#Japan #Ginseng #Chofu #NTT East #Akebono Pharmaceuticals

Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Ginseng Cultivation

In a groundbreaking initiative, Akebono Pharmaceuticals, NTT East, and Technoable have joined forces to start an experimental project aimed at creating a smart cultivation model for ginseng (specifically, the highly regarded Chosun ginseng) using aquaponics technology. This collaboration marks a significant step towards reducing environmental burdens while ensuring sustainable production of this valuable herb. The experimental phase is set to launch in June 2026.

Project Background: Embracing Nature's Resilience

Akebono Pharmaceuticals defines plants not merely as gentle beings, but as resilient organisms that have adapted to thrive in harsh natural environments. This perspective reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to harnessing the survival strategies of nature to enhance human resilience. One of the cornerstones of their offerings is Chosun ginseng, which has been integral to their flagship product ‘Domohorn Wrinkle’.

Sourced from the pristine conditions of the Changbai Mountains in China, this ginseng variety requires seven years of nurturing to enrich its beneficial compounds, especially ginsenosides. For nearly 40 years, Akebono Pharmaceuticals has optimized the use of this resource by employing various extraction techniques, resulting in distinctive extracts with proven benefits in the fields of skincare and health.

Goals of the Project

The primary aim of this project is twofold:

1. Reducing Environmental Impact and Shortening Cultivation Periods: By blending Akebono Pharmaceuticals’ expertise in ginseng analysis with NTT East’s advanced ICT solutions, the initiative plans to implement aquaponics— a symbiotic system integrating fish farming with hydroponics— to grow ginseng without soil while maintaining environmental integrity.

2. Maximizing Value through Full Utilization of the Plant: This method encourages the comprehensive use of the ginseng plant—roots, leaves, stems, and fruits— promising a heightened concentration of beneficial compounds while exploring the potential development of new functional materials.

Experimental Setup

The project kicks off with the establishment of an experimental facility at the NTTe-City Labo in Chofu, Tokyo, designed specifically for cultivating ginseng using aquaponics. This space will serve as a research base for collecting and analyzing environmental data relevant to ginseng growth—monitoring factors like temperature, light intensity, and water quality using state-of-the-art sensors coupled with AI analysis.

Features of the Facility

• - Name: Aquaponics Lab
• - Location: NTTe-City Labo, Chofu, Tokyo

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the innovative aquaponics system in action. Interested parties can contact the facility for tours and insights into this next-generation agricultural practice.

Future Prospects

As the project advances, Akebono Pharmaceuticals aims to visualize and assess the effective compounds found within the roots, stems, and leaves of ginseng. Early results indicate a significant increase in ginsenosides, further supporting their commitment to sustainable farming practices. This aligns with the company's vision of fostering connections between nature and humanity, propelling their efforts to deliver high-quality, domestically sourced ginseng to a wider audience.

By establishing a circular economy model for ginseng cultivation in Japan, this collaborative approach not only promises a reliable supply of high-quality materials but also aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with international transportation, setting a benchmark for future sustainable agricultural endeavors.