December Maker’s Story: Yuzu from Umaji Village in Kochi

As winter approaches, so does the vibrant presence of citrus fruits! Yuzu (ゆず) citruses in particular are in season during the colder months in Japan—with its fragrant aroma and unique tarty flavour, it is a popular ingredient in various winter delicacies. Yuzu is also used in hot baths called yuzuyu (柚子湯) where the fruit is believed to help ward off colds and promote good health for those who soak in them.

JAPAN RAIL CLUB is proud to have Umaji Village Agricultural Co-operative (JA Umaji 馬路村農業協同組合) as one of our Featured Makers this month. As part of the ensemble in JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s December “Merry Citrus” Omiyage Snack Box, we had a chat with Mr. Iwasada (岩貞), Director of Kochi Sales Office, to find out more about the village of Kochi Prefecture (高知県) and its organic production of yuzu citruses.

Video by Umaji Village Agricultural Co-operative

Nice to meet you, Iwasada-san! Please tell us more about the company and the origins of its founding.

When this company was founded on 15 June 1948, despite 96% of the village being covered by mountain forests, we embarked on the cultivation of yuzu through trial-and-error on terraced fields and steep slopes due to the scarcity of farmland. Umaji Village is known as the Yuzu Village by locals.

JA Umaji’s exciting product line-up | Photo by Umaji Village Agricultural Co-operative

That’s very admirable! Out of all the yuzu products made by JA Umaji, what are some of the company’s best-selling products?

That would be the Yuzu no Mura Ponzu Soy Sauce (ゆずの村ぽん酢しょうゆ) and the Gokkun Umajimura (ごっくん馬路村) Yuzu Drink.

Gokkun Umajimura Yuzu Jelly Drink & Ginger Yuzu Dry | Photo by Umaji Village Agricultural Co-operative

Oh, the Gokkun Umajimura Yuzu Drink comes in a jelly drink form in this month’s Omiyage Snack Box! Could you share with us more about the two products?

Gokkun Umajimura Yuzu Jelly Drink is made to recreate the refreshing and unmistakable taste of Umaji Village’s yuzu, blending it with honey to create an innovative textured yuzu jelly beverage.

With the Ginger Yuzu Dry, you get to enjoy the best of Kochi! A collaboration between two of Kochi’s representative and popular flavours, the rich aroma of yuzu and the slightly spiced ginger, creates a delightful combination.

Photo by Umaji Village Agricultural Co-operative

What are some key features of your company’s products and practices?

Our products are made out of 100% yuzu from Kochi Prefecture. Since its founding, the village’s farmers embraced organic cultivation practices, utilizing yuzu residues that are no longer needed during processing as compost, returning them to the soil. Nearly two decades into this circular farming approach, it is no exaggeration to say that we were one of the pioneers of adopting the contemporary SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) philosophy.

Besides, Umaji Village boasts the largest organic cultivation area in Japan, employing practices such as circular organic farming, organic cultivation, and JGAP (Japan Good Agricultural Practice).

In terms of overseas business, we have sold our products mainly to Southeast Asia, including Singapore. We also have a proven track record in the USA, Europe, Australia, etc.

Yuzu Hajimaru Festival | Photo by Umaji Village Agricultural Co-operative

I’m sure that our readers are keen to visit Umaji Village! Are there any attractions or events that visitors should know about?

Every year in November, a yuzu harvest festival called Yuzu Hajimaru Matsuri (ゆずはじまる祭) is held. On this day, the whole village is filled with the smell of yuzu, and visitors from all over the country come to taste grilled ayu (sweetfish) caught in the Yasuda River, which flows through the village, and other local delicacies. 

Photo by Umaji Village Agricultural Co-operative

Lastly, do you have a message for our readers?

In Umaji Village, there are no convenience stores or hospitals, nor are there traffic lights. Although it is a small village with a population of less than 1,000, it is blessed with great natural beauty. In the summer, ayu dance and eels swim in the Yasuda River.

In winter, the yuzu trees paint the landscape yellow, creating a delightful contrast between green and yellow. There are also occasional flurries of snow. Despite the lack of amenities, Umaji Village is rich in nature and onsen, attracting visitors from all over the country seeking healing and tranquillity. We invite you to visit such a village in Umaji.

From Kochi Station, take the local train on the Dosan Line and Gomen-Nahari Line to Yasuda Station (about 2 hours) and transfer to the Aki-Umaji Yanase Line bus for Umaji Bridge (about 35 minutes). JA Umaji Yuzu no Mori Factory, the main yuzu product facility in Umaji Village, is about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. Alternatively, it is about a 100-minute drive from Nankoku IC on Kochi Expressway.

Subscribe to JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s Snack Box Subscription Plan to try two of Umaji Village Agricultural Co-operative’s yuzu products and other Japanese treats in “Merry Citrus” Omiyage Snack Box, exclusively available in December 2023. Order yours now!