#Japan #Kawasaki #Fukushima #Connect Around

Exploring Diversity and Inclusion in Agriculture

On October 8, 2026, Tsukasa Asai, President of Connect Around, will deliver a lecture at the Kawasaki Citizens Academy held at the Kawasaki City Lifelong Learning Plaza. The course titled "Building New Agricultural Businesses: Achieving Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) and Contributing to Fukushima's Recovery" is open for anyone interested, with the registration deadline set for August 18, 2026.

The Kawasaki Citizens Academy serves as a hub for lifelong learning, aiming to enhance the community's engagement and well-being. Asai's presence as a speaker is part of this initiative, especially in light of Connect Around's commitment to promoting sixth-stage agriculture through setups like "FUN EAT MAKERS Musashi-Shinjo." This growing emphasis on agricultural innovation and collaboration brings new business opportunities and community growth in Kawasaki.

The course will delve into various topics, including the hydroponic cultivation of leafy vegetables and the manufacturing and sale of secondary processed products. One key focus will be the innovative practices being implemented in Fukushima, notably at the "FUN EAT MAKERS in Okuma," which uses AI technology in the cultivation of mini tomatoes and other agricultural products. Asai will also touch upon universal workflows that are designed to standardize operations, allowing individuals to work effectively according to their strengths and capabilities.

Course Details

• - Title: Building New Agricultural Businesses: Achieving D&I and Contributing to Fukushima's Recovery
• - Date: October 8, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
• - Location: Kawasaki City Lifelong Learning Plaza, 28-41 Imai Minamimachi, Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City.
• - Cost: ¥11,500 (includes materials)
• - Capacity: 70 participants
• - Organizer: Certified NPO Kawasaki Citizens Academy, Kawasaki City Lifelong Learning Foundation

Asai’s background includes a rich academic and professional history in agricultural science, particularly in facility horticulture and nutrient solution cultivation technologies. After completing a graduate program at Meiji University, he joined Creek & River Co., Ltd., where he engaged in various roles from web-related staffing to project management and establishing open innovation initiatives. His leadership in Connect Around represents a fusion of agritech and interdisciplinary professional ideas, aiming to foster diversity and inclusion in agriculture while boosting local employment and industrial development.

For individuals interested in local sustainable practices and recovery efforts, this event presents a unique opportunity to engage with innovative agricultural models that are reshaping the landscape in Kawasaki and Fukushima.

For more information and registration details, please refer to the Kawasaki Citizens Academy website.

About Connect Around

Established in April 2022, Connect Around prioritizes creating new agricultural businesses that combine agritech with ideas from diverse industries. Recently, they launched the "FUN EAT MAKERS Musashi-Shinjo," a sixth-stage agricultural facility aimed at selling fresh produce to local restaurants. Their vision extends to the "FUN EAT MAKERS in Okuma," which not only supports Fukushima’s recovery but also embodies a larger project integrating agriculture and culinary arts in the region.

Their commitment to advancing community employment and enhancing local industries through innovative agricultural practices continues to take shape, fostering sustainable growth and resilience in affected areas.

For further details about Connect Around, visit their website or their social media channels.