Biome Tokyo Unveils Comprehensive Plant Information on Tokyo Flora

Understanding Tokyo's Flora with the Biome Project

Tokyo has long been a bustling metropolis, but beneath the urban tapestry lies a wealth of biodiversity waiting to be uncovered. In a groundbreaking initiative, Biome Inc., in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, has embarked on a project to illuminate the city's plant life through the release of the digital flora catalog, "Tokyo Ikimono Daicho". The catalog, a digital version of a wildlife inventory, aims to provide residents and researchers with easy access to information about wild organisms in Tokyo.

A Glimpse into Tokyo's Plant Specimens

On December 16, 2025, the first step in this monumental project was taken with the publication of 115,840 plant specimen records, encompassing 4,179 species found within Tokyo's urban landscape. Among these records is the oldest specimen, a sample of Sishiudo collected in 1873 from what is now Okutama Town. These specimens serve as irrefutable evidence of the plant varieties that once flourished in Tokyo’s green spaces, and they provide valuable insights into the region’s changing natural environment.

For example, one fascinating find includes Renrisō, a perennial legume that thrived in the sunny, moist grasslands of Shibuya. Although today's Tokyo assessments classify this plant as extinct within the city limits, the historical data indicates that such environments once existed, which could still support these species.

Explore the Tokyo Ikimono Daicho for more details.

Community Engagement: New Research Events

Adding another layer to this innovative project, Biome has announced new species survey events. Using the Biome smartphone app, Tokyo residents are encouraged to participate in a camaraderie of nature exploration. From December 16 to February 28, 2026, participants can embark on quests that involve identifying winter organisms in their neighborhoods.

These quests allow users to photograph and submit their findings through the app, turning data collection into a fun, game-like experience. For more information on participation, visit the official website.