#Urban Farming #Square Roots Japan #Agri Tech Lab

Square Roots Japan Launches Agri Tech Lab Tokyo

Square Roots Japan is making strides in the realm of urban agriculture with the upcoming launch of its first indoor farm, the Agri Tech Lab Tokyo, set to open in January 2026. This venture, located near Shinkiba Station in a renovated section of a warehouse underneath the elevated JR Keiyo Line, embodies a fusion of Japan's rich agricultural heritage and cutting-edge technology.

Objectives of Agri Tech Lab Tokyo

The Agri Tech Lab Tokyo is envisioned as a hub for experimentation and creativity, combining Japan's longstanding agricultural practices with state-of-the-art technology. The lab aims to address global challenges such as food supply risks from droughts and floods caused by climate change, alongside domestic issues like the aging farming workforce and declining food self-sufficiency in Japan. To achieve these goals, the facility will offer various functions:

1. Research and Development
- Reproducing and validating crops successfully commercialized in the U.S. under Japanese environmental conditions.
- Conducting trial cultivation of unique Japanese crops.
- Collaborating with domestic and U.S. researchers on joint studies involving equipment, seeds, and cultivation technologies.

2. Showroom and Meeting Space
- Providing presentation areas for partners and clients looking to commercialize agricultural innovations.
- Hosting seminars and events for the media and partners.

3. Training Hub
- Offering training programs for farm personnel.
- Welcoming interns from educational institutions and partner companies.

4. Commercial Farming
- Initiating commercial operations progressively after the second half of 2026.

Urban Proximity Production Model

Square Roots Japan's urban-centered production strategy aims to link its farms directly to logistics infrastructure, facilitating a supply chain that minimizes food miles and maximizes freshness and quality. This stable urban supply is designed to swiftly and flexibly meet diverse demands from restaurants, retail, and healthcare facilities, thereby enhancing community resilience. Additionally, the project is projected to generate new employment opportunities through farm operations, quality management, logistics, and customer support, fostering pride among younger generations in urban agricultural careers. Moving forward, Square Roots Japan plans to collaborate with local governments, educational institutions, as well as distribution and retail sectors to concretize the