#Japan #Tokyo #Hibiya Park #Sony Bank #Synecoculture

Sony Bank's Commitment to Biodiversity

Sony Bank, led by President Keiichi Minami and headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is excited to announce its recent implementation of Synecoculture—a sustainable planting method—in Hibiya Park. Beginning in 2024, the bank has partnered with SynecO to cultivate biodiversity through a unique farming method that requires no plowing, fertilization, or pesticides. This initiative is centered around the Color Leaf Garden located within the park.

Since the initiative kicked off, two rounds of planting have already taken place, with the second round occurring recently. For this year's planting, various herb species were selected based on knowledge gained from a year of observing environmental factors, such as the intense summer heat and sunlight conditions, all while taking into account neighboring plant species. Thanks to SynecO's guidance, the selection process is focused on plant varieties that are expected to thrive in these conditions.

Employees actively participate in the maintenance and monitoring of the Color Leaf Garden, which serves as a practical learning opportunity about plants that attract butterflies and other pollinators. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. Additionally, internal communications regularly report on plant growth and project updates, while initiatives like litter clean-up events in Hibiya Park allow employees to connect their efforts with the ideals of Synecoculture, promoting values of sustainability and biodiversity.

The Sony Financial Group honors innovative initiatives through its “Sony Financial Group CHALLENGE AWARD,” where projects are evaluated based on employee votes, initiative, and impact. The Synecoculture project at Sony Bank was proud to receive a special award in recognition of its efforts.

Looking ahead, Sony Bank remains committed to its collaboration with Hibiya Park and SynecO by continuing to enhance the garden while actively contributing to efforts that boost biodiversity. This dedication reflects a broader ambition to build a sustainable future through thoughtful environmental stewardship.

About SynecO

SynecO, which focuses on enhancing ecosystems with its Synecoculture approach, aims to forge a new relationship between human activities and the natural environment. Founded in April 2021 as the first initiative backed by Sony Innovation Fund: Environment, SynecO offers solutions and services that support the evaluation and construction of ecological systems.

Understanding Synecoculture

Synecoculture is a farming approach that emphasizes the coexistence of diverse plant species to create robust ecosystems. By leveraging the natural self-organizing functions inherent in ecosystems, this method minimizes environmental impact and avoids the need for tilling, fertilizing, and using pesticides. Proposed by Dr. Masatoshi Funahashi from the Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Synecoculture aims to achieve enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem functions through direct human involvement.

Sony Bank is also focused on contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through value creation in its banking operations.

For more information on the Synecoculture initiative by Sony Bank, visit Sony Bank's Official Page.