Collection: Ohtawara Cheese Station Ohtawara, Tochigi
~ My encounter with cheese made by Yukari-san and Yukou-san ~
I first encountered the cheese made by Yukari-san and Yukou-san in 2017 when my friend, Sumie Matsushita, said, "My sister and her husband made this cheese". I tried them and was instantly blown away! Who knew such amazing cheese existed in Japan? And now, after seven years, I am fortunate to be reacquainted with their cheese, albeit in a new form!
~ Cheese-making in Ohtawara ~
In 2024, Yukari-san and Yukou-san made a life-changing decision to leave a large organization and open a cheese factory in Ohtawara, Tochigi Prefecture. They brought over 20 years of cheese-making experience with them to start their own cheese production, and raise cows and goats on a farm. In the Nasu region where dairy farming is very active, Yukari-san and Yukou-san endeavor to produce the most delicious cheese, and to make cheese readily available to the locals in Ohtawara.
~ Modeled on European cheeses ~
Yukari-san and Yukou-san were trained In Italy and Germany respectively. The various types of cheese they produced are thus inspired and modeled after European cheeses while remaining perfectly suited to the Japanese climate, As the first domestic cheese producers to be awarded Garde et Juré by Guilde Internationale des Fromagers Confrérie de Saint-Uguzon (France), they are determined to make high-quality cheese with adjustments in the milk composition (according to season).
~ Their vision ~
In Japan, there are not many opportunities to eat natural cheese but Yukari-san and Yukou-san are on a mission to start a culture of eating cheese! Their future plans include making pizzas with their cheese and local vegetables, as well as opening a café and restaurant.
Let’s take a moment to savor the different kinds of cheese from Ohtawara Cheese Station. They are so addictive, you cannot stop eating!