#Japan #Pal System #Akita #Local Cuisine #Akita Harvest

Discover the Beautiful Harvest in Akita

On September 12th and 13th, a unique opportunity awaits as the Tokyo and Chiba Pal System cooperatives organize a special tour in Akita Prefecture. Participants will engage in the traditional practices of rice harvesting and apple picking while connecting with local producers. This immersive experience not only highlights the agricultural practices of the region but also creates a platform for meaningful exchanges between consumers and producers.

The Heart of the Harvest

The tour kicks off at a rice paddy managed by JA Akita Furusato in Yokote City. This rice field has been nurtured by families who participated in the spring planting event organized by the cooperatives. As the golden grains stand ready for harvest, participants will learn the art of using a sickle from experienced producers, engaging in the time-honored method of hand-harvesting each stalk of rice. This hands-on experience fosters a deep appreciation for the effort that goes into producing our food.

Following the hard work in the field, participants will enjoy a meal crafted from the newly harvested rice and fresh, local ingredients, shared with their hosts. Adults will have the opportunity to sip regional sake while discussing the local agricultural landscape and exchanging experiences related to the tastes and flavors of the rice and apples that they usually consume.

A Taste of Lovingly-Grown Apples

The second day of the tour leads participants to the apple orchard of Masahiro Onoda, who heads the Ogachi Apple Producers Association in Yuzawa City. Amid changing climates and challenges, Onoda has invested significant time and care into cultivating these apples, aimed at capturing the “taste of sunshine.” Participants will have the chance to pick and savor apples that Onoda tends to like his own children, enjoying the fresh fruit straight from the tree.

At lunchtime, the producers will join the group again, providing regional dishes and freshly-made rice balls, allowing further interaction and connection. As the tour draws to a close, participants will have a chance to visit the local products shop at the “Michi-no-Eki Ogachi”, ensuring they take home a piece of Akita's bounty.

Celebrating 50 Years of Collaboration

The Pal System's partnership with the Akita region dates back to 1972 when a prior cooperative established connections with apple producers in Ogachi. Over the years, this relationship has grown, leading to the formation of the “Pal System Akita Southern Region Food and Agriculture Promotion Council” in 2006, which involves multiple local cooperatives and organizations.

The annual events held during rice planting and harvesting seasons have allowed many consumers and cooperative staff to directly engage with and learn from the producers. From hands-on cooking classes featuring the traditional Akita dish, Kiritanpo, to farm visits, these experiences deepen the understanding and appreciation of local agriculture.

Continuing forward, the Pal System is committed to strengthening the ties between consumers and producers while promoting sustainable practices within the agricultural community.

For more information on this enriching experience or to participate in the next harvest tour, visit the Pal System Tokyo website or the Pal System Chiba website.