Japan's Wasabi Shortage: Is Climate-Controlled Farming the Answer?

A Tokyo-based agricultural startup, NEXTAGE, is cultivating high-grade wasabi in Yokohama using advanced technology. The variety, called Mazuma Wasabi, is highly regarded for its well-balanced aroma, spiciness, sweetness, and bitterness.

NEXTAGE has partnered with Macnica, a company specializing in semiconductors and IT equipment, to develop a small plant for wasabi cultivation in Yokohama. 

The system ensures consistent production through data analysis, making it less vulnerable to weather conditions and labor shortages.

Demand for wasabi is rising due to the growing popularity of Japanese cuisine, but supply has struggled to keep pace. This initiative aims to bridge the supply-demand gap while introducing an agricultural method that minimizes dependence on environmental and human factors.