Kenjiro Sawaura is a 2024 graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, working at Greenleaf Co., Ltd. in Gunma, Japan--a family business founded by his grandfather that he plans to lead in the future. The company operates across 100 hectares producing konjac yam and diverse vegetables, with its own processing facilities creating konjac products, pickles, frozen vegetables, and ready-to-cook meals. As part of a group of six companies generating approximately 5.7 billion yen annually, Kenjiro currently manages processing operations and international partnerships.
His Nuffield research addresses critical constraints facing Japanese agriculture: heavy dependence on foreign labour, geographic limitations (70% mountainous terrain restricting large-scale farming), and low food self-sufficiency at 35%. By studying sustainable labour models, high-value agriculture in challenging terrain, and successful international partnerships across countries like Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, and others facing similar constraints, Kenjiro aims to identify pathways for Japan's agricultural future. His goal is to share these insights with Japan's young farmers--of whom there are many in his region--and help shift the traditionally inward-looking industry toward a global perspective while maintaining strong local roots.
