Commons Farm, Pre-opening!

The “Commons Farm” project kicked off in 2022, and we’re thrilled to announce we’ve finally secured a plot for it!

The location is within Tanabe City. Thanks to 93-year-old Yasuko Nakata, who graciously offered us the use of her land saying, “Go ahead and use it,” we’ve been able to take this exciting next step.

Recently, artist Satoshi Hirose, some sapling foster parents, Makiyama-san from termites studio on Shodoshima Island, and Tsuchiyama-san from Iroha Farm came to visit. On Sunday, March 9th, we held a commemorative planting of trifoliate orange seeds. In the afternoon, local farmers also pitched in, and together we worked on getting the plot ready!

Everyone who came together works in completely different fields. But we’re truly thankful that they’re willing to lend a hand with such a casual “this looks interesting” vibe. It really hit home that day how Commons Farm is growing and being nurtured through these connections between people.

After the work, we washed off the sweat at an onsen (hot spring) and had a dinner party! We enjoyed Suo-Oshima’s specialty “Mikan Nabe” (Mandarin Orange Hot Pot) from Yamaguchi Prefecture, and a special dish of vinegared rice with whitebait served luxuriously in a Sanbokan citrus peel. Sharing a wonderful meal, we spent time discussing the future of the farm.

If everything continues to go smoothly, it looks like we’ll be able to officially open to the public this fall! We hope you’re looking forward to it!