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Founded in January 1972 in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, we left Saitama, which was rapidly developing into residential and industrial areas during the height of Japan's economic growth, and in 1975, in search of a new home, we established ourselves in Kinomi, Fujisawa-cho, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. The name Kinomi is said to have originated either from the fact that gold was once mined in this area, a part of the golden culture of Michinoku, or from the fact that it was a fertile land where golden rice fields swayed like waves.
Initially, the company focused solely on pork production, but once the production of high-quality pork was established, it expanded its business to include ham and sausage processing, pesticide-free vegetable cultivation, and other ventures centered around agriculture.

It was in June 1992 (Heisei 4) that Ark Tategamori was created on top of this mountain in the Yellow Sea, after a four-year period of soil preparation.

In the state-developed farmland of the Kitakami Mountains, Teruo Hashimoto, the founder and husband, embarked on realizing his own farm market concept (*), which he had learned and developed independently, with the aim of establishing a Fujisawa-style agricultural model that could serve as a national standard.

The name "Ark" is derived from "Noah's Ark" in the Old Testament. It's a well-known story, and "THE ARK" refers to that ark. Commanded by God, Noah built a massive ark, carrying all kinds of plant seeds and pairs of animals, and drifted through the Great Flood to a new land. He and his family were upright men who saved living creatures and their descendants, and created the future of this world.

There, I felt something that overlapped with the mission of this ranch, which is to "leave Japanese agriculture to the future."
It is true that we feel a great sense of crisis regarding Japanese agriculture, and it is also true that we sincerely want to pass on to the next generation the ideal form of agriculture, which should be strong, even if our efforts are small. Inspired by Noah's Ark, we named it Ark Tategamori (originally Tategamori Ark Farm), incorporating the local place name.

As envisioned by my husband, our farm market (*) is thriving as a place of relaxation for many people and a place for learning about agriculture and life, while we produce and provide safe food and processed products.

While running an agricultural company, I also raised four children at home as a mother. Therefore, I have a deep interest in food preparation. Like me, I believe every mother wants their children to eat delicious, nutritious, safe, and healthy food and grow up healthy. My wish is that all farmers and politicians will possess that wonderful maternal love and compassion.
"Food is life." When we truly understand this, not just as a phrase, but as a genuine feeling, Japanese agriculture can change dramatically.
Ark Tategamori is still a small ark, but we hope to row powerfully towards the future while expanding our circle of empathy with many kind-hearted people.

"Where there is a will, there is a way." These are the words of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, and they mean "Where there is a will, there is a way." They are my motto and always give me the courage to move forward.
We will continue to move forward with strength towards our dreams. We would appreciate your continued support and encouragement.