About us

Section 1: The Spark to Become a Farmer

My name is Ryotaro Isozaki, and I am a full-time organic tea farmer practicing Shumei Natural Agriculture . Let me share the story of how I, raised in a typical salaryman family in Hirakata City, Osaka, unexpectedly became an organic farmer.

I grew up in a family where everyone, including my grandfather, was a salaryman, so it was quite unconventional for anyone to think I'd become a farmer. Despite this, I always had a love for studying and enjoyed solitary activities. After graduating from a private high school in Osaka, I attended Waseda University in Tokyo, majoring in Eastern philosophy with a focus on the philosophical development of early Buddhism for my thesis. It took me five years to finally graduate from university.

My encounter with natural farming occurred at the age of 24 when I spent a year helping out with natural farming. After barely graduating from university and aimlessly lingering in my hometown without engaging in job hunting, I was approached by Mr. Uno, who practiced natural farming, and he taught me rice cultivation for a year.

Working in the rice fields, weeding, and harvesting rice, I thought to myself, "What a healthy lifestyle! It would be amazing to live like this." Subsequently, I traveled around the world, experiencing the beauty of agricultural life and the freedom it offered, which made me appreciate the wonders of life.

Later, after working as a group employee, I underwent a six-month training period at a friend's tea farm in 2013. In 2014, at the age of 30, I embarked on independent farming. However, it wasn't a traditional farming setup; I found myself in a situation akin to being a freelancer. In June of that year, I married my girlfriend of six years, who miraculously agreed to marry me despite our lack of money or status. She truly had remarkable foresight. Shortly afterward, we found out she was pregnant with our first child, thrusting me into the responsibility of providing for my family with almost no farming experience.

 

Section 2: Embarking on Natural Farming

 In 2014, we began practicing natural farming without owning any farmland. Initially, farming alone wasn't enough to sustain our livelihoods. Therefore, I approached Mr. Doi from the Shumei Natural Agriculture Network, who employed me as a quasi-staff member at the Kansai branch of the Shumei Natural Agriculture Network.

While assisting the Shumei Natural Agriculture Network, I continued as a part-time farmer for about two and a half years. Engaging in various activities such as reforming distribution systems and organizing workshops for producers alongside senior farmers, I gained invaluable experiences and insights, strengthening my dedication to farming.

With the implementation of a system I designed, my workload decreased significantly. Ironically, just as AI takes over human tasks, my own system was taking over my work (laughs).

Additionally, thanks to Mr. Atsumi, we were able to lease fields from Mr. Yamamoto, a collaborator who provided guidance on tea cultivation, paddy fields, and vegetable plots, enabling us to gradually learn the basics. Tea cultivation, rice paddies, and vegetable fields provided us with opportunities to learn step by step.

Fortunately, at the Shumei Natural Agriculture Network's exchange meeting in 2014, I was introduced to Mr. Kihara from Ujitawara Town, who offered us a tea field. This small plot became the birthplace of our tea cultivation.

Through encounters with Mr. Doi, Mr. Kihara, and Mr. Atsumi via the Shumei Natural Agriculture Network, the foundation of our natural farming journey was laid.

In February 2015, our first son was born, further motivating us to persevere in agriculture.

With the assistance of the late Mr. Hosonaga, our natural farming journey began from a mere six-tsubo paddy field. At that time, we didn't even own a car, so Mr. Hosonaga generously provided us with transportation.

Our first tea harvest in Ujitawara Town. In that year, we only produced roasted green tea.

Our first product was completed, featuring a charming design that was well-received by children. However, due to high production costs, we opted for a more economical design the following year.

Section 3:Establishing Yusando Inc.

In 2016, we acquired a large tea field in Nara, which provided us with the opportunity to become independent farmers. Initially, we leased a six-tan tea field and were generously offered neighboring fields as well. When the total area exceeded one hectale, we foresaw future prosperity and decided to establish Yusando Inc.

While initially causing concern among friends when I mentioned starting farming, they were delighted when I informed them of establishing a company and becoming its president (laughs). Personally, I believe that creating a company and becoming its president is much easier than becoming a department manager within a company, but regardless, the title of "representative director" is quite powerful (laughs).

We named the company Yusando after my late father's nickname, "Yusan," and incorporated his posthumous Buddhist name, "Horyo," into the logo. The logo was designed by Ken Baughman, a graphic designer from America.

Yusando is a small company run by me and my younger sister. I never imagined that we would be able to work together considering our past, but she is a hardworking and sociable sister, and it's wonderful to have her by my side.