TOMODACHI Generation: Yuichi Tomohiro

Yuichi Tomohiro is hoping to gain inspiration for his new business that connects local needs with his passion for food and community development through the TOMODACHI FIRST Program.

After graduating from Waseda University, Tomohiro traveled around Japan, where he stayed with more than 70 farmers and fishermen and pursued his passion to learn about sustainable living. After learning more about the needs of farmers and fishermen, Tomohiro began to organize farmers’ markets in Tokyo, connecting farmers in provincial areas of Japan with urban consumers. He also started training programs for young people interested in becoming fishermen in KouduShima, with a focus on how to make fishing a more viable career. 

After March 11, 2011, Tomohiro realized the vast untapped human resources available on Oshika Peninsula in Miyagi, especially the wives of fisherman. They had hand crafting skills but no support available to them at the time. Tomohiro worked with them to start an accessory company using fishermen’s nets and deer antlers, an item that the area is famous for.

He then founded Tsumugiya to market these accessories in Japan, with most of the revenue continuing to go to this women’s group. After four years, Tomohiro’s new project is working with a fishermen cooperative association to build a processing facility that maintains an innovative business model.

• To read about this program, click here