r/verticalfarming

I've just finished two days at J-AGRI Tokyo, attending as accredited press and covering developments in agricultural technology and controlled environment agriculture. It was my last day, on the J-AGRI Tokyo.

I had the opportunity to speak with engineers, executives, and exhibitors from different countries, exploring everything from robotic plant handling and digital twins to modular growing facilities and aquaponics.

I also got to try on a powered exoskeleton, which was an interesting hands-on experience beyond the usual product demonstrations.

Some conversations led to invitations to visit manufacturing facilities in Japan and opportunities for future interviews.

Beyond the technology, two experiences stood out.

At one national pavilion, I politely declined a complimentary bag featuring prominent country branding to avoid any unintended perception of political alignment amid current geopolitical tensions.

Having previously worked in the solar industry, I also questioned the recyclability of an unusually thin, flexible solar module. According to the representatives, it would be treated as general waste after its operational life.

Both experiences reminded me that independent industry journalism is about more than presenting innovations. It's also about asking questions, examining claims, and maintaining neutrality.

I've collected plenty of material and will share more detailed technical coverage and interviews in the coming weeks.

For those working in agriculture or AgTech: Which emerging technologies do you think deserve closer examination?

I spent around six hours at J-AGRI Tokyo today and ended up speaking with representatives from more than 22 companies.

The range was surprisingly broad: plant factories, sensors, robotics, AI, crop breeding, greenhouse automation, measurement systems, lighting, agricultural consulting and even companies from completely different industrial backgrounds moving into controlled-environment agriculture.

A number of the conversations also turned into potential interviews and possible partnerships for VerticalFarming.Blog, especially with companies looking for more visibility outside Japan and Asia.

I took a lot of notes and photos, so there is now easily enough material for a series of articles rather than a single exhibition recap.

I will take a short break after the show, then start publishing the J-AGRI coverage over the next two weeks.

Probably the biggest takeaway so far: there is much more interesting CEA and agtech activity happening in Japan and the wider Asian market than reaches Western industry media.

And I still have another 2 days of companies to look at.