#Japan #Tokyo #Hot Box #community farming #Compost Tokyo

Unveiling the HOT BOX Composting System

On September 28, 2025, the Harajuku Harappa Farm in Tokyo will open its doors to unveil the innovative HOT BOX, a revolutionary community compost system from New York. This event coincides with the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, highlighting the importance of combating food waste on both a local and global scale.

What is the HOT BOX?

The HOT BOX is designed to simplify the composting process by significantly reducing the need for traditional turning methods that are commonly associated with composting. With integrated ventilation pipes, this system ensures that aerobic microorganisms have the essential oxygen they need to efficiently decompose organic matter, all without the labor-intensive task of turning the compost. This innovative approach allows urban residents to manage food waste effortlessly, making composting a viable option for busy city dwellers.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Launch of the HOT BOX Urban Composting System
• - Date: September 28, 2025
• - Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• - Location: Harajuku Harappa Farm, 3 Chome-35-9 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
• - Content: Introduction and demonstration of the HOT BOX, sharing community composting initiatives and success stories.
• - Organizer: Urban Agriculture and Disaster Resilience Gardening Council
• - Presented by:

- Yoshiji Saito (President of Shimokita Gardening Club, Board Member of Compost Tokyo)
- Mikiko Anzai (President of NPO Compost Tokyo)

• - Participation Fee: Free (no pre-registration necessary, just come directly to the venue)

- Note: In case of inclement weather, updates will be provided via the Instagram story at @harahara.farm.

Why Community Composting?

The Harajuku area faces unique challenges due to its high population and tourist influx, resulting in vast amounts of waste that often go unprocessed. Additionally, urban issues like weak community ties and low disaster resilience further complicate the atmosphere in the area. The Harajuku Harappa Farm seeks to address these challenges by repurposing 1,500 square meters of underutilized public land into an urban co-creation farm, active through February 2026.

NPO Compost Tokyo is leading efforts to turn organic waste from Tokyo households into compost right within the city. This initiative collects not only restaurant waste but also grass clippings and crop residues from the farm, rice bran from a rice shop on Cat Street, and coffee grounds from nearby cafés, transforming them into rich compost that will benefit the community farm. Participants at Harajuku Harappa Farm are encouraged to share ideas and knowledge, fostering a sustainable community that continues to grow.

Comparing HOT BOX to Traditional Compost Methods

The resulting compost will support vegetable and flower cultivation at the Harajuku Harappa Farm. Unlike traditional composting methods that rely on members' interaction during the turning stages, which can foster learning and community building, the HOT BOX takes away that burden, allowing more people to participate without fear of the effort required. This flexibility opens the door for broader adoption across different regions by accommodating unique local needs.

This pilot project in Harajuku aims to showcase a new model of waste management that can potentially scale nationally and globally, paving the way for innovative circular economies that begin in urban spaces.

The HOT BOX project has obtained financial support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the fiscal year.

About NPO Compost Tokyo

Founded in April 2025, NPO Compost Tokyo focuses on converting organic waste from households and restaurants in Tokyo into compost. By reducing environmental impacts and fostering community interactions, the organization hosts workshops and practical activities while collaborating with local residents and government to promote sustainable living models. A diverse range of compost specialists manage various aspects of the organization, contributing to its distinctive characteristics. For more information, visit Compost Tokyo or email at [email protected].

Media Inquiries

NPO Compost Tokyo welcomes media representatives for interviews and coverage during the September 28 event. Please reach out in advance for arrangements.