Michelin-starred chef's choice

Last spring we had a guest from Michelin's three-starred Japanese restaurant "Kanda."
Chef Hiroyuki Kanda visited Uonuma, seeking for "the best rice in Japan" to serve in his restaurant.

Chef Kanda studies in the field

Uonuma is well-known for good Koshihikari rice. But the area which produces "Uonuma Koshihikari" is vast and the tasted of rice differs by fields because of natural conditions.

He met three producers we recommended, visited their rice fields, and tasted the rice. Consequently, he chose the rice produced by Mr. Kiyoshi Suzuki (Kiyoshi-san), saying

"It was moving. The taste was just like Kiyoshi-san, clear, straight..."

Kiyoshi-san with his wife

Last week, we had a good news from the Michelin. Kanda won the Michelin's three stars this year again.

Congratulations!!

Kanda in Moto-Azabu, Tokyo

First Ride of the Season!

Ski and snowboard season has begun around Uonuma. Kagura ski resort in Yuzawa (next to Minami Uonuma City) opened on 21 November. Our company's ski and snowboard lovers (team?) went for the first ride of this year. Although not much snow left at the bottom of the mountain, there was enogh upper on the ski slope.

around the parking lot

on the ski slope

Another mission of this day was to distribute fliers of coming ski and snowbord events. We just published back country ski and snowboard magazine "Spray" and are planning to hold a series of workshops about funs and dangers of a backcountry ride. (language : Japanese only)

fliers of the events

Thanks to people who were so nice to stop by and receive these fliers!
See you at the workshops!




Reported by Hirasawa

Winter has come!!

Yesterday, we had the first snow in Uonuma.

Only the mountain-top of Mt. Hakkai was snow capped in the morning

It was sunny in the morning, though the cold north wind was getting stronger.
The weather suddenly changed in the afternoon.

Rain? Sleet? Sleety rain continues

It was rain at first, then sleet, and finally white snow continuously falling on the town!

In front of the office

After one night of snow... The town was covered with a blanket of snow.

Autumn Photo Gallery

Uonuma has distinctive four seasons, in which I like autumn the best.



In early autumn, rice fields turn to gold and farmers start harvesting rice. Sometimes we can see unique landscape of "Hazagake" (traditional way to dry rice under the sun)



When harvesting ends, leaves starts to turn to red and yellow from the mountaintops, gradually down toward village. Perssimon trees with ripe orange fruits are heart-warming.


But Uonuma's autumn is very short.

Mountaintops will soon be covered with snow. The first snow last year was in November...
Soon there will be white snow all around.