Iwate-machi, Iwate-gun is located nearly in the center of Iwate Prefecture. It is the only town in Japan for which the name of the prefecture, county, and town are the same. With a population of about 13,000 and the 40th parallel north running through the town, Iwate-machi is home to the source of the grand Kitakami River that flows southward across central Iwate Prefecture. Because of the high altitude, the mountainous areas have a large difference in temperature between day and night, allowing sweet crops to grow easily. The vast amount of land is also utilized to put cattle out to pasture.

In 2020, the Cabinet Office selected the town as an “SDGs Future City.” The entire town engages in sustainable community development.

This article introduces the rich selection of foods that Iwate-machi has nurtured as well as its efforts toward agriculture and livestock that makes the most of the natural environment.