TOMODACHI Generation: Shota Morikawa

Shota Morikawa is a participant of the TOMODACHI FIRST Program. Born in Shizuoka and driven by his interest in media, Morikawa took a job with a publishing company in Tokyo when he was 20 years old.

After an interview with an organic farmer of a similar age, he realized how hard it is to operate a farm and the challenging efforts of farm producers. Morikawa became highly motivated to convey the story of producers and their products through the media. Knowing the Great East Japan Earthquake caused devastating damage to the producers whom he had met through his work, Morikawa launched a project called the “Kodomotachi-ni-egao-wo,” a project meaning “Giving smiles to children”. Morikawa and his team visited eight elementary schools from June 2011 to February 2015. He supports children and farmers in the affected area by providing meals that include locally grown ingredients. The earthquake also offered him an opportunity to notice the necessity of passing agriculture down to the younger generations.

At the same time, he realized that deserted cultivated land for green tea is increasing, so he decided to start producing green tea in a place where the land had gone out of cultivation in Shizuoka. He has just recently started an overseas operation to find new markets for green tea. Through the TOMODACHI FIRST program, he was looking forward to gaining inspiration as an engaged person in food and agriculture by interacting with other members who are working with a global view and who have already made the world his or her stage.

• To read about this program, click here