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Daiken Corporation Takes Initiative with Community Garden in Toshima

Daiken Corporation, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has embarked on an exciting new venture to transform unused land into productive community spaces. The company has successfully implemented a business model that was approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, known as the “Public-Private Partnership Modeling Project for Private Proposals.” This model aims to address local government challenges by leveraging innovative partnership strategies from private enterprises. Recently, Daiken opened the Chikawa Community Garden in Toshima, Tokyo, on June 6, showcasing its commitment to community development and land utilization.

This initiative marks the second case following their first project in Chiba City, which began in June 2025, and aims to turn neglected public spaces into vibrant community hubs. The Chikawa Community Garden utilizes the site of the former Chikawa Junior High School pool, converting a neglected area into a flourishing community garden for local residents. This strategic move is part of a broader goal to ease the administrative burden on local governments while simultaneously providing opportunities for community interaction and engagement.

Overview of Chikawa Community Garden

The Chikawa Community Garden encompasses roughly 700 square meters of land located in 1-12 Takamatsu, Toshima, Tokyo. It is tailored for residents of Toshima, fostering community ties and facilitating agricultural education and experiences. The garden not only serves as a member-based facility but also plans to host communal spaces, enhancing opportunities for local interaction among residents. Future activities will include regular events such as farmers' markets and educational experiences for children, reinforcing the garden's role as a center for both social and agricultural education.

As Miyuki Takagi, the Mayor of Toshima, remarked, the garden initiative is expected to excite children and provide them with hands-on agricultural experiences, despite urban surrounding with limited farm space. This concept of a community farm, rather than just parcel rentals, will innately promote interaction among participants, thereby strengthening intergenerational connections within the community through shared agricultural activities.

The Comprehensive Management Service for Local Governments

This public-private partnership model not only emphasizes the importance of utilizing unused land but also seeks to reduce the management costs and operational burdens faced by local governments. Daiken Corporation has taken the lead in managing these abandoned parcels, transforming them into productive, community-centered gardens.

With a comprehensive approach that includes managing land using woody fibrous materials for weed control and overseeing the installation and functioning of gardens, Daiken is committed to alleviating the pressures local authorities face while connecting communities through agriculture and education. This initiative was proposed as part of Daiken's application to the Ministry of Land’s public-private partnership modeling project, which was approved in July 2024. Following extensive on-site research and trial evaluations, the first project in Chiba City was successfully launched in June 2025.

Looking ahead, Daiken plans to continue expanding its services as a viable option for municipalities seeking innovative solutions for underutilized lands, fostering both administrative efficiencies and enhanced community value in a sustainable manner. They aim to create a lasting impact on community engagement through this partnership model.

For more information regarding this venture, you may contact the Solutions Development Division, Community Garden Team at [email protected].