#Japan #Tokyo #Biome App #Citizen Science #Tokyo Biodiversity

Engaging Citizens in Biodiversity Research: Tokyo's Summer 2026 Initiative

In a groundbreaking move to bolster biodiversity conservation, Tokyo has launched a citizen-participation initiative known as the Tokyo Biodiversity Survey 2026 Summer Edition. Developed in conjunction with Biome Co., Ltd., this program aims to create a digital wildlife catalog, the Tokyo Ikimono Diary, by leveraging community contributions to gather vital biological data.

As global trends lean towards a nature-positive approach, Tokyo is making strides in collecting foundational information to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts. Understanding the distribution of wildlife is no small feat; it typically requires significant time and effort. Relying solely on expert surveys is not sufficient to keep pace with the ever-changing urban ecosystems. This is where citizen science comes in.

Survey Overview

Commencing on July 1, 2026, the summer edition of the survey spans the vast urban landscape of Tokyo, encouraging citizens to participate easily by submitting observations through the Biome smartphone app. This opens a window for those interested in wildlife observation, making it accessible to anyone wishing to contribute to the survey.

Survey Details:

• - Duration: July 1, 2026 (12:00 PM) - August 31, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• - Eligibility: Open to everyone
• - Quests: A total of ten quests ranging from beginner to advanced levels
• - Special Incentives: Participants who meet certain conditions will enter a lottery for prizes.

To join the survey, participants can easily access the Biome app:

• - Download for iOS
• - Download for Android

Three Unique Features of the Tokyo Biodiversity Survey

1. Guided Learning: The Biome app features a “Guide” function, allowing users to learn about the ecological aspects of species in a fun and engaging way. Each quest contains hints on how to explore for the target species, allowing participants to gather information while gaining insights into Tokyo’s ecosystems.

2. Celebrating Past Achievements: As the fourth year of the survey, last year's results have already been published. In 2024, around 140,000 records were collected, and even more in 2025. These efforts demonstrate the collective enthusiasm and effectiveness of citizen involvement in biodiversity research.

3. Real-Life Events: A significant event will take place at Tokyo Skytree Town, showcasing a panel exhibit themed on “Tokyo’s Insects: Past and Present.” Specialized classes conducted by experts on the ecological nuances of these species will also be available, providing an enriching learning experience for attendees.

Event Dates: July 11, 2026, to August 30, 2026.
For further details and class schedules, visit: Daikontyu Tent.

What is the Tokyo Biodiversity Survey?

The Tokyo Biodiversity Survey is a proactive program aiming to safeguard the biodiversity within Tokyo by encouraging widespread participation in wildlife observation. By merging community-driven data collection through the Biome app with professional research and existing literature, the project strives to develop the Tokyo Ikimono Diary and continually update it with new findings.

Through cooperation between citizens and specialists, the creation and dissemination of the catalog will progress in stages, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse life forms inhabiting Tokyo.

Official Site

Understanding the Tokyo Ikimono Diary

The Tokyo Ikimono Diary is a dedicated online platform that visually displays where and what species exist across the city on a digital map. This allows anyone to search for and learn about Tokyo’s rich ecosystems easily. Information collected from last year’s survey serves as a valuable resource for this platform.

Tokyo Ikimono Diary

The Biome App

Developed to assess biodiversity distribution, the Biome smartphone application allows users to collect data and engage in wildlife conservation efforts. Featuring nearly all species (approximately 100,000) of plants and animals found in Japan, the app's unique AI-enabled name identification helps users pinpoint species from their photos. The app transforms wildlife observation into a gaming-like experience with features such as collections, maps, and quests.

As of July 2026, the app has surpassed 1.25 million downloads, with over 11 million user submissions, continually enriching the database for biodiversity research and conservation.

About Biome Co., Ltd.

Founded in May 2017 and stemming from Kyoto University, Biome Co., Ltd. is committed to integrating biodiversity preservation into societal norms. Their focus lies in creating business solutions that address environmental challenges, such as the Biome app, leveraging sophisticated big data and visualization techniques aimed at merging science with society to enable robust biodiversity conservation.

Biome Co., Ltd. Official Site