Nayoro City in Hokkaido is known as one of Japan’s leading producers of glutinous rice, also known as mochi rice. In this “home of mochi rice,” there is a farm that continues to share its appeal with extraordinary passion. This time, we introduce Farm Oikawa, run by a master who has been crowned the mochi pounding champion for four consecutive years.
A Four-Time Champion and “Mochi Ambassador”! The Fourth-Generation Farmer Who Loves Nayoro’s Mochi Rice
Tomokazu Oikawa of Farm Oikawa, demonstrating his mochi pounding skills at nearly 20 events a year.
Furen Town in Nayoro City is located about an hour and a half drive north of Asahikawa. Here, Tomokazu Oikawa, the fourth-generation owner of Farm Oikawa, which has been in operation for over 50 years, cultivates glutinous rice, sweet corn, and more on a vast 24-hectare farmland.
The sweet corn variety is Gold Rush® 88, known for its soft kernels and strong sweetness.
In fact, Mr. Oikawa has won the mochi pounding championship at the Nayoro Industrial Festival for four consecutive years and passionately promotes Nayoro’s glutinous rice as the “Nayoro Honorary Mochi Ambassador.” Not only is he a producer, but he also showcases his mochi pounding skills at various events, sharing the charm of the region.
A Place for “Hands-On Learning” in Agriculture Where Local Students Also Work Up a Sweat
As part of the Nayoro City Green Tourism Promotion Council’s initiative, the farm accepts students from Nayoro City University every year from June to July.
The farm also offers agricultural work experiences for local university students, teaching them not only practical tasks like harvesting but also the essential basics of farming, such as clearing vinyl greenhouses and nets, and weeding. By participating in this hands-on learning environment, students seem to deepen their understanding and interest in agriculture.
They also have large foreign-made tractors, and you can even sit in the driver’s seat!
While the farm primarily accepts university students for these agricultural experiences, they also offer mochi pounding experiences (consultation required) to let more people know about the appeal of Nayoro’s glutinous rice. Don’t miss this precious opportunity to experience local food and tradition firsthand.
Hokkaido Agriculture and Rural Village Information Magazine “confa”
Hokkaido Prefecture publishes the information magazine “confa” to introduce the state, role, and various charms of its agriculture and rural villages. The name “confa” was coined from the Consensus between Consumers and Farmers. It embodies the hope to foster more interaction between consumers and farmers and to be a bridge connecting cities and rural areas.
Articles from “confa” and information about agriculture and rural villages are also available on Instagram and note. Please search for “農業と、話をしよう。confa” (Let’s talk with agriculture. confa).