In the month of January 2025, we had the exciting opportunity to visit Japan and explore its dynamic indoor farming industry. With the full Wunderpumpe family in hand, we engaged in insightful discussions, met inspiring growers, and experienced firsthand how Japan is approaching CO2 enrichment and sustainability in controlled environment agriculture.
Key Takeaways and Learnings
- A Unique Market Approach – Japan produces at scale primarily for its own consumption. They have mastered indoor farming, with plant factories, aquaponic farms and over 10,000 strawberry farms showcasing their expertise.
- Localized Solutions Matter – Japanese growers prefer solutions tailored to their specific needs rather than copying Western models. Customization is key to market success.
- Strong Demand for Greener Solutions – Growers are passionate about sustainability and are willing to pay a premium for greener CO2 solutions, but there is limited access to such technologies.
- Government Incentives – The Japanese government actively supports indoor growers through the J-Credit program and various grants, encouraging the adoption of low-carbon and energy-efficient solutions.
Key Meetings and Industry Insights
Japan’s indoor farming market is growing rapidly, with a strong focus on efficiency, technology, and sustainability. During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting with some of the large conglomerates, deeply invested in agricultural innovations, JPFA (Japan Plant Factory Association), and various indoor growers and solutions providers.
Through these conversations, it became clear that Japan has a unique approach to CO2 sourcing, with strong interest in sustainable alternatives. Many growers are keen to explore solutions like Wunderpumpe to enhance plant productivity while reducing reliance on fossil-based CO2.
Farm Visits and Hands-on Learning
One of the most enjoyable parts of the trip was visiting farms and experiencing their operations up close. We even got to pick fresh strawberries—a simple yet powerful reminder of why CO2 enrichment is so critical for yield and quality in indoor farming. Seeing growers’ dedication to precision and sustainability reaffirmed our mission at Direct Carbon: enabling carbon-neutral and circular farming practices.
Cultural and Culinary Highlights
Beyond business, Japan offered an unforgettable cultural experience. From traditional meals to Sake tastings, every moment reinforced the importance of relationships and shared values. The hospitality and openness of everyone we met made the trip even more special.
Looking Ahead
This visit reinforced that Japan presents a significant opportunity for Direct Carbon and our Wunderpumpe family. With growing awareness around sustainable CO2 solutions, we are excited to explore potential partnerships and bring our innovations to this forward-thinking market.
A big thank you to everyone who welcomed us and made this trip insightful and rewarding. Looking forward to what’s next on this journey!