Changing the Negative Perception of Organic Farming in Japan — An Interview With Higa Farm Owners

Masamichi Higa and his wife Sara are the owners of Higa Farm, where they grow organic vegetables that they deliver to their customers as set boxes every week. Organic farming is still something new and misunderstood in Japan, but the young couple is determined to change things. Read on to learn more about organic farming, what farming means in Japanese society, and the joys and challenges of being perceived as an outsider in the farming business.

Starting an Organic Farm in 2020

Most farms have one or two sorts of vegetables. We make more than a hundred!

When and why did you start your farm?

Masamichi: We started Higa Farm in April 2020. I was initially working for a company that produces vegetables. That company was using pesticides to produce large quantities. I tried to convince them to give organic farming a try, but it did not seem to be feasible. That is why I decided to become independent, and I am willing to prove that organic production can lead to good results.

On your website, you claim that you grow more than a hundred sorts of vegetables. Is this a standard number?