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We interviewed rice farmers in Tako Town, Katori District, Chiba Prefecture!

Takomai Life Hagiwara Farm LLC
Mr.Hiroki Hagiwara, aka Prince Takomai

Thank you for taking the time to interview me.
Please tell us about your town and agricultural work.
When did you start farming?
I actually started farming around 2015.
My parents run a farm and I've been helping out since I was in elementary school.
Have you ever wanted to try another job?
I have also worked in other jobs other than agriculture.
From the beginning, you weren't a farmer, you were also doing other jobs.
Can I ask you what you find rewarding about working as a farmer?
Well, I'm very happy that people can eat the delicious rice I've grown.
How would you like people to eat the rice you made yourself?
I want you to eat the rice as it is without seasoning it after cooking.
I love rice so much!
Actually, I tried Takomairaifu's rice the other day.

　　　　
It was very delicious
Thank you!
I'm very happy that you enjoyed it and said it was delicious.
I often hear that being a farmer is difficult, but when is it difficult?
It is very difficult to weed in the hot summer sun.
Furthermore, the time of rice planting and harvesting is also affected by the weather.
When it rains, we can't plant or harvest rice, and it's hard because we can't control the weather ourselves.
What do you think should be done to increase the number of young people who want to become farmers or take over farming?
Well, I think it's about raising the price of rice.
Currently, prices are high and fertilizers are on the rise, so it is no longer possible to make a living just by working as a farmer.
Also, with Japan's population decreasing and fewer people eating rice, I think the key is how to sell rice.
I grow branded rice and decide the price of the rice I grow myself.
It's cool to grow your own rice while making various efforts to suit the times.
Have you ever wanted to live somewhere different from Tako Town?
Actually, I lived in a dormitory in high school, and I lived alone in Tokyo during university.
After living in a different place, I realized that the city was not the place I wanted to live.
Based on your experience of living in different places, what do you think is the charm of Tako Town?
Nature is very rich.
You can go to Tokyo in just over an hour, and Narita is also nearby. It's okay if you can get used to it.
The food is also delicious.
Also, it's a thriving town, a town that likes events.
What do you think should be done to encourage young people to start a family and live in a rural area instead of going to the city center?
I think it can't be helped.
But I think it's good for people to see the countryside from the outside and see how good it is, and I think it's also good for people to come back home after absorbing all kinds of things.

Click on the image to enlarge
Photographed by a team member. Permission to post received via email


After the interview


I wanted to interview farmers because the food self-sufficiency rate is higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and agricultural occupations are essential for regional revitalization. We believe that this will lead to regional revitalization.
In fact, from my first impression, he was so cool that I thought he was actually a rice farmer.
In order to let everyone know about the rice he has grown and to let everyone know more about Tako Town, he is currently transmitting information on SNS as ``Takomai Oji''. Also, he was like an influencer in the agricultural industry, going into the rice fields in a suit and changing the image of farmers.
Because Mr. Hagiwara once left his hometown and came back, he understands that there are things in Tako Town that are not found in the city center, and he is currently at the forefront of enlivening Tako Town.
Through this interview, I felt that perhaps the most fundamental aspect of regional revitalization is that the people living in the area look for what they can do for the community and take action, which leads to development.
I ate the rice made by Mr. Hagiwara, and it was really delicious.I came across a rice that I think is best eaten as is without seasoning.

We hope that through this site, more people will eat rice and that it will be an opportunity to promote Tako Rice and Tako Town even a little.





＜＜voice of immigrants
vegetable farmers＞＞