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2nd JPFA Symposium, Chiba (JP)

JPFA President, Eri Hayashi was exhilarated to welcome the attendees to the second Symposium as she opened the event
JPFA President, Eri Hayashi was exhilarated to welcome the attendees to the second Symposium as she opened the event
An exhibition showcase of various organizations collaborating with the JPFA for either health, education, or innovation purposes 
An exhibition showcase of various organizations collaborating with the JPFA for either health, education, or innovation purposes 
The Mayor of Kashiwa city expressed her thanks to the JPFA and the city for exploring innovations in plant factory research
The Mayor of Kashiwa city expressed her thanks to the JPFA and the city for exploring innovations in plant factory research
All participants of the second JPFA Symposium, held in Kashi-no-wa 
All participants of the second JPFA Symposium, held in Kashi-no-wa 
Koutaro Yokote, President of Chiba University, praised the JPFAs' research work on Plant Factories
Koutaro Yokote, President of Chiba University, praised the JPFAs' research work on Plant Factories
This marks the second JPFA Symposium 
This marks the second JPFA Symposium 
Eji Goto, Professor at the Chiba University was explaining how vertical farms can benefit the pharmaceutical industry
Eji Goto, Professor at the Chiba University was explaining how vertical farms can benefit the pharmaceutical industry
Dice K. Isayama and Edwin Ong of Arianetech Co. showcasing their growing lights
Dice K. Isayama and Edwin Ong of Arianetech Co. showcasing their growing lights 
"We could swap vaccines with rice-based oral medicine to avoid higher cost and waste," said professor Hiroshi Kiyono of UC San Diego/Chiba University 
"We could swap vaccines with rice-based oral medicine to avoid higher cost and waste," said professor Hiroshi Kiyono of UC San Diego/Chiba University 
Three generations of JPFA presidents, from 'most recent to oldest': Eri Hayashi (current JPFA President) next to former JPFA presidents Toyoki Kozai and Toshitaka Yamaguchi, alongside Katsuya Tsuchihara of the National Cancer Center, Japan
Three generations of JPFA presidents, from 'most recent to oldest': Eri Hayashi (current JPFA President) next to former JPFA presidents Toyoki Kozai and Toshitaka Yamaguchi, alongside Katsuya Tsuchihara of the National Cancer Center, Japan
A spokesperson for Mitsui Fudosan explained how the company likes to impact the vertical farming industry in Japan through its facilities 
A spokesperson for Mitsui Fudosan explained how the company likes to impact the vertical farming industry in Japan through its facilities 
Shota Hirose and Aryal Dipak from Tsubaki, a Japanese vertical farm 
Shota Hirose and Aryal Dipak from Tsubaki, a Japanese vertical farm 
Professor Bruce Bugbee of the Utah State University explained how photons can be turned into food
Professor Bruce Bugbee of the Utah State University explained how photons can be turned into food
Eriko Hibi highlighted how the Food Agriculture Organization sees opportunities in creating synergies with indoor agriculture and society 
Eriko Hibi highlighted how the Food Agriculture Organization sees opportunities in creating synergies with indoor agriculture and society 
Marc Celis of Rijk Zwaan
Marc Celis of Rijk Zwaan
Manuel El Madani with Priva, Roy de Roode with Blue Skies Research, and Joseph Peller with Wageningen University 
Manuel El Madani with Priva, Roy de Roode with Blue Skies Research, and Joseph Peller with Wageningen University 
Gamze Capkinoglu with SkyCrops paid a visit to the event as well. The Turkish vertical farm is kicking off herb and leafy greens production in Istanbul. Article coming soon...
Gamze Capkinoglu with SkyCrops paid a visit to the event as well. The Turkish vertical farm is kicking off herb and leafy greens production in Istanbul. Article coming soon...
Nagateru Nozawa and Yoshio Shiina with MIRAI showcasing their produce
Nagateru Nozawa and Yoshio Shiina with MIRAI showcasing their produce
Katashi Kai with 808 Factory, talking with Yuhei Hoshino with Vitec Vegetable Factory were in talks about how they appreciate the transparency in the Japanese vertical farming industry
Katashi Kai with 808 Factory, talking with Yuhei Hoshino with Vitec Vegetable Factory were in talks about how they appreciate the transparency in the Japanese vertical farming industry
The Dutch Horti Mission paid a visit to the Symposium as part of their travels in Japan, exploring further collaborations with Japanese operators and businesses to boost horticultural knowledge and production in the country.
The Dutch Horti Mission paid a visit to the Symposium as part of their travels in Japan, exploring further collaborations with Japanese operators and businesses to boost horticultural knowledge and production in the country. 
Thumbs up for farm software! Yoshiyuki Kurimoto discussed Macnica's platform for vertical farms, which enables them to control their operations better.
Thumbs up for farm software! Yoshiyuki Kurimoto discussed Macnica's platform for vertical farms, which enables them to control their operations better.
Laura van de Kreeke with Growy, Rob de Wit of Bom Group, and Thorben Looije with Valto Biocontrol 
Laura van de Kreeke with Growy, Rob de Wit of Bom Group, and Thorben Looije with Valto Biocontrol 
Cheese! Baosuo Bai with Future Agro-Tech, Eri Hayashi with JPFA, Masaaki Asano, Kai, Katashi with 808 Factory, Yoshio Shiina with MIRAI, and Nozumi Hiramatsu with JPFA 
Cheese! Baosuo Bai with Future Agro-Tech, Eri Hayashi with JPFA, Masaaki Asano, Kai, Katashi with 808 Factory, Yoshio Shiina with MIRAI, and Nozumi Hiramatsu with JPFA 
Roy de Roode with Blue Skies Research, Guenael Sebillot of Ridder, Daphne Ruiter with Plant Lighting 
Roy de Roode with Blue Skies Research, Guenael Sebillot of Ridder, Daphne Ruiter with Plant Lighting 
1.2.3. Orange!? Rianne Vink with Dutch Greenhouse Delta, Jeroen Ratterman with Wesenmael Group, Maurice Verbakel with BOAL Systems, Rene Ratterman with Wesemael Group, Remko Bakelaar with GreenSquare International, Johan Kreeft with Gearbox Innovations, and Daisuke Sakurai were all about collaboration.
1.2.3. Orange!? Rianne Vink with Dutch Greenhouse Delta, Jeroen Ratterman with Wesenmael Group, Maurice Verbakel with BOAL Systems, Rene Ratterman with Wesemael Group, Remko Bakelaar with GreenSquare International, Johan Kreeft with Gearbox Innovations, and Daisuke Sakurai were all about collaboration.
20What is green and spicy? Wasabi! Shun Sano from Cai Foods updated us on his vertical farm, which is currently growing approximately 2,500 plants in a 4-tier system in Michigan, USA. Article following soon...
20What is green and spicy? Wasabi! Shun Sano from Cai Foods updated us on his vertical farm, which is currently growing approximately 2,500 plants in a 4-tier system in Michigan, USA. Article following soon...
Rianne Vink with Dutch Greenhouse Delta, Tiffany Meijer, Joep van den Bosch with Ridder, Kei Narumi with EnzaZaden, and Mirjam Boekestijn with Dutch Greenhouse Delta are looking to explore collaborations in knowledge sharing in Japan. 
Rianne Vink with Dutch Greenhouse Delta, Tiffany Meijer, Joep van den Bosch with Ridder, Kei Narumi with EnzaZaden, and Mirjam Boekestijn with Dutch Greenhouse Delta are looking to explore collaborations in knowledge sharing in Japan. 
Bert-Jan Nolden of Taks Handling Systems and Marc Broeren with Dalsem
Bert-Jan Nolden of Taks Handling Systems and Marc Broeren with Dalsem
A lot of scientific talk at the Symposium with attendees from various universities joining to share their research projects. Amongst others: Wageningen University, Kyushu University, University of Tokyo, and the University of Siberia. 
A lot of scientific talk at the Symposium with attendees from various universities joining to share their research projects. Amongst others: Wageningen University, Kyushu University, University of Tokyo, and the University of Siberia. 
'Automated strawberry production will be the future!', shared Hiroki Koga of Oishii 
'Automated strawberry production will be the future!', shared Hiroki Koga of Oishii 
Noticeably, a lot of the vertical farming research is focusing on molecules, using crops as medicine, producing food on mars, and such
Noticeably, a lot of the vertical farming research is focusing on molecules, using crops as medicine, producing food on mars, and such
Hiroki Koga of Oishii 
Hiroki Koga of Oishii 
Eri Hayashi with the JPFA and Rebekka Boekhout of Phyto by RCB and VerticalFarmDaily
Eri Hayashi with the JPFA and Rebekka Boekhout of Phyto by RCB and VerticalFarmDaily
John Doonan of the National Plant Phenomics Centre and Aberystwyth University
John Doonan of the National Plant Phenomics Centre and Aberystwyth University
The Welsh Government came to Japan to share more about the numerous opportunities they offer for agtech companies. In the photo: Mrs. Miyazawa, Fuling Li and Edwart Burt. 
The Welsh Government came to Japan to share more about the numerous opportunities they offer for agtech companies. In the photo: Mrs. Miyazawa, Fuling Li and Edwart Burt. 
Kudos to all Chiba University students who helped co-organize the events. Amongst them were: Jin Myung Kim and Cihzuru Mano
Kudos to all Chiba University students who helped co-organize the events. Amongst them were: Jin Myung Kim and Cihzuru Mano
Paul Gauthier of the Queensland University was all about tropical fruits! Despite the jokes about growing anything in vertical farms, Paul highlighted that production such as cacao, e.g. is definitely possible indoors
Paul Gauthier of the Queensland University was all about tropical fruits! Despite the jokes about growing anything in vertical farms, Paul highlighted that production such as cacao, e.g. is definitely possible indoors
This panel focused on sharing data and obtaining more efficiency in your farm operations. Macnica aims to expand its farming software platform globally
This panel focused on sharing data and obtaining more efficiency in your farm operations. Macnica aims to expand its farming software platform globally
Kengo Hamada of Aquaponi Japan shared that he will soon be opening a restaurant in the Tokyo area, serving aquaponically grown greens
Kengo Hamada of Aquaponi Japan shared that he will soon be opening a restaurant in the Tokyo area, serving aquaponically grown greens
Niel Mattson with Cornell University and Ivan Timofeenko of Siberian Federal University were chatting about how their different backgrounds can bring unique R&D trials
Niel Mattson with Cornell University and Ivan Timofeenko of Siberian Federal University were chatting about how their different backgrounds can bring unique R&D trials
Singaporean farming company Archisen sent Sven Yeo to represent them in Japan
Singaporean farming company Archisen sent Sven Yeo to represent them in Japan
Masahiko Suzuki and Gauri Maharjan of Signify were showcasing the company's dynamic lighting system to answer the changing market demands of the Japanese market
Masahiko Suzuki and Gauri Maharjan of Signify were showcasing the company's dynamic lighting system to answer the changing market demands of the Japanese market
Laura van de Kreeke of the Dutch vertical farming company Growy, explained how important it is for them to have plant profiles to obtain resource efficient production
Laura van de Kreeke of the Dutch vertical farming company Growy, explained how important it is for them to have plant profiles to obtain resource efficient production
Michelle Watts with the University of Melbourne, speaking with the Welsh professors; William Stiles of Abersystwyth University, and John Doonan.
Michelle Watts with the University of Melbourne, speaking with the Welsh professors; William Stiles of Abersystwyth University, and John Doonan.
Jidong Kim with Korean firm, FutureGreen, talked about their dynamic lighting solutions for vertical farms and greenhouses
Jidong Kim with Korean firm, FutureGreen, talked about their dynamic lighting solutions for vertical farms and greenhouses
Changhoo Chun with Seoul National University talked about the latest trends in the Korean vertical farming industry
Changhoo Chun with Seoul National University talked about the latest trends in the Korean vertical farming industry
Paul Gauthier of the University of Queensland made us thirsty talking about Espresso Martini's as he explained the potential of indoor-grown cacao plants. Massive opportunities! 
Paul Gauthier of the University of Queensland made us thirsty talking about Espresso Martini's as he explained the potential of indoor-grown cacao plants. Massive opportunities! 
Concluding the symposium was Michele Watts from the University of Melbourne, who discussed ideotyping and engineering space-strawberry cultivars. She sees numerous opportunities in space farming and is eager to expand her research. 
Concluding the symposium was Michele Watts from the University of Melbourne, who discussed ideotyping and engineering space-strawberry cultivars. She sees numerous opportunities in space farming and is eager to expand her research. 
Closing the event, Eri Hayashi was rather excited to share that the third JPFA International Symposium on Plant Factory will take place in Chiba, Japan, from August 31 to September 1, 2026
Closing the event, Eri Hayashi was rather excited to share that the third JPFA International Symposium on Plant Factory will take place in Chiba, Japan, from August 31 to September 1, 2026
A special thank you to all the JPFA Staff and everyone else who helped organizing the event
A special thank you to all the JPFA Staff and everyone else who helped organizing the event
Michelle Watt and Sophia Jones of The University of Melbourne were excited to share more about their research in food production in space. The University of Melbourne is constantly looking for CEA partners in food production. 
Michelle Watt and Sophia Jones of The University of Melbourne were excited to share more about their research in food production in space. The University of Melbourne is constantly looking for CEA partners in food production. 
Talking plants! Rebekka Boekhout (Phyto by RCB), Toyoki Kozai and Eri Hayashi with the JPFA and Laura van de Kreeke of Growy
Talking plants! Rebekka Boekhout (Phyto by RCB), Toyoki Kozai and Eri Hayashi with the JPFA and Laura van de Kreeke of Growy
Laura van de Kreeke of Amsterdam-based Growy joined in to talk about how they deploy automation for farm control 
Laura van de Kreeke of Amsterdam-based Growy joined in to talk about how they deploy automation for farm control 
Leman from inSona providing professional lighting systems for greenhouses and vertical farms, R&D
Leman from inSona providing professional lighting systems for greenhouses and vertical farms, R&D
Ex-JPFA president Toyoki Kozai in his natural habitat, surrounded by vertical farm enthusiasts
Ex-JPFA president Toyoki Kozai in his natural habitat, surrounded by vertical farm enthusiasts
Katsuya Tsuchihara of the National Cancer Center, Japan, and Eri Hayashi of the JPFA discussing the collaboration between both parties on vertical farming research
Katsuya Tsuchihara of the National Cancer Center, Japan, and Eri Hayashi of the JPFA discussing the collaboration between both parties on vertical farming research
Dice K. Isayama and Edwin Ong of Arianetech Co. with Nagateru Ozawa of MIRAI
Dice K. Isayama and Edwin Ong of Arianetech Co. with Nagateru Ozawa of MIRAI
A lettuce inspired art work made by the Rugby School of Tokyo
A lettuce inspired art work made by the Rugby School of Tokyo
Smart City exposition
Smart City exposition