The story of Japanese apples you don’t know...

Apple cultivation began in the Tohoku region of Japan during the Meiji period. The driving forces behind this industry were two important figures. They not only laid the foundation for the main apple producing areas, but also contributed to the development of the Japanese apple industry.

The cultivation of apples was first started by Mr. Teue Kikuchi. He was also the pioneer of the apple cultivation industry in Aomori Prefecture. He used the first batch of apple seedlings distributed by the government to conduct trial planting and determined that the natural environment in Aomori Prefecture was very suitable for apple cultivation. Not only did he try it himself, but he also taught the planting techniques to the unemployed samurai at the time, providing them with a new source of livelihood and further promoting the popularization of apple cultivation techniques. With Mr. Kikuchi's contribution, Aomori Prefecture and most of the Tohoku region gradually Become the center of Japan’s apple industry. However, as the scope of apple cultivation expanded, the problem of pests and diseases also gradually emerged. This problem became a huge challenge hindering the development of the apple industry at that time.

In the middle and late Meiji era, the apple industry faced devastating threats from pests and diseases, and farmers faced difficulties. At this time, another figure who was crucial to the development of the Apple industry, Mr. Kaoshichi Sozaki (とのさきかしち), played the role of savior. Mr. Sotosaki Kashichi was a student who learned apple cultivation techniques from Mr. Kikuchi Erui. He not only inherited the apple planting technology, but also devoted himself to solving the problem of pests and diseases. After years of research and experimentation, Sotozaki Kashichi invented the techniques of "changing tree shapes" and "hanging bag cultivation". The technology of "changing tree shape" improves the quality and yield of fruits by controlling the growth form of trees, while "hanging bag cultivation" prevents insect infestation by covering fruits with bags. This technology greatly reduces the occurrence of diseases and insect pests. efficiency and improve the quality of apples. These innovative technologies played a decisive role in Japan's apple industry. Therefore, Mr. Kaoshichi Sotozaki was respected as the "God of Apple" by later generations. He became an important leader in overcoming the Apple crisis and made an important contribution to the development of the Apple industry. obliterated contribution. Today's apples produced in Japan have excellent quality, plump appearance and bright color. They have become one of the famous apple producing areas in Japan and even the world. All thanks to the struggle and research innovation of Mr. Kikuchi Masae and Mr. Sotosaki Kashichi.