Aquaponics arrives in Japan - but is there a market?
Aquaponics has arrived in Japan, and is already offering opportunities for training and R&D, with eye on eventually developing a solid commercial market for aquaponically grown products. Aquaponics is a cyclical organic farming method that is a cross between aquaculture ("aqua"culture) and hydroponics (hydro”ponics”). Microorganisms decompose fish waste and the plants absorb it as nutrients, […]
Yes, plant-based meat has exploded in the Japan market, but it looks quite different from the alternative protein booms in Western markets
In spring of 2020, we observed a sudden explosion of plant-based meat and dairy products in the Japanese market, with new launches nearly every week. A year later, the launches continue, one after another. While the conversation in western countries is often dominated by well-funded imitation meat products like Beyond Burger or Impossible Meats, in […]
The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) first Asian investor into US-based Equilibrium's Agriculture Impact Fund
The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) announced on November 19, 2020 that it will become the first Asian investor into US-based agricultural impact fund Equilibrium’s Controlled Environment Foods Fund II. This is Equilibrium's second fund investing in large-scale controlled environment agriculture. Meros has been fortunate to work alongside the DBJ team over the past year […]
New launches and trends in the Japan CBD scene
Last summer, Meros discussed the state of CBD in Japan. But nearly every week there are new launches and updates in Japan. We have been following trends in Japan’s CBD sector closely and here are a few of the recent highlights! New CBD restaurant opens in Ginza A concept restaurant called Today's CBD by ONE-INCH […]
Coronavirus spurring change and innovation in Japan’s restaurants and retail sector
The coronavirus has hit the world hard and it's not slowing down. While the number of confirmed COVID19 cases in Japan has been relatively low compared to some other countries, the impact on the Japanese economy has been significant and has been spurring significant changes in the food service and retail industries over the past […]
Meros hosts J-IIN’s first webinar on impact investing and impact measurement
While things have been in a state of adjustment these last months with COVID 19 restrictions in place, we are moving our discussions online! To kick it off, Meros hosted the Japan Impact Investing Network (J-IIN)’s first webinar on June 4 on the topic of "Impact Investing 101". Some of the key topics that were […]
CBD Products Making a Move into Mainstream Channels in Japan
CBD products are increasing in the Japanese market, taking steps to move from a niche product into mainstream channels. Although the Japanese government hasn’t explicitly legalized CBD (and continues to strictly ban cannabis itself and any trace of THC), Japan allows importation of some types of CBD products as long as the products remain within […]
Farming in the US during a Pandemic: Video "Report from the Farm" in Iowa
Iowa corn and soybean farmer April Hemmes gives a quick video update here on farming in May 2020, as she deals with both planting a corn crop and juggling the social distancing needs during corona restrictions. It’s a peek at her field, a look at her tractor and discusses changes brought to farming families and […]
COVID19 Update: Meros is Going Remote!
The safety of our Meros team and health of our Tokyo community is number one as we all work together to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Therefore as of March 30, 2020 Meros has moved primarily to remote work for the time being. This has not changed how to contact us, so please don’t hesitate […]
Meros Welcomes Newest Team Member Hiroki Seki
We are excited to introduce our newest Meros member, Hiroki Seki. Hiroki joined us a month ago and is already diving deep into the mysteries of seafood trade and distribution in Asia. Hiroki has a background in public policy and management and previously worked for Ernst and Young (EY)’s consulting division in Tokyo. His recent work […]