Terunuma Katsuichi Shoten is a farm that grows Satsumaimo, a variety of sweet potato, in the village of Tokaimura (Ibaraki prefecture). The farm, which is organized as a corporation, also processes the harvested Satsumaimo into Hoshi-imo, or dried potatoes, and distributes them. Hoshi-imo is a typical winter delicacy in Japan, made by slicing the sweet potatoes and then drying the slices in chilly winter winds.

In 1999, an accident at a nuclear fuel processing plant in Tokaimura caused many to become concerned about the safety of consuming produce from that area. Subsequently, Mr. Katsuichi Terunuma, president of Terunuma Katsuichi Shoten, worked hard with other farmers in Tokaimura to fight the negative publicity that the accident brought upon their produce. Today, as a young leader of the local agricultural community, he is still actively involved in promoting consumer-oriented food safety, while at the same time striving to improve the quality of the soil at his farm.

While Ibaraki ranks second after Kagoshima in Japan in terms of Satsumaimo yield, it is the largest producer of Hoshi-imo, making up over 80% of the total amount processed in Japan.

Tokaimura, located near the coast, is considered the northernmost limit for Satsumaimo cultivation. The area is prone to frost, which could possibly damage the crop. On the other hand, Hoshi-imo processed from potatoes exposed to moderate frosting is said to be sweeter and better in texture compared to those that are not.

Mr. Terunuma, whose goal extends beyond food safety, has also been working on improving his soil quality without the use of chemicals. He says that he wants to hear consumers say “Eating Satsumaimo and Hoshi-imo from Terunuma improves your health,” and, “I will accept nothing but Terunuma brand potatoes.” This is what drives Mr. Terunuma to continuously invest his time and efforts in improving the quality of his potatoes.