Koji Pingry and Lizzy Jansen of Makanai Farm grow Japanese vegetables that inspire and delight local chefs

Makanai Farm, run by Koji Pingry and Lizzy Jansen on Vashon Island, grows over a hundred varieties of Japanese and Asian vegetables. Every Friday during growing season, they ferry their produce across Puget Sound to supply Seattle restaurants like Sankaku, Tamari Bar, and ShoMon Kappo Sushi, plus the ACRS Food Bank in the Chinatown International District. While their work primarily serves Seattle, their story connects to broader Puget Sound agricultural heritage and local food systems that benefit the region.