Libra Farm* is a farm that opened in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture in 2022. We cultivate and sell taro, which we want to grow as a new Odawara specialty, and Ume, which is a traditional specialty.
The word “Libra” originally derived from the 7th birth sign of the Astrology, indicates Balance, Harmony and Justice.
*On March 1, 2024, Natural Farm Libra changed its name to "Libra farm".
GREETING
In October 2019, I left Tokyo, where I had lived for 20 years, and two years of agricultural training started at Kashiwagi Farm in the Shimosoga area, Odawara.
Speaking of my career until then, after working for a publishing company and an editing / design company, I became the editor-in-chief of a food delivery company. Obviously I had been on a path unrelated to agriculture, however, during that time, I had a longing for rural migration and agricultural life somewhere in my heart. And two years before I turned 44, I made a big turn in my life, saying that it was my last chance physically.
The road to new farming is by no means easy mentally, physically and even economically. A world where many young people aiming to enter the market leave in the middle of their ambitions. The same is true for working in any industry, but without a strong will, minimum physical strength, and a custom of valuing relationships with others, they won't be able to continue.
Fortunately, I was able to overcome those hurdles and successfully complete the two years of agricultural training. I will never forget the encouragement and support from the trainee, Mr. Kashiwagi, seniors from local farmers, my wife and friends, and even people I met on the Social Networking Service.
From now on, I will continue to grow crops with gratitude to help enrich your dining table from here in Odawara. Also, I hope that people of the same age will receive some kind of hints to spend their lives brightly through my daily challenges.
"Natural Farm Libra" is a farm for everyone who has supported me.
MAIN PRODUCTS
Taro - Hojo Taro
The product name is a combination of "Hojo", the family name of the Samurai once ruled huge Kanto area based in Odawara castle, and “Taro” most popular male name of Japan. It was also chosen so that it would be remembered fondly by everyone in the Oniyagi area of Odawara City, which is the base for taro cultivation, and by customers across the country.
Variety
- Native species
- Early varieties
Season
- Around October to December
*Hojo Taro is a registered trademark of Libra.
Ume - Hojo Umeko
It was born as a sister brand of "Hojo Taro". Aoume, Ume* fruit is associated with the image of a youthful princess, and processed foods containing Umeboshi* are associated with a old nun. At Libra Farm, we are working to contribute to the development of the region by inheriting the cultivation and processing methods traditionally practiced in the Soga region.
*Ume … Japannese apricot
*Umeboshi … Pickled dried ume
Variety
- Shirokaga
- Juro
- Nanko
Season
- Around June to July
*Hojo Umeko is currently in the process of being registered as a trademark.
Business Overview
Trade name: Libra
Opening: July 2022
Representative: Toyoaki Hosoya
Address: 292-102 Chiyo, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: 070-2248-9534 (mobile)
Reception hours: 9:00-15:00
Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
Business details:
- Cultivation, processing, and sales of agricultural products
- Import and export of agricultural products
- Writing, translation, speaking
- Web production/design
- Web consulting
About TOYOAKI HOSOYA
Born in Hokkaido in 1975. After studying abroad in the UK, he worked at a publishing and editing company, and then became the chief editor for the website and catalog production for a food delivery business. In 2019, at the age of 44, he moved to Odawara City and set out on a career in agriculture despite having no experience. Utilizing his experience as a former editor, he is transmitting the reality of agriculture from the perspective of a new farmer on his blog.
Odawara City/Certified new farmer.
The Articles
Before became a farmer
I've been walking through life without a clear goal. - Why a former editor in his 40s continues to take on challenges.
Written By Editorial department.
How moved to Odawara
A way of life called "Farmer" opened by moving to Odawara.
Written By The Editorial Department of Odawalab, City of Odawara. English version Reposted and translated by Toyoaki Hosoya from the original article of Odawalab website.