Episode 20 | Yukimusubi and the Future of Local Agriculture [Part 1]

"I'm going back to my hometown to farm."

For Takito Ueno, born into a family of farmers spanning 13 generations, this choice wasn't sudden.

His grandfather's words, a bicycle trip visiting farms across Japan, the management skills he learned as a company employee, and his work in web design—

All of these experiences, seemingly unrelated to agriculture, have led him to his current rice farming.

Our guest this time is Takito Ueno, representative of Yamanote Farm, who cultivates the rare rice "Yukimusubi" in Naruko Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.

In the first part, we discussed:

Born into a farming family spanning 13 generations, the origins of his aspiration to pursue agriculture
A bicycle trip visiting farms across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa
How his experience as a company employee and web designer led him to agriculture
His decision to return to his hometown with his family
"Yukimusubi" rice nurtured by the climate of Naruko
His dedication to traditional methods such as staking, sun-drying, and seedling cultivation
The trial and error that led to winning a gold medal at a rice competition


Inheriting land and taking on new challenges.

These two are not necessarily opposites.

From Mr. Ueno's journey so far, we consider the future of "working locally" and "living in the community."

In the second part, we will delve deeper into rice prices, distribution, agricultural management, and the future of the region.

Don't miss the continuation; please follow Locals Talk.

■ Guest
Takito Ueno
Yukimusubi Producer / Representative of Yamanote Farm
Minamihara area, Naruko Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture

■ Yukimusubi
Yamanote Farm
https://yamanotefarm.com/
Instagram
Instagram: yamanote_farm

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LOCALS TALK

A video podcast that delivers the voices of people who are shaping their work and dreams in their local communities, based on the theme of "Local x Creative."

Working in the local community.

Returning to one's hometown.

Creating new jobs.

Connecting what has been inherited to the next generation.

We deliver the choices of people living locally and the stories behind them.

Planning and Production: Fogra Co., Ltd.

#LOCALSTALK #Yukimusubi #YamanoteFarm #NarukoOnsen #RiceFarming