Square Roots Japan Inc. will transform part of an underutilized warehouse beneath the JR Keiyō Line near Shin-Kiba Station into **Agri Tech Lab Tokyo**, its first advanced modular indoor farm, set to open in January 2026. The facility marks a strategic step in blending Japan’s agricultural traditions with modern technology to address pressing challenges—both global and domestic.
At its core, Agri Tech Lab Tokyo will function as a research and development hub, adapting crops already commercialized in the U.S. to Japanese growing conditions while testing new varieties tailored to local tastes. Beyond crop trials, the site will facilitate joint research with academic and industry partners, reinforcing its role as a bridge between innovation and practical application. The lab will also double as a showroom and event space, hosting presentations, lectures, and business meetings for clients, collaborators, and media.
A key focus lies in tackling structural issues plaguing Japan’s agricultural sector: an aging workforce, labor shortages, and declining food self-sufficiency. By integrating data-driven and systemized farming methods, the facility aims to make high-tech agriculture accessible even to less experienced staff, ensuring operational sustainability. Training programs and internships with educational institutions and partner companies will further cultivate a new generation of urban farmers.
The urban-adjacent model offers distinct advantages. Proximity to Tokyo’s logistics networks shortens supply chains, reducing food miles and preserving freshness—a critical factor for restaurants, retailers, and healthcare facilities. This localized production could enhance regional resilience against supply disruptions caused by climate change, such as droughts or floods, while also creating jobs in operations, quality control, and customer engagement.
Square Roots’ proprietary technology enables farming in spaces previously deemed unsuitable, such as under-railway warehouses. By repurposing urban infrastructure, the project demonstrates how modular indoor farms can unlock value in overlooked areas, setting a precedent for scalable, sustainable agriculture in cities.
Tobias Peggs, Co-Founder and CEO of Square Roots USA, emphasized the initiative’s cultural and economic potential: *“We’re embedding advanced indoor farming into Japanese tradition, creating a hub that redefines food, work, and urban spaces.”* His relocation to Tokyo underscores the company’s commitment to local collaboration.
With commercial production slated for late 2026, Square Roots Japan is now recruiting farm managers, crop specialists, and facilities technicians. The roles span production oversight, environmental system maintenance, and food safety—reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of modern urban farming.
For a sector grappling with climate volatility and demographic shifts, Agri Tech Lab Tokyo presents a tangible model for resilience. Its success could signal broader adoption of tech-driven agriculture, not just as a solution to immediate challenges, but as a cornerstone of future food systems.