NEXT ONE Initiates Joint Research for High-Value Strawberry Cultivation Techniques

NEXT ONE's Innovative Approach to Strawberry Cultivation

In a groundbreaking initiative, NEXT ONE, a company headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, is collaborating with Chiba University and Japan Plant Technologies to establish advanced techniques for the cultivation of high-value strawberries. Scheduled to commence in February 2026, this joint research project aims to combine expertise in facility horticulture and cultivation physiology to meet the growing market demand for premium strawberries.

Background of the Research Initiative

The demand for high-quality agricultural products has surged in recent years. However, strawberry cultivation faces significant challenges, particularly the selection of appropriate varieties and the establishment of stable cultivation techniques that can endure periods of high temperatures. Strawberries are particularly sensitive to heat, leading to shortages in supply during the June to November period in Japan. Thus, it becomes crucial to develop effective cultivation methods during warm months and validate the potential for year-round harvests.

Additionally, for employment farms that support individuals with disabilities, it is vital to sustain a stable work environment while simultaneously enhancing the value of the products cultivated. By focusing on producing strawberries that meet high-value market specifications, this research aims not only to create successful farming models but also to contribute to improved wages for workers in these settings.

Research Themes

The project will address several key themes aimed at enhancing both ease of work for individuals with disabilities and the sustainability of farm operations:

1. Scientific Selection of Strawberry Varieties: Identifying and cultivating strawberry strains that are suitable for high-value markets.
2. Designing Accessible Cultivation Operations: Creating growing methods that are more manageable for workers with disabilities.
3. Establishing Cultivation Techniques for High Temperatures: Developing strategies and methods that will ensure stable production during warm periods and allow for year-round sales.
4. Enhancing Sustainability through High-Value Crops: Focusing on agricultural practices that bolster the economic viability of disability employment farms.
5. Exploring Social Implementation of Research Findings: Assessing how the outcomes of this research can be effectively integrated into society and the agricultural sector.

As the research is just beginning, the team will validate the feasibility of selection methodologies, cultivation conditions, and operational processes, aiming to develop a novel agricultural model tailored to disability employment farms.

Roles of Participating Companies

Chiba University

The university will provide guidance and advice on cultivation management and oversee the entire research process.

NEXT ONE

This company will leverage its operational insights from the employment farm, Meguru Farm, to evaluate the application potential of research results and implement social measures based on findings.

Japan Plant Technologies

This firm will focus on optimizing cultivation techniques and developing new environments and equipment for facility horticulture based on its technological expertise.

About Meguru Farm

NEXT ONE operates Meguru Farm, a workplace initiative designed to create supportive and secure employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This project aims to merge the goals of offering a safe work environment with addressing the practical challenges businesses face when hiring disabled individuals. Through the insights gained from this research, the company seeks to enhance both the value of cultivated products and the design of work tasks, creating a sustainable model beneficial for employees, employers, and local communities.

Comments from Leadership

Tohru Saito, the CEO of NEXT ONE, remarked, "One of the critical challenges in employing individuals with disabilities is how we can harmoniously create a work-friendly environment while ensuring business continuity. Our joint research combines the insights from Chiba University, the technology from Japan Plant Technologies, and our hands-on experience at Meguru Farm to develop a sustainable agricultural model where individuals can earn a fair income and contribute meaningfully. It's crucial not to treat social issue interventions as temporary solutions but to establish mechanisms that are sustainable for the staff, companies, and the community. We remain committed to developing businesses that balance social responsibility with economic viability."

Future Prospects

Through this joint research effort, NEXT ONE aims to accumulate knowledge about design operation, cultivation techniques, and the value enhancement of agricultural products in disability employment farms. By fostering an environment that accommodates individual needs while striving for a sustainable profit model, the company is dedicated to advancing support for disabled employees and revitalizing local agriculture.

Company Overview

- Company Name: NEXT ONE, Inc.
- Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
- CEO: Tohru Saito
- Business Scope: Electricity retail, life infrastructure, and disability employment support services
- Official Website: NEXT ONE