The town of Akitsu is the only town in Higashihiroshima City that faces the Seto Inland Sea.

Blessed with a mild climate, oysters, potatoes, and loquat are the local specialties of this town.

This time, MICHISHIRUBE would like to introduce Mr. Naoki Kai of Kai Farm, a new farmer in the town of Akitsu.

When he was in college, Mr. Kai worked part-time at a vegetable farm in Chiba, growing and harvesting vegetables.

"I was moved by the way the plants grew depending on how much I cared.“

When Mr. Kai learned that crops grew differently depending on the land and climate, and that there are cultivation techniques tailored to each region, he was drawn into the deep world of agriculture and traveled to farmlands all over Japan.

Crops grow properly when various factors such as temperature, sunlight, rainfall, and soil nutrient balance are well coordinated.

"Farming is like a game of riddles.”

“No matter how experienced a farmer you are, every year is first year, and even if you use the same method, it won't work.
I'm always thinking about how I can make my crops grow better this year.”

Mr. Kai's first encounter with the town of Akitsu was through an agricultural job site.
The keywords "view of Setouchi-Hiroshima," "red soil," and "potatoes" attracted him to the town.

The most important factor in my decision to continue farming in Akitsu was support of local people for my farming. The cooperation and understanding of local people is foundation of my business.

Currently, Mr. Kai is focusing on growing lemons and potatoes.

"I will use all the power I can to make Akitsu a more exciting place.
And expand my own production by cultivating the town of Akitsu, as well as becoming a receptacle for new farmers.
To return a person's favor’s to community. I want to open door to world of agriculture and make more friends in Akitsu.”

The young lemon farmer is sweating today while laughing.