#Japan #Tokyo #Environmental Technology #Toyo Seikan #Inoka

Pioneering Seagrass Restoration: A Collaborative Effort by Inoka and Toyo Seikan Group

Inoka, a venture based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, renowned for its cutting-edge environmental transfer technology, has embarked on a collaborative research venture with Toyo Seikan Group Holdings. This initiative is part of their larger "Seagrass Restoration Project," which aims to revive seagrass habitats in Japan, particularly in the areas devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Most notably, the project targets the Matsushima Bay, where a staggering 99% of its seagrass meadows have perished due to the earthquake. By utilizing Inoka's unique environmental transfer technology alongside the specialized algal growth material known as "Ion Culture," developed in partnership with Fudou Tetra, the research will scientifically assess the potential growth-boosting effects of Ion Culture on seagrass.

The Mission of Inoka

Inoka is committed to recreating natural water environments on land, a mission that promotes marine ecosystem conservation and restoration. Since its inception, the company has successfully collaborated in 51 research projects with 149 partner organizations and has hosted educational events that engaged over 21,397 participants. With an emphasis on cultivating a sustainable relationship between humanity and the sea, Inoka strives to pass down the rich biodiversity of the Setouchi Sea, continuing its work under the newly established Setouchi Beach Forum starting September 2025.

This new collaboration will take place at Inoka's aquatic lab located in the Takanawa Gateway Link Scholars' Hub, connected to Takanawa Gateway Station. Both companies, which are housed within this innovation-friendly facility, have initiated this experiment thanks to regular interactions and exchanges that have occurred in this shared environment.

Understanding Ion Culture

Ion Culture is a specialized product created by Toyo Glass and Fudou Tetra, designed to enhance the growth of marine plants. It slowly releases essential nutrients like divalent iron, silica, and phosphate ions into the water, addressing the nutrient deficiencies often blamed for marine ecosystem degradation, such as reduced seagrass. The product was commercialized in 1993 after extensive research on the iron ion shortage known to contribute to habitat deterioration.

This current project will assess the impact of Ion Culture on seagrass growth at Inoka’s aquatic lab. Experimental comparisons will measure growth rates and photosynthetic efficiency of seagrass under conditions with and without Ion Culture. Planned for execution between late August and October 2025, these experiments will contribute invaluable data towards restoring seagrass populations nationwide.

The Importance of Seagrass in Climate Action

Seagrasses play a crucial role in climate change mitigation by absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing carbon in the seabed as part of what is known as blue carbon ecosystems. Besides their carbon-capturing capabilities, seagrasses provide critical habitats for juvenile fish and small marine organisms while also improving water quality. However, the destruction of seagrass habitats, particularly following the 2011 earthquake, has presented a significant challenge in areas like Matsushima Bay, where regrowth has stagnated at a mere 0.3% according to recent surveys.

Toyo Seikan Group is dedicated to revitalizing these vital ecosystems using Ion Culture and collaborating closely with Inoka towards creating a sustainable, symbiotic society while combating climate change.

Inoka’s Commitment to Environmental Restoration

Founded in 2019, Inoka is a comprehensive professional group focused on natural environments, employing a wide range of specialists from marine biology to freshwater ecology. Their mission is to increase humanity’s options while fostering a world where both people and nature thrive. Promoting collaboration between public and private sectors, Inoka continues to innovate in areas that support sustainability and foster new opportunities for ecological business ventures.

Through this joint project, Inoka and Toyo Seikan Group are not only working towards restoring seagrass beds but are also contributing to a carbon-neutral society and the harmonization of nature with human activities. With this innovative collaboration, both companies look forward to forging new pathways for environmental recovery and conservation.