🌟CNA is going to air a special program regarding the artisans from Undiscovered Gems of Japan !!

They introduce our champions who are battling extreme weather conditions and taking on new farming and fishing challenges. You will find great inspiration from the program. Take a look!!!

Mr. Kesamaru Shouzou from Kesamaru Marine LLC (Saga Prefecture) – Sea Urchins
Mr. Yoshida Akinori from Agricultural Corporation Agrish – Tomatoes
Mr. Umetsu Satoshi from UMIOTOKO Co., Ltd. – Oysters

Having served as a judge at the Takaramono Singapore Competition, Christopher Leow visits them from his unique perspective, exploring their passion and the challenges they face on the frontlines of food production.

Mr. Kesamaru Shouzou from Kesamaru Marine LLC (Saga Prefecture) – Sea Urchins

Mr. Kesamaru became a free diver at 18 and took over his family’s work. At 23, he saw seaweed disappearing and started removing harmful sea urchins and planting seaweed. After 20 years, he restored a large seaweed area—twice the size of Tokyo Dome.

The sea urchins from this area are especially tasty. His work also helps fight climate change by storing carbon in the ocean.

Mr. Yoshida Akinori from Agricultural Corporation Agrish – Tomatoes

Mr. Yoshida grows sweet, nutrient-rich fruit tomatoes by limiting water and nutrients, boosting their natural strength. After facing repeated floods, he created “floating fields” that can withstand both heavy rain and drought.

His innovative method allows stable tomato farming in extreme conditions, offering new hope for agriculture in a changing climate.

Mr. Satoshi Umetsu from UMIOTOKO Co., Ltd. – Oysters

Mr. Umetsu has visited top oyster regions around the world and done over 300 tests in Japan to create oysters he can be proud of. He worked day and night to improve his methods.

“I started oyster farming because I saw the ocean I loved as a child slowly change,” he says. “I want to bring back the rich sea life of the Ariake Sea and help local fishing come alive again.”