Living with bees in Grandpa’s hometown

Mr. Fukushima’s honey, filled with kindness

In the satoyama area of Takehara, in Niga-cho, Daiki Fukushima began beekeeping in 2016. Wanting to stay true to the place where his grandpa lived, he launched a brand named after himself, “FUKUBEE,” and delivers natural, unheated honey.
It all started at a community garden he visited as a hobby while working as an office employee. One day, he found himself captivated by the sight of honeybees coming to pollinate, and says he felt an unusually strong pull toward them. From there, as if guided by fate, he stepped into the world of beekeeping. Through self-study and hands-on experience, he went on to start his own beekeeping business two years later.

What matters most to Mr. Fukushima is not harvesting more honey than necessary, and creating an environment where the bees can live without stress. In typical beekeeping, sugar water may be given after harvesting, but he says, “That would be cruel to the bees.” He also chose an area surrounded by rice fields for sake rice where no pesticides are used, ensuring a safe environment for them to fly freely. Today, he places hives not only within Takehara City but also on islands across the Seto Inland Sea, where the bees stay active in nature-rich areas.

FUKUBEE honey is distinctive in that it’s suggested not by flower type, but by how it pairs with food—such as “goes well with bread” or “goes well with coffee.” He has also created many collaborative products with local businesses, including butter cake and cider, and the honey is gaining attention as a Takehara specialty. Mr. Fukushima says, “My childhood memories of working in the fields with Grandpa are where it all began.” In his honey, you can gently sense Takehara’s scenery and family memories.