Mr. and Mrs. Nomura / Nomura Shokusan, Tokyo Western Vegetable Research Association (Organic vegetable provider) 2025.12.25

Akiruno is where the Tama River and its tributary, the Akigawa River, meet. In a quiet residential area, there’s a sign that reads “Tane.” It’s a local seed shop, the kind you don’t see very often these days. Seedlings are lined up outside the store, and inside, seed packets are crammed everywhere. “Carrots,” “Cucumbers.” Mixed in with the old-fashioned seed packets with photos are the occasional stylish package or hand towel. When asked, they start mentioning city center places one after another: “This is the kind they sell in Shibuya…” “It’s also sold at the Kichijoji Marche…” The shop’s owners, the Nomura couple, became farmers to hone their cultivation techniques and promote seed sales. They now ship a wide range of Western vegetables, including Sato Rogue, grown with organic fertilizer. Hoping to further promote new varieties, they serve as the secretariat for the Tokyo Western Vegetable Research Association, planning and hosting markets and events.

The cheerful and warm-hearted Nomura couple first met at a now-defunct bar in Kichijoji. Music has been a mutual interest for a long time, and they often invite musicians to their weekly market in Tachikawa.