto's naturally grown rice is an exceptional product, with a rich aroma that whets the appetite, and the more you chew it, the sweeter and more delicious the rice becomes.

 Mr. Inamoto started growing rice without pesticides more than 40 years ago, when he was 24 years old.

At the time, there was no understanding from those around us, the land was overgrown with weeds, and the harvest was small.

Because he didn't use pesticides, the rice was attacked by rice planthoppers (pests), and there were times when an entire rice field was destroyed. In the Yatsushiro area, where there were no other farmers around who grew rice without pesticides, he was looked down upon as a "weirdo" by those around him.

Nevertheless, he stuck to his belief that he wanted to practice agriculture that was kind to both the earth and people, and after 10 years he had switched his entire area over to natural farming without the use of pesticides or fertilizers.
Currently, we use giant snails to weed, and are steadily increasing yields through natural cultivation.

As his name suggests, Inamoto aims to grow "real, fragrant rice."
"We must restore the original natural environment through natural farming."
With a gentle gaze, Inamoto thinks about the natural environment and acts accordingly.

   Rice planting in June
 Rice harvesting in October

Create with customers

Every year, we have the opportunity to experience rice planting and harvesting together with Purely's customers.
In June, we all went barefoot into the rice fields, lined up in rows and planted the tiny rice seeds one by one.

In October, we hand-cut the rice with a sickle, ate Mr. Inamoto's rice, and listened to him talk about his rice farming methods.

We handle a lot of naturally grown rice, but this rice is a little special because we have been involved in its process before it reaches Purely. How about using it for mochi pounding at home or at an event?