I’m Tabeena, your guide to all things delicious in Kumamoto!

What comes to mind when you think of “Yatsushiro’s best produce”? While tomatoes and the citrus fruit Banpeiyu are famous nationwide, Yatsushiro boasts many other top-tier vegetables and fruits.

With the serene Shiranui Sea to the west, expansive rice plains in the center, and the Kyushu Mountains to the east, Yatsushiro benefits from pristine rivers like the Kuma and Hikawa. This natural richness makes it one of Japan’s premier farming regions.

For the fourth installment of our “Delicious Yatsushiro” series, we’re focusing on a springtime favorite—strawberries! We’ll introduce delectable sweets featuring strawberries from Kuro Farm and share an insightful interview with their owner.

Meet Kuro Farm’s Prized Strawberries

https://www.instagram.com/kurofarm0801/

Kuro Farm, located in Yatsushiro’s Toyo Town, is known for producing Ebiberry strawberries, cultivated using the region’s crystal-clear river water. The name Ebiberry reflects its bright, shrimp-like (ebi meaning shrimp in Japanese) red hue and the local natural resources used in its growth.

Where to Find Kuro Farm’s Strawberries

1. Michi-no-Eki Toyo

This roadside station, opened in March 2021 along National Route 443, offers local ginger-based goods, delicious meals, and even a scenic hot spring. You can also purchase Kuro Farm’s strawberries here.

More about Michi-no-Eki Toyo

2. Nishioka Beekeeping Gardens

Located in Okamachi, Yatsushiro, this apiary features a shop and a cafe where you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream. Their collaboration with Kuro Farm includes strawberry soft-serve and strawberry jam sweetened with their signature honey instead of sugar.

Nishioka Beekeeping Gardens

3. Strawberry Picking and All-You-Can-Pack Events

Michi-no-Eki Toyo occasionally hosts strawberry-picking and all-you-can-pack events, too!

Exclusive Interview with Kuro Farm’s Owner, Kotaro Kuroda

Kotaro Kuroda, the mastermind behind Kuro Farm, inherited his passion for agriculture from his family, who farmed ginger, Dekopon oranges, and Banpeiyu citrus.

🍓What inspired you to pursue farming?

Kuroda: “Although I didn’t initially plan to take over the family farm, my experiences at Kumamoto Agricultural High School, surrounded by other farm kids and engaging in farm work, changed my mind. During my studies, I grew peaches myself and was delighted by their flavor. I decided to become a farmer who can share that joy with others.”

🍓Kuro Farm’s Commitment

1. Attention to Quality

Kuroda: “We draw river water from Toyo Town to cultivate our strawberries. The area’s valleys limit sunlight, resulting in slower growth but producing exceptionally sweet strawberries. We also minimize pesticide use by introducing natural predators to protect the crops, making them safe even for kids to enjoy straight from the plant.”

2. Prioritizing Direct Sales

Kuroda: “We prefer direct-to-consumer sales, where we can see our customers’ reactions firsthand. This also allows us to collaborate with local eateries and food processors to ensure the strawberries are enjoyed at their best. Social media feedback from customers who try our products is a great motivation! We’re expanding our efforts to include packaged products and online sales.”

🍓Vision for the Future of Yatsushiro Agriculture

Kuroda: “Mountainous areas like Toyo can be challenging for farming due to limited land and sunlight. Utilizing unused farmland effectively is a key issue. However, Toyo’s abundant nature makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities like camping and tent saunas. We want to incorporate these experiences into our farming operations to highlight the joy of the outdoors.”

The Smart Agriculture Yatsushiro☆Future Creation Council

In response to issues such as rising production costs and labor shortages, Yatsushiro City, JA Yatsushiro, and Kumamoto Prefecture launched the Smart Agriculture Yatsushiro☆Future Creation Council in August 2022. Kotaro Kuroda and 13 other young local farmers lead three key project teams:

1. Labor-Saving Solutions & Workforce Development
2. Enhancing Yatsushiro’s Agricultural Appeal
3. Clean, Sustainable Farming Practices

Their shared mission is to create a profitable and sustainable agricultural future, promoting an inclusive farming industry for young people and women.

Follow the council’s progress and updates on their official Instagram page: Smart Agriculture Yatsushiro Official Instagram.

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That wraps up this feature on Yatsushiro’s delicious strawberries! Stay tuned for more posts from Tabeena, and happy exploring! ✨☕