A New Urban Green Oasis: ART FARM IKEJIRI Opens in Tokyo

In a groundbreaking initiative, ART FARM IKEJIRI is set to emerge atop the HOME/WORK VILLAGE in Ikegiri, Setagaya, Tokyo. This delightful urban space is designed to reconnect city dwellers with nature and promote the flourishing of a creative community. The project is led by The Art Farm LLC, founded by curator and plant culture researcher Norika Ishida. Scheduled to open on April 16, 2025, ART FARM IKEJIRI aims to create a serene third place for locals and visitors alike, enhancing urban life through agricultural experiences.

The Inspiration Behind ART FARM IKEJIRI

Through researching various urban community farms, the inspiration for ART FARM IKEJIRI stems from the observation that adopting an agricultural-based lifestyle can positively impact the mental and physical well-being of urban residents. By leveraging these insights, the initiative aspires to be the most refreshing third place in Tokyo, and as such, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign to gather creative members and support for the project, aiming for a grand opening in July.

A Closer Look at What ART FARM IKEJIRI Will Offer

ART FARM IKEJIRI will provide various unique experiences centered around agriculture, community interaction, and sustainability:

- SHARE FARM: Families and friends can engage in growing fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, hops, and flowers together, enjoying the fruits of their labor at communal tables through Farm to Table experiences. Weekly lectures from professional gardeners will foster an enjoyable learning environment.

- VINEYARD: The farm will cultivate grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, collaborating with local wineries to produce wine. The space will also be available for public events and small gatherings.

- WORKSHOPS: Visitors can participate in workshops focused on learning cultivation techniques, urban permaculture, outdoor skills, and seasonal living. These hands-on experiences will strengthen the connection between people and nature.

- MARCHE, EVENTS: A variety of activities, such as markets with local farmers, tea ceremonies, art events, and educational gatherings, will be organized mainly on weekends, creating a vibrant community hub.

- COMPOST: The farm will promote composting initiatives, including microbial power generation and compost recovery sessions led by local food cycling companies, encouraging community members to participate and share the love for composting.

- KITCHEN: A kitchen facility will enable participants to wash vegetables and perform simple cooking tasks with harvested produce. An ecological biogeofilter system is planned to ensure wastewater is efficiently processed, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.

Membership Structure

Distinct from traditional farming practices where individuals lease plots of land, ART FARM IKEJIRI adopts a shared membership model. This innovative approach enables members to collectively manage the farm, with guidance from professional gardeners on landscape design, seed selection, and daily maintenance. Regular workshops and seminars will promote sustainable agricultural lifestyles. Harvests will be shared, ensuring equitable distribution of fresh produce.

This collaborative farm model also serves as a potential blueprint for rooftop farms and urban spaces nationwide, transforming unused areas into thriving agricultural hubs.

Support Through Crowdfunding

To engage the community, a membership plan is available for those who wish to support the project, starting at 3,000 yen per month. This basic support tier allows for family involvement and includes options for workshops and book purchases among various other offerings.

About The Art Farm LLC

The Art Farm LLC, founded by Norika Ishida and others, is dedicated to managing ART FARM IKEJIRI. Ishida is an accomplished author with works like Plants and Handcrafts and Introduction to Witchcraft. Notably, volunteer support from Hide-nori Kondo, the initiator of Tokyo Urban Farming, contributes to this innovative project, aiming to promote circular economies and agrarian lifestyles in urban settings.

For more information on the project, please visit HOME/WORK VILLAGE.

This project not only embodies the essence of community spirit in an urban context but also offers a potent reminder of the importance of reconnecting with nature in modern city living.