#Japan #Japan Agriculture #Nittetsu Kowa #Muroran #Agriculture Ventures

Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate Enters Agriculture

Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Minato, Tokyo and led by President Masahiro Miwa) is embarking on a new venture into agriculture as part of its business expansion strategy. On December 12, 2025, the company announced its collaboration with Japan Agriculture Co., Ltd. (based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, led by CEO Shohei Naito) to establish Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate Agriculture Co., Ltd.

First Steps in Apple Production

The initial project will take place in Muroran City, Hokkaido, where the company will utilize approximately 5 hectares of idle land to commence apple production using the promising "high-density planting" technique, expected to start in April 2026. The company aims to gradually expand its agricultural land across broader areas, striving to become an agri-developer that fosters local growth through the production of diverse crops.

Reasons for Entering Agriculture

Japanese agriculture is facing severe challenges, including a declining workforce, aging farmers, stagnating productivity, and climate change. The government aims to achieve an export value of 5 trillion yen and a food self-sufficiency rate of 45% by 2030, promoting large-scale operations and corporate involvement. Nittetsu Kowa has built strong local trust through years of residential development and large commercial projects in areas surrounding steelworks. This experience and understanding of the local industrial structure, population dynamics, and land use have laid the groundwork for this agricultural pursuit.

In 2024, Nittetsu Kowa made strategic investments and formed business alliances with the smart agriculture startup AGRIST Co., Ltd., gaining valuable insights into the agricultural industry. The company also participated in the "ONE SUMMIT" to engage with stakeholders from various sectors, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable agriculture. Through this new venture, Nittetsu Kowa aims to establish a sustainable income model rooted in land usage, continuing its legacy of creating value for local communities.

The Choice of Muroran City

Muroran City, selected as the launch site, has proved to be an area where Nittetsu Kowa has developed robust relationships with local authorities via urban development projects. With the favorable climate and land attributes tailored for apple cultivation, the partnership with Japan Agriculture has confirmed Muroran’s potential as a viable new apple-growing region amidst recent climate shifts. The project aims to leverage high-density planting techniques, past market analyses, and increasing domestic and export demand to achieve successful apple production.

Future Plans

The agriculture venture is seen as a promising opportunity for Nittetsu Kowa to utilize various existing resources. Not limited to idle land, the company intends to identify regions suitable for crop cultivation and may expand its productive capabilities to over 100 hectares within ten years. Additionally, beyond increasing production scale, Nittetsu Kowa is considering the establishment of efficient distribution infrastructure, branding efforts, and tourism-agriculture hybrid initiatives that feature accommodations near farming sites.

Company Overview

• - Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate Agriculture Co., Ltd.

- Location: 1-4-4 Nakajima Honcho, Muroran, Hokkaido
- CEO: Seiji Suzuki
- Established: December 12, 2025
- Capital: 100 million yen
- Website: nskre-agri.co.jp

• - Japan Agriculture Co., Ltd.

- Location: 1-13-7 West Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo
- CEO: Shohei Naito
- Established: November 2016
- Website: nihon-agri.com

Conclusion

As agricultural challenges mount in Japan, the collaboration between Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate and Japan Agriculture represents an innovative response to these issues. Their partnership is set to explore sustainable farming practices while contributing positively to the community and local economy, ultimately aiming for a resilient agricultural future.

With a strong foundation in real estate development transitioning into agriculture, Nittetsu Kowa envisions a long-term commitment to agricultural excellence alongside community upliftment.