NAGOYA -- Kenichi Hotta, a 35-year-old farmer in the city of Yokkaichi, in Japan's Mie Prefecture, has been growing eggplant for years now, but a new variety is giving him fits.
Yamamori determined to supply restaurants with fresh lemon grass and holy basil

Green, golf ball-size Thai eggplant is essential to authentic curries but difficult to grow in Japan. Nevertheless, retort pouch curry maker Yamamori intends to do just that. (Photo by Tensei Tani)
NAGOYA -- Kenichi Hotta, a 35-year-old farmer in the city of Yokkaichi, in Japan's Mie Prefecture, has been growing eggplant for years now, but a new variety is giving him fits.