Data used for this paper were derived from a variety of
sources. I examined archival documents from existing literature and newspapers to government documents and
statistics. I also conducted fieldwork with a teikei consumer
group called Organic Village, for approximately 6 months
beginning in November 2012. Organic Village, consisting
of about 60 members, is located in a suburb of Tokyo.
Since this group was one of the oldest teikei consumer
groups, I was able to examine the historical transition of
the group and the nationwide movement in general. During
my fieldwork, I participated in various group activities and
interviewed members informally. I also visited two farms
and interviewed their operators.