This is the first installment of Domingo's special monthly collaboration project with towns in Hokkaido, and this time we're focusing on Abira Town!
Over the next four weeks, we'll be bringing you information on how to enjoy the town and its special local products.

The specialty product from Abira we're introducing today is a tomato juice from harahachifarm.
harahachifarm Website
Abira Town Furusato Choice

harahachifarm's Tomato Juice

Photo courtesy of harahachifarm

The only ingredient is 100% tomatoes harvested from harahachifarm's own Organic JAS certified fields. It's an additive-free juice with no salt added.

They practice thorough organic farming, using no chemical fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, or any other agricultural chemicals or hormones.

Amazingly, every step of the process, from sowing the seeds to bottling the juice, is done by hand by Mr. and Mrs. Nakamura.

The Domingo editorial team had the chance to try this tomato juice on a visit to Abira Town, and it was truly delicious. The vibrant color, the thick and rich texture, and the perfect balance of strong sweetness and refreshing acidity made it so drinkable we could have had glass after glass.

The Secret to the Deliciousness is in the Tomatoes

The juice is made from a mix of medium and cherry tomatoes.

The Cindy Sweet tomatoes, a key ingredient, take four and a half months from sowing the seeds, raising the seedlings, planting them in the greenhouse, to harvesting.

During this period, they adhere to a strong commitment to organic principles. They don't use any pesticides, including natural ones permitted under Organic JAS standards. They don't use ready-made fertilizers, instead creating their own custom blend of fish meal, rice bran, and scallop shell lime as needed. Weeding is all done by hand without herbicides, and they don't even use the disposable plastic mulch that is common in farming.

While there are many tomatoes that are just sweet, these tomatoes are said to have a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity, giving them a rich, deep flavor.

The Philosophy of harahachifarm

We spoke with Mr. Nakamura of harahachifarm about his passion and dedication to his tomatoes.

What is the origin of the name "harahachifarm"?

Mr. Nakamura, harahachifarm

It comes from the Japanese phrase "hara hachi bun me," which means to eat until you are 80% full. I believe this spirit of leaving a little room is important in everything. By not striving for perfection and being content with 80%, we can conserve our energy and continue farming for a long, long time.

What is your core commitment to farming at harahachifarm?

Mr. Nakamura, harahachifarm

It's definitely about being organic and using cultivation methods that have as little environmental impact as possible.

Could you share your passion for your tomatoes and tomato juice?

Mr. Nakamura, harahachifarm

From the very first year we started farming, tomatoes and tomato juice are the two things we've consistently continued to make. It's a juice filled with our dedication, as it takes about six months from sowing the seeds to the final product, all done by just the two of us!

Do you have any recommended ways for people to enjoy it?

Mr. Nakamura, harahachifarm

Of course, it's great to drink as is, but I also recommend heating it up to make a soup or using it in dishes like risotto.

Thank you, Mr. Nakamura!
This tomato juice is filled with passion, made from tomatoes grown with great care and dedication. Be sure to check it out on their website!