Surrounded by magnificent nature, Mt. Mitake is located in Tokyo and has a view of Tama River. I occasionally visit this area to relax, and one day I discovered 'Sawai Yuzu' with an exquisite citrus aroma. I instinctly knew that with this I can make delicious confectionary. A farmer told me that they had to dispose most of their yuzu last year because it would not sell at all. "Our ancesters left us such a treasure - yuzu, with wonderful aromas. However, we have no idea what to do with all of this."

After a process of trial and error, I created two Japanese confectionary feturing yuzu: "Yuzu Monaka" and "Yuzu Warabimochi." I asked the older people at the farm to taste "Yuzu Monaka." "We've never had such delicious Japanese confectionary. We didn't expect our products to turn out like this!" Our confectionary gave satisfactory smiles on everyone. We decided to purchase all yuzu harvested this year, in order to produce delicious confecctionary.

Ms. Miyoko Kazama, the president of Tama Kusamura no Kai, decided to support us, saying that they would like to participate in production processes and procedures. They are a non-profit organization that supports people with mental disabilities to achieve equal employment opportunities and economic independency. The organization aims to create better working environments where those people can find purpose in life by being a part of society.

Everyone, including staff members at Ginza Kazuya and trainees from Tama Kasamura no Kai with disabilities, worked together and sliced each yuzu one by one to make "Tama Yuzu Monaka" and "Tama Yuzu Warabi." They are the creations in which the farmers and people with disabilities put their dreams and thoughts into. "Tokyo Tama International Project by Ginza Kazuya" was established with the hope of delivering happiness through confectionary.

Tama, which is located in Tokyo, is a place filled with aspiring people and dreams.
Together, we can and will build a brighter future.

Despite all the differences that we have, such as languages, skin colors and cultures, together, we can and will build a future where everyone works together with a smile.

That's the kind of world I want to live in.

I believe that this project is the first step to realize my dream. I wish people all over the world lots of happiness.