On August 19, 2025, we obtained Organic JAS certification for sudachi (Japanese apricot) grown and harvested at Yamakami Kaju Yakusoen. It took three years for Yamakami Kaju Yakusoen to obtain the JAS organic certification, as we believe that it is important to protect biodiversity in order to energize the satoyama with the local community and to build a relationship of trust. In order to deliver sudachi in season, orders must be placed by 4:00 p.m. on September 5 (Fri.) and will be shipped in order from September 10 (Wed.).
Click here to order organic open-air sudachi.
Before acquiring JAS organic certification, we have carefully cultivated our fruit trees by improving the soil with homemade compost, preventing diseases with Bordeaux solution, which can be used for organic produce, and exterminating midges by hand by our staff. Although we have made mistakes at times, we have never forgotten our ideal of maintaining a farm where everyone can walk around in peace, children can play in the soil, and people can pick and eat mandarin oranges on the spot.
In and outside of Sanakawachi Village, where Yamakami Kaju Yakusoen is located, there are senior farmers who are practicing organic and pesticide-free farming. There are also people who have been exposed to the activities of the Yamakami Kaju Herb Garden and support us, as well as people who are interested in organic, pesticide-free farming. We would like to work together with these people to co-create cultivation methods and uses for Japanese citrus and create value-added products to further energize the local satoyama. With the acquisition of JAS organic certification, we are making another step forward in this direction.
