#Japan #Tokyo #Hibiya Kadan #Urban Agriculture #Plantio

Hibiya Kadan and Plantio's Innovative Collaboration

Hibiya Kadan, a leading floral company based in Tokyo, has recently embarked on an exciting partnership with Plantio, a social impact startup located in Shibuya, Tokyo. The goal of this collaboration is to democratize agriculture and food, enabling participation from everyone, anywhere, through the implementation of an innovative "Agri-Food Infrastructure."

Partnership Goals and Vision

Armed with the corporate message "Blooming for Every Tomorrow," Hibiya Kadan aims to create sustainable production and distribution methods while fostering well-being in local communities. Plantio, on the other hand, redefines the relationship between agriculture and urban living through its engaging platform, "grow," which makes farming a joyful experience for city dwellers.

Together, both companies share a vision beyond mere green space provision. They aim to increase the number of individuals involved in nurturing plants, thereby generating fresh community ties and a cycle of well-being amid urban lifestyles. This strategic collaboration aspires to leverage the unique strengths of both companies along three focal axes:

1. Experiential Area Management (BtoB / BtoG)
Hibiya Kadan will implement "agricultural installations" within various settings like parks, commercial facilities, and office buildings where they manage space maintenance and administration. This approach goes beyond mere upkeep; it fosters a sense of belonging and promotes the joy of growing plants, shaping a new concept of urban greenery.

2. Product Development for "Farming in Daily Life" (BtoC)
Hibiya Kadan will introduce Plantio's direct-to-consumer (DtoC) products to its established network of consumers. By incorporating the enjoyment of growing, eating, and sharing food into everyday life alongside ornamental flowers, they will propose a new urban lifestyle enriched by agricultural experiences.

3. Societal Implementation of Sustainable Agri-Food Infrastructure
By combining the expertise of both firms, the partnership seeks to establish an infrastructure that addresses biodiversity preservation, urban resilience, and food security. They envision a democratic approach to agriculture, integrating technology with nature, accessible in urban settings across Japan.

Remarks from Company Leaders

Hiroaki Miyajima, CEO of Hibiya Kadan
Miyajima expressed that adding the concept of Agri-Food Infrastructure to Hibiya Kadan's commitment to creating comfortable spaces will enhance the value of urban greenery, making it more active and engaging. Leveraging IT and digital tools to facilitate participation in agriculture and green spaces is crucial for ensuring sustainability in the industry, and he is hopeful about creating a new cycle of flower appreciation and nurturing joy across cities in Japan.

Takeyuki Serizawa, CEO of Plantio
Serizawa expressed pride in forming a resilient partnership with a company that has shaped floral culture in Japan. He believes that installing elements of agriculture in public parks will materialize their long-held vision. The synergy between Hibiya Kadan's expansive network and Plantio's technology and products will undoubtedly make urban life more enjoyable and sustainable.

Kickoff at Otemachi Farm

Prior to their official partnership announcement, Hibiya Kadan and Plantio held an engaging event at Otemachi Farm, attended by around 80 employees from Hibiya Kadan. This exchange set the stage for the emergence of tangible synergies at a grassroots level.

Special Interview Announcement

For those interested in learning more about the values underpinning this partnership and the future envisioned by both leaders, a special interview can be found on Plantio's owned media site, "grow JOURNAL." Readers are encouraged to check out this insightful conversation.

Special Interview: Increasing 'Growers' Creates Circulation between People and Greenery - The Future of Urban Living as Envisioned by Hibiya Kadan and Plantio.

About Plantio

You can learn more about Plantio at their official website: Plantio where they articulate their vision of creating opportunities for people to engage with agriculture and food, facilitating a delightful and participatory agricultural society.

About Hibiya Kadan

With a history dating back to 1872, Hibiya Kadan is committed to evolving beyond just floral offerings into enriching everyday experiences. More info can be found on their official website: Hibiya Kadan.