Personal story CASE8
Developed many products featuring local specialties
Seniors at Hokkaido Sarabetsu Agricultural High School
Moeka Takimoto, Ayaka Suga, Megumi Miura
When the Sumomo no Sato (Village of Japanese plums) owner system,
which began about 30 years ago to promote “Sumomo (Japanese plums)”
as a local specialty, ended in 2008, the town asked the school
whether “Sumomo” can be used as a research topic in a class.
Research began in 2009, with development of products using “Sumomo” and trial sales.
In 2015, began looking into commercialization of navy bean, the other specialty item.
8-1Interest in food developed during high school
SaraNou is great for
snack, animal, and vegetable lovers!
<Takimoto>
I have loved making desserts since I was young.
It made me very happy when someone says “yummy!”.
I did not have a clear sense of purpose, when it was time for me to decide on a high school,
then, my father told me about Sarabetsu Agricultural High School.
<Suga>
When I was thinking about studying about animals in high school, I read “Silver Spoon.”
I learned what “agricultural high school” is like, and talked to my teacher about it.
He told me that there are a few in Tokachi, including Sarabetsu Agricultural High School.
Since I like to eat as much as I like animals, I thought
“How great would it be to study both there!” and applied.
<Miura>
I liked playing with dirt and growing vegetables since I was young.
The reason why I applied to Sarabetsu Agricultural High School
is that my sister, who is 2 years older than I, was attending the school.
She always looked so happy,
when she told me stories about her school and the way she went to school everyday.
I wanted to be like her, and I decided to apply.
8-2Involvement in a project that starts in the second year
First, we wanted to have as many locals
eat Sumomo (Japanese plums) from Sarabetsu
<Takimoto>
During the elective class, a project that starts in the second year,
Processing Branch A was conducting a research on “Sumomo.”
We learned that they used to grow and bear fruits in people’s yards,
but many people no longer eat the fruits or do not know how to eat them.
Therefore, we wanted to first create a product for the locals to readily eat the fruits.
<Suga>
There are 2 “Sumomo” trees at my house!
I am familiar with it since I used to put the fruit in soda and drink it.
When we choose a Processing Branch, we listen to a presentation by each group.
Miura’s sister, who was presenting their work on “Sumomo,” looked so cool!
I was drawn by their presentation and decided to join their group.
<Miura>
I was the opposite of Suga. Since I knew my sister was working on “Sumomo,”
I chose to work on “Udon,” another specialty of Sarabetsu.
I was happy that “Sumomo Oroshi Udon,”
developed by combining the 2 specialty foods,
received good reviews, when it was on the menu at Roadside Rest Areas.
8-3Research, development, and sale in 2 years
Successively developing udon,
dairy products, and vegetables
by utilizing specialty items from Sarabetsu
<Takimoto>
Continuing the works of our predecessors such as compote, baked donuts, yogurt,
and Sumocchi (Pao de queijo (Cheese bun)), the 2nd and 3rd year students developed “Smotzel,”
a giraffe shaped pretzel, in collaboration with the Obihiro Zoo.
When they were sold at the zoo,
children thought they are “cute,” and “too cute to eat.”
<Suga>
At the “Sumomo no Sato Festival” in May,
we were happy to receive support from the mayor, who said,
“Let’s support the youths, who carry our future.”
The number of visitors seems to be increasing yearly, and our samples were very popular.
It would be nice if “Sumomo” gained greater awareness as our town’s specialty item.
<Miura>
Udon project is also rapidly evolving, with the development of
Jijim (Korean pancake) and quiche using flour and potatoes from Sarabetsu.
The opportunity to participate in another town’s event through this activity
was a great experience for us.
8-4Supporting the future of Tokachi’s food culture
Through the experiences in high school,
we aim to become professionals in dessert making, sales, and service!
<Takimoto>
Being a part of the product development for “Sumomo”
at Sarabetsu Agricultural High School was a great experience for me.
As someone who loves to make desserts,
I chose to work at a Japanese confectionery company in Makubetsu after high school.
I hope to develop a product that would become Tokachi’s specialty item.
<Suga>
While I was involved in product sales and sample distribution for the project,
I developed an interest in customer service.
Previously, I was shy and not very good at communicating with people.
However, I gained confidence through the project.
I felt happy when the customers bought the products I recommended.
Using this experience, I will be working in sales.
<Miura>
I also gained confidence through the work for the project,
and decided to work for a hotel in Tokachigawa Onsen (hot spring)
to become a professional in customer service.
I am very happy to be able to utilize my experiences in high school for work,
and am very glad to have chosen Sarabetsu Agricultural High School.
