| Nobiru Hachimaru Ranch Co., Ltd. | President Ken Hachimaru |
| (General Incorporated Association) Mimamori Japan | Chairman Yukiko Hachimaru |
（１）Development and provision of educational experience programs utilizing local resources through horses, forests, and satoyama landscapes.
（２）Human resource development and self-reliance support projects.
（３）Utilization projects for idle municipal forests.
（４）Projects to promote horse welfare.
（５）Projects for the sound development of youth.
（６）Community revitalization and enhancement of local welfare capacity.
（７）Forest management through horse logging (horse-powered timber hauling) and related projects.
January 2003– Established 80 Enterprises, Inc.
April 2004 – Began clearing and developing abandoned farmland in Morioka City (then Tamayama Village)to restore it as ranch site.
November 2005 – An initiative was launched to revitalize the city center by exploring the introduction of regular horse-drawn carriage services.
March 2011 – The Great East Japan Earthquake struck.
April 2011 – Initiated recovery support activities in the coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture, harnessing the power of horses.
December 2011 – Continued recovery support activities in Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture, harnessingthe power of horses.
March 2013 – Established MIMAMORI Japan (General Incorporated Association) in Higashimatsushima City.
July 2013 – The “Mimamori Project” was selected under Higashimatsushima City’s Reconstruction Project Proposal System.
November 2013 – Began developing and clearing undeveloped municipal forest land to establish an activity base.
July 2016 – Established Nobiru Hachimaru Ranch Co., Ltd. in Higashimatsushima City as a joint business partner of Mimamori Japan (General Incorporated Association).
April 2018 Relocated the ranch from Morioka.
April 2023 – Leased adjacent idle municipal land to the ranch site and launched satoyama development through the practice of permaculture.
Ken Hachimaru
Born in Kagoshima prefecture. Entered Tohoku University(Engineering) in 1990, where first encountered horses during university studies. After spending four years , withdrew from university and apprenticed under an Australian horsemaster living in Japan. Following extensive on-the-job training in all aspects of equine work—including the training and starting-in of racehorses, retraining retired racehorses as riding horses, farriery, transportation, planning and management of equestrian competitions, sales, ranch management, import operations, and serving as tour conductor and interpreter for overseas programs—established independence in October 1998.
Participated as the first Japanese invited competitor in the European Horse Logging Championships held at “Pferde Starke,” Europe’s largest festival of working horses, in 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2025.
In June 2016, I had the profound honor of being granted an audience with Their Most Esteemed Majesties, the Emperor and Empress Emeritus of Japan, before whom we presented ―together with a live demonstration of horse-logging ― our initiatives to harness the harmonious coexistence between humans, horses and forests as a driver for post-disaster community revitalization and rural developemant.
Yukiko Hachimaru
At the age of 25, experienced a sudden restructuring when the riding club where she worked was unexpectedly closed. Took in “Dai-chan,” a carriage horse left without a destination, and made a promise to resume carriage operations. Founded his own business at 32, and at 35 fulfilled that promise after ten years by restarting carriage services. In November 2008, the book Five Stories Overflowing with Dreams and Inspiration by Masanobu Fukushima was published by Kiko Shobo, featuring the story with Dai-chan. In February 2009, this was further introduced on Fuji TV’s program Unbelievable under the title “The Miracle Born from the Bond with a Beloved Horse.” Since then, while continuing activities as a business coach, appeared for two years on a coaching radio program (IBC Radio). Currently engaged in corporate training, lectures, and outreach classes, sharing the essence of lessons learned from her own experiences.
Aya Yoshida
With a strong emphasis on empathy and attentive consideration for others, Aya excels at understanding situations and translating them into effective action. In customer relations and event management, she is committed to thoughtful communication, always considering what others truly need. In her work, she values the principle of finding enjoyment in everything, approaching each day with humor and positivity. Because the smiles of others inspire her, she strives to bring a sense of joy to those she engages with. Through these efforts, she believes she can support those around her in a positive way by combining compassion × initiative × expressive ability.
Ren Kikuchi
Since childhood, I have loved animals, which led me to pursue studies at a specialized animal school. During my time there, I discovered my passion for horses, and after graduation, I began working here at Mimamori Hachimaru Ranch. Every day, I strive to be a source of comfort and reassurance for the horses. Outside of work, I enjoy music activities and spend fulfilling holidays. With my cheerful personality, I am committed to bringing energy and joy to the ranch!
Yuuya Konno
Since 2025, I have been working at Mima Mori Hachimar Ranch with the hope of helping horses shine and thrive in their second and even third lives. As this path is completely different from the one I had previously followed, it is also a kind of “second life” for me. Each day, I learn many things from the horses and strive to improve step by step. Incidentally, I have played baseball since elementary school—our team placed third nationwide in junior high, and in high school I was honored with the Excellent Player Award of Miyagi Prefecture.
