Apr 26, 2020 (Japan Times) - Since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a nationwide state of emergency on April 16 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, people have been looking for ways to keep fresh produce on the table without making extra trips to the supermarket. From individual farmers to cooperatives, here are six ways to bring sustenance to your doorstep.
Base Side Farm
Atsue Durrant and her husband, Cameron, grow year-round on their farm near the Yokota Air Base, offering an assortment of greens (including kale) along with popcorn (yes, it’s actually a variety of corn), leeks and other vegetables throughout the season. Customers can visit the farm to pick their own produce, order single varieties or purchase a mixed box.
Single-variety boxes range from ¥1,300 to ¥3,000 while variety boxes cost about ¥2,000 to ¥4,000 depending on the season. Payment via credit card or bank transfer. English and Japanese spoken. Visit bit.ly/basesidefarm-fb or contact the farm directly at basesidefarm@gmail.com.
Sho Farm
An organic farm in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Sho Farm prides itself on being plastic free from seed to delivery. You can order its Zero Waste Vegetable Box, which comes with a selection of the 100 different kinds of vegetables grown on the farm, to arrive weekly or bi-weekly on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. The box also comes with suggested recipes. This year, Sho Farm is also planning to add sets of four, six or 10 eggs for an additional charge of ¥80 each.
Small and large vegetable boxes cost ¥2,000 or ¥3,000, respectively. Additional shipping costs vary. Payment by bank transfer. Delivery begins May 2020. Visit sho-farm.sunnyday.jp for more information; you can contact the farm directly via email at shofarm2014@yahoo.co.jp.
Bugrass Farmers
Online grocer Bugrass Farmers brings together fruits and vegetables grown on natural and organic farms all over Japan. Juice, eggs, rice, miso and more are also available. Orders can be made via the website for a set box of vegetables or other items. Note that since the vegetable boxes are popular, it’s best to purchase well in advance for specific delivery dates.
A small vegetable box is ¥2,200 while a medium is ¥3,200. Payment is via credit card or, for a small additional fee, via au Wallet, Docomo or Y!mobile. For more information, visit www.bugrassfarmers.jp (Japanese only).
