Asahi Kogyo's New Tsukuba Research Facility Celebrates Its Opening

On December 5, 2025, Asahi Kogyo Co., Ltd. held an opening ceremony for its latest venture, the Tsukuba Research Institute, located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This state-of-the-art institute aims to be a cornerstone for innovative research in energy-saving technologies and agricultural advancements. The ceremony welcomed various dignitaries, including officials from the Ibaraki Prefectural Headquarters and academia, celebrating the institute's commitment to excellence in research and sustainability.

Research Focus Areas

1. Energy-Saving Technologies for Building Equipment

The Tsukuba Research Institute is equipped with specialized rooms designed for experiments focused on improving energy efficiency, comfort, and intellectual productivity in office environments. The facility features a variety of air conditioning systems, including floor diffusion, wall radiation, and liquid cooling, enabling comprehensive testing of energy-saving and comfort efficiency in real-world scenarios. Moreover, it includes a dedicated laboratory with a solar simulation device to study the impacts of direct sunlight on energy consumption and occupant comfort, paving the way for the development of new office air conditioning systems.

2. Agricultural Technology with Plant Growth Environment Control

The facility encompasses several closed plant cultivation chambers, facilitating research into various agricultural technologies. In addition to common leafy vegetables, the institute is equipped to grow high-value crops and pharmaceutical plants, adhering to the Cartagena Protocol standards in some of its research spaces. Through collaborative research with educational institutions and partnerships with private companies, the institute will address diverse customer needs by developing advanced cultivation systems.

3. Environmental Improvement Technologies

To further enhance its longstanding expertise in odor and VOC technologies, the institute has established dedicated experimental rooms to develop air flow visualization technologies. These lab spaces aim to commercialize solutions for a wide range of environmental challenges, from workplace environments to broader ecological concerns.

An Educational Hub for Building Equipment Knowledge

The Tsukuba Research Institute also serves as a training ground for employees. It features a walkthrough for observing the ceiling infrastructure and a conference room with an exposed ceiling design, allowing new employees to learn about actual air conditioning systems firsthand. Additionally, the dedicated equipment training room showcases transparent HVAC units and sanitary appliances, enabling users to gain an in-depth understanding of air and water flow within building systems.

Future Prospects

Asahi Kogyo Co., Ltd. envisions the Tsukuba Research Institute as a central hub for collaborative efforts with universities, research institutions, and businesses, aiming to drive the development of cutting-edge technologies that contribute to a sustainable society.

Facility Overview

- Name: Asahi Kogyo Tsukuba Research Institute
- Address: 2-12-6 Gakuen no Mori, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Structure: Reinforced concrete with steel components
- Floors: Two above ground
- Site Area: 9,300.07 m²
- Building Area: 3,065.82 m²
- Total Floor Area: 3,782.24 m²
- Vision: Cultivate curiosity and intellectual exploration while tackling new environmental challenges and business creation.
- Concept: A technology hub for enjoyable and inquisitive thought.
- Environmental Performance Certifications:

1. Achieved ZEB
2. BELS★6
3. CASBEE-WO application in progress
4. LEED application in progress

- Design and Construction Management: Nikken Sekkei Ltd.
- Construction Partner Companies:

- Main Construction: Shimizu Corporation
- Electrical Work: Yuden Co., Ltd.
- HVAC and Sanitary Work: Asahi Kogyo's East Kanto Branch and Hokkaido Asahi Refrigeration Construction Co., Ltd. Joint Enterprise

For more details about the Tsukuba Research Institute, visit their official website.