Unlike traditional family farms, 52-year-old Tetsuichi Umezu runs his like a corporation.
It has a 20-strong workforce, and the farm's lettuce, broccoli and other fresh vegetables generate 2.7 billion yen in annual revenues.
Based in the village of Oizumi, Yamanashi Prefecture, Umezu is confident his products can compete with the recent flood of cheaper imports.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.