Interview with Narita Kenichi
We spoke with Narita Kenichi, the chairman of the specified nonprofit corporation "Japan Harvest".
The "Experience at 16" that is the Origin of Everything
How did this activity begin?
Narita
When I was 16, my life changed dramatically.
I was diagnosed with a malignant tumor and given "three months to live." The side effects of treatment pushed my mind and body to their limits. What supported me during that time was the carrot and apple juice my mother made for me every morning. The sound of the blender, the vibrant colors, my mother's voice—everything became my source of strength to live.
From that experience, I realized that food has the power to save people and illuminate the future. I felt that "the rest of my life is a bonus."
When I overcame the treatment and was discharged from the hospital, I began to think, "Now that I have been given this life, I want to be a hope for someone else."
That is the origin of my current activities, which confront society through food.
From there, it connects to the activities of Japan Harvest, right?
Narita
Yes. In 2005, I started a café restaurant in Kibi Chuo Town, and since 2013, I have also been working on a mobile supermarket. We have been delivering essential food items such as tofu, milk, and side dishes to those who cannot go shopping.
Through that activity, I began to feel what "truly appreciated food" is.
In 2018, I resonated with the efforts of OzHarvest, an Australian charity, and with the cooperation of Hello's Co., Ltd., I started the activities of the voluntary organization Food Sharing Japan as the fifth sister organization in the world.
We began activities as the voluntary organization "Food Sharing Japan" on March 9, 2018. Later, in 2021, we became a nonprofit corporation and became "Japan Harvest, a Specified Nonprofit Corporation."
Currently, we provide food ingredients to over 40 locations every month, including children's homes and children's cafeterias in Okayama City, Kurashiki City, Tamano City, Bizen City, and Kibi Chuo Town. There are also organizations we collaborate with in Hiroshima, Hyogo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Furthermore, we are delivering necessary food ingredients to necessary places while utilizing local networks.
People Can Move Forward with Small Joys
Are there any memorable events during your activities?
Narita
The most memorable moment was when I delivered a box of sweets to each child at a children's home.
At that time, one child said, "For the first time in my life, I was able to eat everything as my own." I still cannot forget those words.
It may be a small joy, but I felt that such experiences are what give people the strength to move forward.
Another memorable event was after the heavy rain in July 2018, when I was regularly conducting a mobile supermarket in temporary housing.
A 92-year-old grandmother collapsed, and by conveying the health and living conditions I had heard in casual conversations to the emergency medical personnel, her treatment proceeded smoothly.
Talking about the weather, prices, and health—these are all ordinary daily conversations, but that "ordinary time" can also be of help to people.
Through this activity, I have experienced such moments many times.
Global Ingredients for International Students and Children
Please tell us the reason for providing ingredients to international students at Kibi International University and children's cafeterias by reaching out to the participating countries of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Narita
I have experience living abroad, and when I encountered Japanese food while I was in a foreign country, it gave me a great sense of relief. I wanted to deliver that feeling to international students and children as well.
At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, we received support from nine countries and obtained ingredients that are not easily available in Japan.
The reason for donating to international students at Kibi International University was to provide a moment of comfort through the taste of their homeland. I hope they can spend the New Year in a foreign country with a peaceful mind while continuing their studies in Japan positively.
Previously, a child at a children's cafeteria who ate kangaroo meat as one of the global ingredients told me, "It became a memory I will never forget."
Through food, I would be happy if they could develop a sense of closeness and interest in that country in the future and feel connected to the world.
Sustainable Support Created with Companies and Hotels
What kind of collaboration do you have with companies and hotels?
Narita
Currently, we receive quality surplus food from 123 supermarkets, hotels, and food-related companies.
For example, at Kurashiki International Hotel and ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama, we receive leftover freshly baked bread from breakfast buffets and deliver it to children's cafeterias and support organizations.
With the rising prices of rice, this increases options for facilities for breakfast and lunch, and it also helps reduce food waste for companies.
By everyone cooperating a little, we are creating a system of "sustainable food circulation." That is why we can continue this activity in collaboration with children's cafeterias and support organizations.
Support from Family and Daily Life
How do you balance your nonprofit activities with your operations and daily life?
Narita
In 2005, I opened a café restaurant in Kibi Chuo Town with my wife.
The café restaurant operates six days a week, and I dedicate time outside of business hours and on days off to this activity. Additionally, travel and operational costs such as gasoline and accommodation for the activities are covered by subsidies and donations from individuals and companies.
To be honest, there is no surplus. However, I believe this is necessary to continue the activities.
I am responsible for menu planning and cooking at the restaurant.
Thanks to my over 20 years of experience as a chef, I can deepen my activities in food waste reduction, food support, and food education.
What I value is not just handing over food ingredients. I prioritize moving the feelings of the recipients above all else. Making them smile, feeling excited, and becoming positive. I believe such experiences connect people to each other and to the world.
How He Receives Evaluation from the Country
Please share your feelings about receiving the Director-General's Prize for Consumption and Safety as an individual in the Food Access Securing Category of the first "Food and Agriculture Connecting Award."
Narita
I am honestly happy to have my efforts in the field recognized.
However, I believe it is not just my achievement, but thanks to everyone who has been involved.
Hearing that I am the only individual recipient nationwide made me realize that the direction I have been pursuing aligns with national policy. That recognition gives me confidence to continue my efforts.
Message to Readers
Finally, please share a message for the readers.
Narita
I would like you to try doing something for someone else, even if it's just for one minute out of the 24 hours in a day. It could be picking up a piece of trash or just saying a kind word.
I believe that one minute of action will eventually become your own strength and connect you to those around you, your community, and the world.
You don't need to do something big.
The accumulation of small steps can lead to unexpected changes and joys.
Conclusion
What is the definition of happiness? How do we build our worldview, values, and perspectives during our lifetime? I believe the answers to these questions differ for each person.
Since the age of 16, Narita has continued his activities with the hope that those receiving support can feel joy and hope through food during his "bonus life" of over 30 years.
What I am doing is not about asking something from others, but about delivering what they truly need with goodwill and without charge.
Listening to Narita's story, I was once again moved by his approach to these activities.
Data on Japan Harvest, a Specified Nonprofit Corporation
| Organization Name | Japan Harvest, a Specified Nonprofit Corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Specified Nonprofit Activities ・Activities to promote social education ・Activities to promote community development ・Activities to promote environmental conservation ・Disaster relief activities ・Activities to protect human rights or promote peace ・International cooperation activities |
| Representative Name | Chairman Narita Kenichi |
| Year Established | March 9, 2018 |
| Address | 2440-52 Ueno, Kibi Chuo Town, Kagawa Prefecture |
| Contact | 0866-56-7187 |
| Website | Japan Harvest, a Specified Nonprofit Corporation |
