Our Philosophy
We are committed to creating world-leading plant factory systems.
Guided by integrity and a sense of responsibility as a steward of society, we strive to contribute to the advancement of future civilization.
Greeting
Japan Vertical Farm Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Yushihisa Ike
After gaining practical experience in small-, medium-, and large-scale plant factories at a foreign-affiliated consulting firm and a plant factory operating company as a First-Class Registered Architect, he founded the company.
Some perspectives in environmental science suggest that there are inherent limits to food production through conventional agriculture, fisheries, and livestock systems operating under natural conditions.
At the same time, global food demand continues to grow as the world’s population increases, underscoring the need for more sustainable production systems.
Against this backdrop, plant factories are increasingly recognized as a viable solution—an important technological domain that can help support future food supply.
Since our founding, we have been committed to creating new industries through the industrialization of agriculture, with a strong focus on the stable production of high-quality, great-tasting produce.
In many conventional plant factory operations, approaches remain largely extensions of open-field cultivation, and differentiation in terms of product quality and taste has not always been fully realized. We also see a lack of integration between marketing perspectives and engineering capabilities as a key challenge in the industry.
Traditional Japanese farming methods and organically grown vegetables cultivated in natural environments are known for their low nitrate nitrogen levels, as well as their high quality and excellent taste.
However, in recent years, climate change and increasingly unpredictable weather have made it more difficult to maintain consistent quality. In addition, the aging of the agricultural workforce and a shortage of successors have become major challenges for the industry.
Research in plant physiology has shown that antioxidant compounds and other nutrients in vegetables can vary significantly depending on environmental conditions. One of the key advantages of plant factory systems is their ability to precisely control these factors through advanced environmental control technologies.
At the same time, recent changes in dietary habits have led to a decline in vegetable consumption. In this context, the supply of nutritionally enhanced vegetables carries clear social value.
While many companies have entered the plant factory sector, we see cases where commercialization moves forward without a sufficient foundation in plant physiology, cultivation techniques, and operational design.
Similarly, in the adoption of AI and automation technologies, solutions that do not fully reflect the realities of cultivation environments can face practical limitations in real-world use.
Operating a plant factory requires the integration of a wide range of disciplines. In addition to agricultural sciences such as plant physiology, nutrient solution management, and analytical techniques, it also involves engineering fields including architecture, HVAC, and irrigation, as well as mechanical and electrical control systems, materials processing, cultivation operations, and hygiene management.
Rather than relying on any single advanced technology, plant factories are best understood as an infrastructure-based industry built on the integration of multiple technologies.
Through collaboration with a wide range of businesses and industries, we are working to create new markets for high-value vegetables and fruits while advancing the commercialization of plant factory systems and the development of new industries.
Looking ahead, we aim—however modestly—to contribute to addressing food security challenges in Japan and around the world.
Company
Company Name
Japan Vertical Farm Co., Ltd.
Head Office
15-6 Jojinden, Kamiueno-cho, Muko City, Kyoto 617-0006, Japan
Research & Development Center
Kyoto Prefectural University Seika Campus
74 Oji, Kitainayazuma, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0244, Japan
Representative Director
Yushihisa Ike (First-Class Registered Architect (License No. 343778))
Business License
Construction Business / Machinery Installation Business License No. 41795 (General-1 / General-30)
TEL
075-275-0249
Capital
JPY 15 million
Established
Established in October 2015 (Originally founded as a sole proprietorship in October 2012)
Our Services
* Plant factory design and construction
* Development, design, and manufacturing of cultivation systems
* Research and development of cultivation technologies
* Production and operational management of plant factories
* Vegetable analysis and quality evaluation
* Related and supporting services
Patents Acquired
11 Patents
Media
June 2017
Kyoto Shimbun (Morning Edition)
November 9, 2017
Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Morning Edition)
December 15, 2017
Yomiuri TV “Kansai Joho Net ten.”
March 6, 2018
TV Osaka Evening News
January 29, 2018
NHK Kyoto Area “Kyoichi News 630”
Broadcast later in the Kansai area on “News Hot Kansai”
and nationwide on “Ohayo Nippon”
April 18, 2018
Broadcast worldwide on NHK WORLD JAPAN
Achievement
June 2017
Tomatsu Venture Support Morning Meet UP
Featured at the 75th Osaka Innovation Hub session: “Agriculture”
November 2017
NEDO Pitch hosted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
Featured at the 21st Muza Kawasaki Central Tower session: “Agri-Food”
February 2018
Tokyo Sangyo 21 Kick-Off / Kyoto Next-Generation Manufacturing Industry Employment Creation Project
Keihanna Open Innovation Center (KICK)
Contact
Contact us / Apply here
For inquiries regarding seminars, online seminars, or speaking engagements, please feel free to contact us.
*Please note: This seminar is not open to companies in the same industry. Thank you for your understanding.*