News & Blog

This blog highlights the latest events and activities happening at the Earth Embassy’s Solar Cafe, Organic Farm, Eden Farm School and Eden Eco Homes.

Norwegian Ambassador and Wife visit….

The Ambassador from Norway, Arne, and his wife Anita, a CNN reporter, visited recently to see our farm, lend a hand in the fields, and visit the village restoration at Lake Shojiko. We are hoping to work together to develop some organic products on their farm in India!

Chilis and Jalapeno…Coming Soon !!!!

the BIGGEST pumpkin!!!!

This is SHIZEN NOHO as professed by Masanobu Fukuoka. We didnt plant these, they just come up naturally in our sheep areas, and every year they are getting bigger, and BIGGER!

Organic Apple Trees

Rob weeded and fertilized our young apple trees, and this year we got our first apple! Well, the deer got it actually, but at least someone in the family is eating well.

We placed organic fertilizer from Seigos family cows in the center, and a ring of cedar shavings to keep off weeds on the outside.

Entrepreneur Mentorship Initiative

Jacob was selected as a participant in the 2010 Entrepreneur Mentorship Initiative, sponsored by the US State Dept., the Japanese Government and the American Chamber of Commerce Japan. Donald Nordeng of JAS and Eco-Cert will be providing guidance and mentorship. The opening ceremony was held at Ambassador John Roo’s residence in Tokyo.

Thanks Jaime and Terri for a great summer 2010!!!

We had a great season this year from all the amazing help we get from our staff and interns. This year we held it together with Jaime’s amazing creations in the kitchen and Terri’s always even keeled management and mothering for us all. Thanks so much girls. We will miss you!!!! Come back soon….

Hula on Mt Fuji

This is a special Hula dance created for the goddess of Mt Fuji, Konohanamosakuhime.

Performed at the top of our kid’s field, facing the mountain, by Laki Laki Honua.

EARTHSHIP GREENHOUSE, The Foundation is in!!!

With a lot of great help from interns and students, we have the foundation in and the rainwater and fish tanks ready to be filled.
Tyler helped cutting grass, Natchan drove the tractor (!!!) and Rob and Alex did all the heavy tire packing.
the barrels will collect rain water for plants and also to fill the fish pond and fish tank installed on the East end.

The in-ground foundation will help mediate temperature, as well as the tires and water tanks providing thermal mass, so that we will be able to do hydro-ponics and aquaponics year round, and not freeze our fish in the winter. Hoping to get the roof on before the snow flies!

Solar Cafe & Farm’s Mt Fuji White Eggplant! mmm…..

Traditional and Hi-tech Japanese Farm Tools

Hirata-san, our rice farming teacher, shows us here the traditional Japanese hand tool for weeding rice fields.  The wooden machine with the skis is old style.  The long pipe with the chains is Hirata-san’s original tool!  He is using ancient know-how, a simple hand pulled device, with modern ideas.  His new tool can do 10 rows at once, instead of one at a time like in the past.     This is the type of  re-innovation that organic farmers are developing to reduce the need for chemicals and still be able farm efficiently.

Japanese Cedar Soaking Bath at the Shojiko House

This soaking tub was retro-fit into the bathroom at the Shojiko reformed Minka home. We also added a large step for easy access and a spot to sit and swing your legs over the edge into the tub for elderly bathers. The double pane windows were added for extra warmth, and the original maple leaf glass on the north side was retained for charm, and so we actually have triple paned glass there. The house is available druing our summer campaign for Y29,800,000. Please contact Jacob Reiner @ 090-9346-3774 or info@earthembassy.org if you would like to arrange a viewing.

UA came to visit the cafe again!

One of Japan’s biggest divas and recording stars, Ua, came to visit the cafe again this year. She and her husband have a farm in Nagano and she stops by for lunch with her kids once in awhile on her way through our area. She is one of the brave ones, a pioneer in J-pop as well as the new farm cuisine trend, as so many Japanese love to stare and point at our cafe as they drive by, but are afraid to come in. Having traveled abroad and with an appreciation for home grown food, she apparently likes our relaxed vibe, good grub, and the free space for her kids to play. Hoping to invite her by next year to sing at one of our events!!!

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