Employees holding completed picture books in front of a farm in Kiyose City
Employees of Seki Farm, a vegetable farm in Kiyose City, Tokyo, have created a picture book called “Tomato no Kimochi” about the tomatoes they grow every day. The hope is that the tomatoes, which grow in unique colors, shapes, and sizes, will resemble the children of the local community and will grow to be their true selves. (Okamoto Futoshi)
They may have scars, be a little small, or grow slowly. Various tomatoes appear in the picture book and grow little by little along with their friends.
Mayuko Somaya (44), who was in charge of the concept, said, “There are tomatoes with various unique characteristics on the farm, and as each one is exposed to the sun, it turns red. I hope it sends a message that it’s okay to be different.”
The picture book was created by a total of six employees and part-time employees in their 20s to 40s who work at Seki Farm. Last spring, during their lunch break, they started talking about how they wanted to draw pictures, which led them to take up the challenge of creating picture books.
At first, there was no set theme or message, but one of the members suggested, “Why don’t you write a fantasy story about why tomatoes turn red?” The members further elaborated on the concept and began production.
It will take about half a year to complete. Member Mayuka Takahashi (40) took the lead in drawing the tomato growing in the sunlight with a gentle touch. Bun also asked the children of the members to help create a cute atmosphere.
The completed picture book was donated to the city in hopes of having it delivered to local kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools. 550 yen for 24 pages of B5 size. You can purchase it from the vending machine in front of the farm or at JA. For inquiries, please email [email protected].