In Fukui City, 63-year-old former pharmacist Naoki Ejima has successfully grown bananas in a snowy environment, expecting an annual harvest of 20,000 fruits. Starting agricultural studies in 2021, he overcame challenges to achieve what was deemed impossible using greenhouses. His Echizen Bananas have gained popularity as souvenirs.
Naoki Ejima, 63, from Fukui City, worked as a pharmacist at a local drugstore but left before retirement to pursue banana farming. In 2021, he began studying agriculture at a Fukui prefectural training facility, where an instructor deemed growing bananas there impossible. Undeterred, Ejima constructed greenhouses and started with seedlings.
He initially faced pest issues but persisted with organic methods. Now, he anticipates harvesting 20,000 bananas annually, supplying them—branded as Echizen Bananas—to JA Fukuiken's farm stands. Despite costing ¥600 for a bunch of three to six fruits, more than imported bananas, they are popular as souvenirs.
Ejima credits his success to treating seedlings for cold resistance before planting and maintaining 15°C in the greenhouses. The primary challenge remains the heating costs, leading him to seek kerosene-free alternatives.
"I want to create an appealing workplace while selling the products at reasonable prices so they reach many people," Ejima said. This effort highlights potential for tropical fruit cultivation in the region.