Chiba / Narita

Hosted by the 4th generation of the Iwabuchi family.

This journey starts with a welcome party “Hirayama Construction”, and “NAGOMI-YONEYA, two long-established companies in Narita, will talk about the secret to their long-lasting business and their important philosophy.

The second day starts with the visit to “Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple” where the fire of the Goma has been kept burning for more than 1,000 years prayed for people's spiritual fulfilment.

Then visit “Kinoene omoya”, where sake and 24-season cuisine by the Iinuma family will be served in the 300-year-old house. You will have some community experience of Taiko performance, learning about ninja spirit through ninja training and Japanese festivals at night markets.

The third day starts with a visit to a “Makata shrine” with over 1,000 years of history, followed by a viewing of Japanese swords at the “Tsukamoto Museum of Art”, followed by a visit to the “former Hotta residence” where you can enjoy a speech by a descendant of the Hotta family, a Japanese soba restaurant for lunch, and a speech by the chief priest of Makata Shrine.

In the afternoon,  Discussion with social entrepreneurs is also planned at “Chiba University”.

(Capacity of 40 persons)

Agenda as of Feb 2024

subject to change

Host Iwabuchi Family (since 1914)

Takuma Iwabuchi is a host in Chiba/Narita, the 4th president of Iwabuchi Pharmaceutical, and a board member of FBN-Japan.

Our business began in 1914 when we opened a pharmacy in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture, supporting local medical care through the distribution of pharmaceuticals.

Our company has built a long history of over 100 years with a management attitude that pursues the happiness of customers, employees, and local communities.

The next 100 years will be a journey of gratitude and giving back to the region, and we will leverage local networks and connections to create social businesses that solve social issues through business.

Takuma Iwabuchi (4th Gen) and Iwabuchi Pharmaceutical Logistics Center

Family visit HIRAYAMA Family (since 1901)

Hirayama Construction is a historic, family-owned construction company founded in 1901 by the first generation, Kinkichi Hirayama, based in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Beginning with Kinkichi's "Five Articles of Our House," the family values passed down through generations are deeply integrated into the corporate philosophy. With a strong commitment to social contribution and the development of local communities, the company practices "hometown and town building" through various architectural projects.

Hideki Hirayama 4th Gen & Head office building: Building with seismic isolation structure (constructed by Hirayama Corporation). Construction results: Fujiya old building renovation work.　　　　　

Family visit Morooka Family (since 1899)

In 1899, Chozo Morooka started a “YONEYA” selling chestnut yokan.

The Morooka family's honest business practices have contributed not only to business prosperity but also to the development of the local community, supporting Narita for over 450 years.　　

Yoshikazu Morooka 4th Gen - top left

Bottom left, Exterior of Yokan Museum / Bottom right, Exterior of main store at the time of establishment, around 1928

Family visit Iinuma Family (Over 300 years of history)

After the Chiba clan was destroyed, the Iinuma family, which was their vassal, returned to farming in Mabashi, Shisui Town, and engaged in agriculture, forestry, and sericulture.

Around the middle of the Edo period, the feudal lord ordered the production of sacred sake, and sake brewing began for over 300 years.

Kiichiro Iinuma 15th Gen - left