Pineapple farmer Masaya Omine
In the lush green village of Kawahara, Masaya, the third-generation pineapple farmer, sells his pineapples under the name "Ma-bo's Pineapples." A busy working father of three, Masaya's favorite place to relax is here.
There are six pineapple orchards in and around Kawahara, and this one is very close to his home. Pineapples take two years to mature and require meticulous care. He says that a simple "delicious" from someone who eats them is what motivates him. It's located along Prefectural Road 209, south of the Kawahara settlement.
The peak harvest season is usually from May to July each year.
Approximately 5 minutes by car
While running, I came across a beautiful view of the sea at the top of a hill, making it one of my favorite spots. "I feel soothed by the beautiful sea that opens up beyond the greenery!"
Approximately 15 minutes by car
At Egao no Hatake, where they cultivate vegetables and herbs using natural farming methods, they opened a cafe in 2020. They offer smoothies made with fruits and herbs grown in their spacious garden, as well as Yaeyama soba and set lunch menus. Masaya says, "I like the soba here the best on the island," and sometimes comes here about twice a week.
Approximately 20 minutes by car
Masaya, who started playing baseball in junior high school and still plays for an amateur baseball team, loves the sport. He says he often visits this place to think and just gazes at the stadium. "It's a place I love because it's full of memories from my youth. Feel free to drop by when there's an amateur baseball game going on."
Masaya Omine
Born in Ishigaki Island in 1994. In 2020, she joined her family's pineapple production business and now grows pineapples with her parents. In addition to production, she also sells pineapple smoothies from a food truck during the harvest season (around May to July).