The First Brand Certified under the Suwa Region Brand Certification System Sweeter than melon!? "Yatsugatake Fresh Corn"

The Suwa Regional Tourism Federation launched the "Suwa no Kuni Brand" certification system on July 31. This system involves six municipalities (Okaya City, Suwa City, Chino City, Shimosuwa Town, Fujimi Town, and Hara Village) collaborating to certify products, experiences, and locations that embody Suwa's appeal.

On the same day, the first Suwa no Kuni Brand certification ceremony and menu launch event was held at the restaurant "Ginza Bistro Barn Yard" in Chuo Ward, Tokyo.

The first certification went to "Yatsugatake Fresh Corn" produced by HAMARA FARM in Hara Village, Suwa District. This sweet corn boasts a sugar content higher than melons, achieved through Suwa's abundant sunshine and the significant temperature fluctuations at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains, which exceed 1,000 meters in elevation.

Yukari Kaneko, Chairperson of the Federation (Mayor of Suwa City), commented, "We want to convey the mystical power of Suwa Country through its certified local products. We hope you'll visit this summer to experience the taste of fresh corn and the charm of Suwa Country."

Comedian Shingo Fujimori, a Suwa native and Suwa Area Tourism Ambassador, rushed to the venue. "I'm thrilled to witness the certification of the first brand," he said with a smile. "Now, when people ask me about Suwa's appeal, it will be easier to answer."

Yusuke Orii, CEO of Vegepang, which operates HAMARA FARM, introduced the product: "Its defining feature is how delicious it is eaten raw. Though a vegetable, it's sweeter than melon, which is considered one of the sweetest fruits."

When President Orii revealed he believed "agriculture holds new possibilities," leading him to return to his hometown and start farming at age 27, Fujimori cheered him on: "I was looking forward to seeing the young energy of my hometown explode, but Mr. Orii is even younger than me—he truly embodies Suwa's youthful energy. Finding a mutual friend right away was also a fun 'Suwa thing.' I want to support him wholeheartedly."

Fresh corn, harvested by Mr. Orii himself at 3 a.m. that morning, was planted at the venue. Mr. Fujimori was moved, remarking, "Truly freshly picked. Not just direct delivery, but he brought it directly to us."

Representative Orii selected a particularly delicious-looking ear and explained, "When it's time to harvest, the corn practically begs, 'Eat me!'" Fujimori quipped, "I can usually tell a woman's mood just by looking at her face, but you can even read corn's condition?" drawing laughter from the audience.

Peeling it on the spot revealed shiny, beautiful yellow kernels. Tasting it, Fujimori couldn't help but get excited: "Sweetness and umami burst out like juice from inside. The popping texture is great too." Representative Orii emphasized, "It's all thanks to the blessings of the land."

For the introduction of special corn-based menu items, Mr. Shunichiro Seki, owner of Ginza Bistro Barn Yard, took the stage. Mr. Seki, originally from Suwa and an alumnus of the same elementary school as Mr. Fujimori, stated, "With the 'farm-to-table' concept, I want to convey the producers' passion to those who eat."

Chef Eiji Shino of the restaurant praised the Yatsugatake fresh corn, saying, "It's not just sweet; it has depth and a rich aroma," and presented five corn-based desserts (corn ice cream, mousse, bavarois, macaron, pound cake).

After tasting the fresh corn ice cream, Fujimori remarked with sparkling eyes, "It's sweet, but it's the sweetness of corn. It's so delicious, why hasn't it been used in desserts before? Maybe this corn is what makes it so special."

Representative Orii stated with conviction, "I feel we've gotten a little closer to our goal of connecting tourism and agriculture. We'll continue working so many people can experience this."

Mr. Seki added, "Our bistro has a lineup of special collaborative desserts (August 1-31), so we hope many people will visit." Mr. Fujimori concluded, "I was truly moved by how delicious it was. I want to thank Representative Orii for growing this corn, and I'm also grateful that such talented people are being nurtured in Suwa. Leave it to me to spread the word about Suwa's appeal."

HAMARA FARM will hold its first free "morning-picked fresh corn" harvesting experience from August 18 to September 30 (September: weekends and holidays only). The experience is available to guests staying at participating lodging facilities offering special plans with benefits. Reservations can be made via Rakuten Travel or Rurubu Travel. (Experience requires separate advance booking from lodging; limited to the first 20 people each day)

 

Official Website: http://suwanokuni.jp/