Salad Bowl: Pioneering the Future of High-Tech Agriculture in Japan

When Mr. Susumu Tanaka, a finance industry entrepreneur, founded Salad Bowl in 2004, he saw immense potential in Japan’s horticulture sector. Starting with just 1,000 m², the company has since expanded tenfold, proving that with the right mindset, innovation, and technology, horticulture can drive real impact. Today, Salad Bowl grows tomatoes, leafy greens, and strawberries across multiple locations in Japan, blending open-field cultivation with an increasing focus on next-generation greenhouses.

From Vision to Innovation: The Dutch Connection

In 2011, Mr. Tanaka joined a trade mission to the Netherlands to explore innovative business and production models. This experience ignited a transformation in Salad Bowl’s operations. Inspired by Dutch advancements, he began modernizing his facilities, accelerating innovation, and making year-round production possible.

“Our goal is to prepare for the future of next-generation greenhouses in collaboration with Dutch knowledge,” Tanaka explains. This commitment to high-tech horticulture has positioned Salad Bowl as a true game-changer in Japan’s agricultural sector.

Overcoming Land Challenges with Government Support

One of the biggest hurdles in Japan’s horticulture industry is acquiring large-scale agricultural land due to complex land redistribution regulations. Salad Bowl, however, has managed to secure vast plots in cooperation with the local authority. By proving how much agricultural output their high-tech approach generates, they have gained crucial credibility, enabling further expansion.

Scaling Up: The Future of Next-Gen Greenhouses

Salad Bowl continues to expand across Japan, integrating Dutch expertise in greenhouse technology to boost efficiency and production. While open-field cultivation remains part of their model, the company is investing heavily in next agri-style facilities—advanced greenhouses that maximize yield while optimizing labor and resource use.

By combining entrepreneurial vision with cutting-edge horticulture, Salad Bowl exemplifies what is possible when ambition meets innovation. Forward-thinking leadership, and ongoing collaboration with Dutch partners, the company is setting new benchmarks for sustainable, high-tech agriculture in Japan.

The Netherlands sees great potential in working alongside pioneers like Salad Bowl to drive the future of smart horticulture in Japan. By sharing expertise and co-developing next-generation solutions, we can contribute to a more productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural sector—one that is ready to feed the future.