Japan's "plant factory" breeding workshop. Photo by Du Haichuan
The newspaper sent a special correspondent, Du Haichuan, to Japan.
Map: Japan's "plant factory" breeding workshop. Photo by Du Haichuan
Despite its small size and hilly terrain, Japan has long been admired worldwide for its advanced agricultural technologies and intensive farming traditions. Compared to China, a large agricultural country, Japan has managed to achieve remarkable efficiency in agriculture. In recent years, as the aging population has worsened, fewer young people are willing to engage in manual farming. This has forced Japan to develop an intelligent agriculture model that reduces labor and increases productivity. The Global Times reporter recently traveled to Japan as part of a joint mission with China, Japan, and South Korea to explore modern agricultural practices. During the visit, the reporter witnessed Japan’s most advanced agricultural models and also learned from some of their past failures.
Computer-Grown Vegetables and Nighttime Robot Surveillance
The first stop was the Fujitsu “Autumn Color†smart farm in Sakata, Shizuoka Prefecture. Covering 85,000 square meters—equivalent to 12 football fields—the farm features large greenhouses with glass exteriors. The steel frame at the top is minimal, designed to maximize natural light exposure. Before entering one of the pepper greenhouses, reporters were required to wear plastic coveralls, gloves, and disinfect their hands and shoes. Staff reminded them not to touch the plants directly to maintain a sterile environment.
Inside, the plants were grown in specially designed soil, with water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide delivered through underground pipelines. Bell peppers grew along hanging wires, and workers used lift trucks to harvest them. Humidity and nutrient levels were controlled by computers, allowing real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and sunlight. During typhoons, staff could remotely control greenhouse skylights to protect crops.
Ito Satomi, a manager at Qiucai Farm, explained that the facility was established through a joint venture between Fujitsu, an agricultural finance company, and a local seed developer. The farm now operates with high automation, enabling remote management and cloud-based data tracking. At night, self-propelled robots equipped with LED lights scan the plants and generate color imaging maps to help adjust environmental conditions.
"Plant Factory" Becomes a Hot Investment
After visiting Shizuoka, the reporter moved to a plant factory in Chiba Prefecture. A "plant factory" uses computer-controlled environments to regulate temperature, humidity, light, COâ‚‚ levels, and nutrient solutions. It allows large-scale crop production in a small space, making it a highly efficient system. Though the concept originated in Northern Europe, Japan was the first to implement it on a large scale. Today, over 400 plant factories exist globally, with half located in Japan.
At National Chiba University Park, the reporter visited a 74-year-old director of the Plant Research Institute who runs a plant factory. Inside the closed environment, staff monitor vegetable growth using a unique "growth management system." From planting to harvesting, it takes about 20 days, with harvests possible within 30 days. A single greenhouse managed by 10 people can produce 1 million vegetables annually, generating around 100 million yen (approximately 5.84 million RMB). The reporter also saw small-scale plant factories used for home or educational purposes, connected via Internet apps.
In recent years, plant factories have attracted significant global investment. According to an expert, one reason for this surge is the use of energy-efficient LED lighting, which has significantly reduced electricity costs. Currently, artificial-light plant factories mainly grow vegetables, but researchers are also exploring higher-value crops like medicinal herbs and cosmetic ingredients. Some Chinese companies are already investing in similar ventures.
Lessons from Japanese Agriculture
However, not all plant factories have succeeded. Earlier this year, reports indicated that many Japanese plant factories struggled financially, with only 30% currently profitable. Major companies like Toshiba have withdrawn from the sector. Many farmers initially relied on government subsidies to launch their operations, but without sufficient technology, many failed once funding ran out. Analysts say these experiences offer important lessons for China’s agricultural development.
Koo, an industry expert, noted that while only 30% of plant factories are profitable, the 70% deficit is not unusual. He emphasized that media skepticism should not overshadow progress. “Fifty years ago, no one believed greenhouses could grow vegetables. Now, 80% of Japan’s tomatoes and 90% of strawberries come from greenhouses.â€
Another challenge is insufficient funding. According to Mapletree, both Japan and South Korea face risks due to underinvestment. Meanwhile, Japanese tech mogul Masayoshi Son invested in an American plant factory, sparking debate. In China, Sanan Group and the Chinese Academy of Sciences partnered to create the world’s largest plant factory, impressing experts like Fengshu.
Despite the meticulous nature of Japanese farmers, many agricultural companies still operate in isolation, limiting collaboration and innovation. Ito Sumitani, when explaining the goals of Qiucai Farm, mentioned that Japan’s traditional agricultural model was fragmented—research, production, and distribution were separate. While small-scale breeders produce quality seeds, they often fail to reach downstream markets, resulting in low added value.
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