In Japan, buying vegetables can feel surprisingly personal.At farmers’ markets or even tiny roadside stalls,you’re not just buying food — you’re connecting with the people who grew it. The Charm of Farmers’ Markets Across Japan, farmers’ direct-sale markets — called chokubai-jo —have become popular spots for locals and travelers alike. Each stall displays freshly harvested vegetables brought in by nearby farmers every morning.Many include a name tag, photo, or a short message from the producer:“These carrots were picked this morning. Please enjoy!” The interesting part is that the flavor changes depending on the farmer.Even with the same vegetable — say, ...