[The Story of Kurosenkoku Soybeans] The Miracle Black Beans of Hokuryu Town, "Kurosenkoku Soybeans": From the Brink of Despair to the World, 20 Years of Love and Passion

Monday, December 1, 2025

Prologue: The "phantom soybean" that vanished into the depths of memory

From the vast plains of Hokkaido, a small black soybean once vanished. Its name was "Kuro Sengoku." In the 1970s, it was swept away by the wave of cultivation efficiency improvements and the shift to other varieties, and its cultivation completely ceased. [1] It was more than just the disappearance of one variety; it was a cultural loss. It was pushed to the fringes of people's memories, and Kuro Sengoku eventually came to be known as the "phantom soybean." [2] Behind the light of agricultural modernization, a regional treasure was quietly lost. The story of Kuro Sengoku begins from the brink of oblivion. It is not just a story of beans. It is a magnificent story of resurrection, weaving together the memories of the land, the feelings of the people, and the hope for the future.

Chapter 1: The Seeds of a Miracle – 28 Seeds of Life That Illuminated the Future

The story began anew in 2001. It was not a farmer who opened the door to this miracle, but a researcher. Jun Tanaka, an agricultural researcher living in Mori Town, Hokkaido, discovered a forgotten, tiny black bean among his collection of bean specimens. [2, 3] That was "Kurosenkoku."

However, the discovery was only the beginning. Mr. Tanaka attempted to pass on the baton to the future from the mere 50 precious seeds that remained. As a result, only 28 seeds succeeded in germinating.[2, 3] It was a very faint, yet certain, light of life for a variety on the brink of extinction. No one knew then that these 28 sprouts would later leave a significant mark on the history of agriculture in Hokkaido.

Initially, cultivation was attempted not in Hokkaido, but in Iwate Prefecture. This was because Kurosenkoku is a late-maturing variety that requires long hours of sunshine to grow, and it was thought that cultivation would be difficult in Hokkaido's climate at the time [2, 3]. This rational decision saved Kurosenkoku biologically, but it resulted in a state of cultural "evacuation" from its homeland. Kurosenkoku growing away from the soil of its homeland—this fact would become the trigger for the next story of passion.

Chapter 2: Return to Homeland ~The Revival of the Legendary Black Sengoku~

"Kurosenkoku is a native variety of Hokkaido. Born and raised in Hokkaido, it's a true Hokkaido native. It's best to return to its hometown and cultivate it there," said the late former chairman Nobuo Murai.
Inspired by his vision, Koichiro Terashima, the mayor of Otobe Town at the time, put forward the "Town and Agriculture Revitalization Plan," and in 2005, 24 farmers from Hokuryu Town, Takikawa City, and Otobe Town finally stepped forward to take on this difficult challenge. This movement developed into a grand project involving the entire region, and the legendary soybeans finally made their way back to their homeland, Hokkaido.

At the heart of this story of the revival of Kurosenkoku rice was the figure of one farmer. His name was Yukio Takada. Born and raised in Hokuryu Town, he dedicated his life to agriculture after graduating from a local high school.[9]Without his presence, Kurosenkoku would never have been able to take root again in the soil of Hokuryu Town.

Mr. Takada was more than just a dedicated farmer. He possessed the foresight to read the changing times and constantly seek new forms of agriculture. His experience cultivating diverse crops, including rice, sugar beets, buckwheat, and wheat, since the 1970s, gave him a broad perspective and the courage to take on challenges.[9]When he encountered the newly revived Kurosenkoku soybean, while many others focused on the risks of its cultivation difficulties, he saw its hidden potential. Its high nutritional value and the unique texture unique to its small size—he instinctively felt that this was a one-of-a-kind value that no other soybean possessed.[9]。

His vision went beyond simply cultivating beans. It involved guaranteeing quality, increasing added value, and establishing stable sales channels. To realize this grand vision, he took the lead himself, united his colleagues, and embarked on an uncharted path. His unwavering leadership and deep love for the community eventually created a powerful movement.

Chapter 3: On the Brink of Despair ~2009, the Greatest Trial~

Kurosenkoku returned to the soil of its homeland. In 2007, the "Kurosenkoku Business Cooperative" was established [3], and it seemed that the production system was getting on track. However, what awaited the producers were unimaginably harsh trials imposed by nature and the economy. The greatest hardship came in 2009.

A chain of nightmares: bankruptcies and snow damage

That year, the wave of global economic downturn hit even the small cooperative in Hokuryu Town without mercy. The middleman who had been exclusively buying Kurosenkoku soybeans went bankrupt.

The situation changed drastically. The Kurosenkoku soybeans, which had been carefully cultivated and harvested successfully, had nowhere to go and were piled up in the warehouse as mere inventory. With no prospect of receiving payment whatsoever, the day to pay the farmers for their planting was rapidly approaching.

It was truly adding insult to injury. As if to make matters worse, that late autumn, a white devil descended from the skies of Hokkaido. An unseasonal heavy snowfall piled up on the fields of Kurosenkoku soybeans, which were just about to be harvested. The fields, which had been waiting for a golden harvest, were instantly transformed into a despairing white world.

With inventory exceeding 100 million yen, and black diamonds buried in snow just before harvest, the cooperative faced the worst-case scenario: being unable to pay the producers.

The chairman's anguish and "resolve to die"

December 2009. Chairman Yukio Takada was on the brink of despair. He went around to each and every farmer who had trusted the cooperative and grown Kurosenkoku rice for him, bowing his head repeatedly in gratitude.

"I'm sorry." That was the only thought that gripped his heart. No matter how much he was insulted, he had no words to say in return. All he could do was desperately bow his head.

Overwhelmed by despair, Chairman Takada even considered suicide, hoping his own insurance money could cover the debt. However, cruelly, the insurance payout was nowhere near enough to cover the ballooning unpaid amount. He couldn't even choose death.

Chapter 4: Survival from Hell ~A Ray of Light Connected by Sincerity~

The union faced hell. However, this greatest crisis became a test that proved the true value of the "spirit of harmony" and "spirit of compassion" possessed by the people of Hokuryu Town.

The sincerity of the producers who persevered

The producers faced the end of the year without receiving payment for their Kurosenkoku soybeans, making it difficult for them to even make it through the year. The situation was so dire that some members were forced to leave the cooperative.

However, even amidst the hardship, there were producers who gritted their teeth, endured patiently, believed in Chairman Takada, and continued to wait. It was the "sincerity" of these people that kept the cooperative afloat from the brink of collapse.

"I must respond to the feelings of these people, even if it costs me my life." With that single-minded determination, Chairman Takada traveled tirelessly from east to west. His comrades, who had experienced hell and overcome suffering together, and the people who continued to watch over and support him—their presence became the foundation that supports Kurosenkoku today.

A life-saving phone call

There is no night that does not end. April 2010. There was someone who continued to watch over this worst-case scenario for four months. The phone call that came in was from Azuma Foods Co., Ltd. (Tochigi Prefecture).

"I want to buy 200 tons of Kurosenkoku soybeans directly."

It was truly a message of salvation from above. The majority of the inventory that had been dormant in the warehouse finally seemed to have a way to regain its former glory. Filled with gratitude, Chairman Takada once again worked frantically all over Japan to sell the remaining 300 tons. The furthest he traveled was to Tokushima in Shikoku. His efforts were driven by an unwavering desire to reciprocate the sincerity of the producers.

Even during this rock-bottom period, there were people who supported us in selling Kurosenkoku soybeans, helping to spread the word about their wonderful qualities. It was an irreplaceable display of genuine kindness that I will never forget. Thanks to the support of so many people, Kurosenkoku soybeans were finally able to climb out of the depths of despair.

Chapter 5: The Path to Regeneration and the Town's Support

March 2011. More than a year had passed since the devastating snow damage and subsequent bankruptcy, and the cooperative was finally able to complete payments to the producers. However, the cost was enormous.

The union's figures for fiscal year 2010 speak volumes about the severity of that ordeal.

• Number of producers: 93 → 36
• Cultivated area: 297 hectares → 85 hectares
• Yield: 359 tons → 139 tons

The cooperative's resources were truly in a state of complete exhaustion. Furthermore, in 2012, when the individual farmer income support system was launched, they faced a new problem: Kurosenkoku soybeans were removed from the list of major agricultural products.

However, it was the local town of Hokuryu that did not abandon the cooperative at this time. The town decided to protect Kurosenkoku as a "special product of the town" and started its own "cultivation encouragement subsidy" for Kurosenkoku. This support was an enormous source of strength for the exhausted cooperative. The path to recovery finally became certain thanks to the support of the community.

Chapter 6: Towards becoming a national treasure – The day when hard work bore fruit

After recovering from those hellish days, the story of their revival, which continued in a small field in Hokuryu Town, would finally shine brightly and be recognized by the nation.

Top-rated in Hokkaido

In 2018, Kurosenkoku Business Cooperative was selected as an excellent example of the 5th "Discover the Treasures of Rural and Fishing Villages" program, sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Cabinet Secretariat. [4] This was a remarkable achievement, as it was one of only 32 organizations selected from a total of 1,015 applications nationwide.

What is even more noteworthy is the high evaluation it received. Of the 98 applications from the Hokkaido region, Kurosenkoku Business Cooperative received the highest evaluation. [4, 5]

Evaluated activities

This honor was a testament to the very essence of the initiatives that generate vitality throughout the region, such as "passing on beautiful and traditional rural areas to the next generation" and "collaboration with a wide range of fields and regions," which are recognized by the "Discovering the Treasures of Rural and Fishing Villages" initiative. [4]

That was precisely the point on which the union was praised.

• They successfully protected the Kurosenkoku, a rare native variety endemic to Hokkaido.
• They developed not only soybeans themselves, but also kinako (roasted soybean flour) and processed products, creating new demand.
• He actively participated in various events both inside and outside Hokkaido and persistently promoted its value. [5]

It was precisely because they had experienced that brink of despair that the cooperative's activities possessed a strength and persuasiveness that transcended mere business. This national certification greatly boosted the producers' pride and solidified Hokuryu Town's reputation as the "home of the miraculous Kurosenkoku soybeans."

Chapter 7: The Black Gleam that Connects to the Future – A Vow for Our 20th Anniversary

Having been recognized as a national treasure, the story of Kurosenkoku has entered a new stage. The commemorative ceremony celebrating the union's progress marked an important milestone, renewing our gratitude for the past and our determination for the future.

Approximately 90 producers and related parties gathered at the 10th anniversary celebration held on March 14, 2015. [1] The story told by the master of ceremonies was moving. The 28 seeds that Jun Tanaka had germinated had grown in the last 10 years to have the potential to produce 24 million seeds, and the cultivated area had expanded to 150 hectares. [1] The producers, who had overcome the snow damage, rejoiced together in this remarkable "recovery."

Then, on March 8, 2025, the association celebrated a major milestone: its 20th anniversary. 63 people from all over Hokkaido, as well as from Aomori and Tochigi prefectures, gathered at Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen to share in the significance of these 20 years.[3] In his address, Chairman Yukio Takada expressed his deep gratitude to each and every participant, and did not forget to pay his respects and gratitude to the late former chairman Nobuo Murai, who was the origin of this story.[3]

At the ceremony, the cooperative was recognized as an "outstanding cooperative" by the Hokkaido Federation of Small Business Associations, and those who had supported the cooperative for many years were also honored. [3] This is proof that the story of Kurosenkoku is no longer supported by individual passion, but by a strong, socially recognized organization. Never forgetting the aspirations of the founders, the 20th-anniversary celebration was also a sacred occasion to reaffirm that commitment to passing on their spirit to the next generation.

Furthermore, on August 6, 2025, Mr. Yukio Takada (Chairman of the Kurosenkoku Business Cooperative) achieved the remarkable feat of receiving both the "2025 Hokkaido Industrial Contribution Award (Hokkaido)" and the "70th Anniversary Commemorative Meritorious Service Award (Hokkaido Federation of Small Business Associations)." His long-standing management of the cooperative and his contributions to local industries were highly praised.

Epilogue: What a single soybean can tell us

The story of Kurosenkoku soybeans began in Hokuryu Town. It is more than just the revival of a single soybean that was on the verge of extinction. It is a grand human drama woven from the passionate dream of one man (former chairman Murai), the quiet dedication of a researcher (Jun Tanaka), the leadership that spread the unique value of Kurosenkoku soybeans to the world (Chairman Takada Yukio), and the indomitable spirit of nameless producers.

In the midst of the despair of 2009, what did they believe in? It wasn't an uncertain future, but the presence of comrades beside them who were enduring the same anxieties. In the midst of economic hardship, what they protected wasn't immediate profit, but the promises they made to their comrades who had worked hard alongside them.

These tiny black soybeans speak to us of universal values: the courage to face the unknown; the strength to endure hardship; and the wisdom that while we may be weak alone, we can become strong when we support one another.

The producers of Hokuryu Town demonstrated a spirit of harmony and compassion. This story proves that these are not merely beautiful words, but the very foundation of the most powerful land for nurturing miracles. A single seed of hope born in a corner of Hokkaido is now poised to sprout seeds of inspiration and courage in the hearts of people all over the world.

List of reference materials

• 1. Kurosenkoku Soybean and Kurosenkoku Business Cooperative
• 2. Kurosenkoku Business Cooperative 10th Anniversary Celebration
• 3. Celebration for the 20th Anniversary of the Kurosenkoku Business Cooperative
• 4. Discovering the Treasures of Rural and Fishing Villages [No. 01] Kurosenkoku Business Cooperative Selected as a Best Practice in the 5th Annual Awards! Highest Rating in Hokkaido
• 5. Application Form for the 5th Discover the Treasures of Rural and Fishing Villages

Other photos

See photos (28 in total) of the Kurosenkoku Soybean Story here >>

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