Despite disruption, turkey farmer in quake-hit central Japan ‘won’t quit’

WAJIMA, Ishikawa — While many in the quake-hit Noto Peninsula can’t foresee how they will rebuild their lives, a 72-year-old turkey farmer in this central Japan city aims to make a fresh start.

“I won’t be defeated by an earthquake. I’ll deliver meat to my customers,” said Masahiro Omura, who keeps about 200 turkeys. None of the animals were apparently injured in the temblor, but disruption in logistics have made it impossible to ship his livestock.

Turkey production began in the city in 1989. While gathered around a “sukiyaki” pot discussing ways to revitalize the community, one local exclaimed, “This meat is delicious.” It was from a turkey that a resident had personally raised. Fifteen locals contributed 150,000 yen (some $1,000) each to establish a production association. They started raising turkeys by purchasing chicks from Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region. Sales were especially good during the lead-up to Christmas, and production grew to approximately 1,200 turkeys shipped annually.

The association dissolved in 2004 after fulfilling its role revitalizing the area. Omura, seeing business potential, took it over by himself. Although shipping volume halved, he made efforts to improve the meat quality by mixing locally produced “koshihikari” rice in the turkey feed. Sales expanded outside the prefecture, including to hotels and restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka.

At the time of the Jan. 1 earthquake, 10 people, including the families of Omura’s eldest and second sons on a visit to their hometown, were at his house. No one was injured, but cupboards and other furniture fell over, and they evacuated to a local meeting hall. Omura treated his neighbors to frozen turkey burgers cooked on a portable gas stove.

After an evacuation center was set up the following day, Omura became worried and headed to his coop by car. He could hear the loud cries of the animals, but it seemed that no turkeys had escaped or were injured. The coop had only suffered minor damage, such as a disconnected water pipe.

Although he worries about turkeys which have become aggressive, apparently from the stress, Omura has also been encouraged by customers saying, “Please don’t shut down because of the earthquake.” Shipping will be difficult until logistics are restored, and he also feels he shouldn’t focus on his own business when others can’t, so for the time being he will help with operating the evacuation center.

Omura’s dream is to open a turkey specialty shop with his business partner chef. His determination to move forward unwavering, he explained, “I hope to start shipping when things settle. I can’t quit just yet.”

(Japanese original by Takuya Kurozume, Gifu Bureau)