Exploring Hemp Opportunities in Japan

This week on the Hemp Podcast, we travel to Japan. Not literally, but vicariously. Our three guests recently attended the inaugural Tokyo International Hemp Conference last month and toured an 8th generation hemp farm and processing facility called Golden Hemp that makes sacred ropes used in Shinto temples. On this episode we will talk to Jean Lotus, Robin Destiche and Patrick Atagi. The trip was organized by the National Industrial Hemp Council of America and was funded by USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program. Lotus, the publisher of Hemp Build Magazine, was fascinated to learn about the ancient traditions and processing methods that are still in use today, and thinks Japan will embrace hemp building practices. “I really see some opportunities there with hemp building materials just because of the decarbonization,” she said. “The Japanese have really embraced all of the United Nations sustainability goals for construction.” Robin Destiche, a co-founder of American hemp seed company KonopiUS, said he sees the potential for growth, but doesn’t expect it overnight. “Like many things in the hemp industry,” he said, “I can see it maybe in three to five years, but it definitely feels like there’s traction, there’s development.” Patrick Atagi, the president and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council, organized the trip in conjunction with the Thailand Industrial Hemp Trade Association. “Our goal is to market and create a market for hemp domestically and globally,” he said. Learn More: National Industrial Hemp Council of America Hemp Build Mag KonopiUS Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) Texas Hemp Building Event: Architect/Builder Training and Tour, San Marcos, TX October 24-25 Greenbuild 2024 News Nuggets US Hopes Green Construction Awakens Japan’s Hemp Industry Honeywell and SGP BioEnergy to develop plant-based biochemicals, reducing industry’s reliance on fossil fuels Thanks to our Sponsors! IND HEMP Americhanvre Forever Green and the KP4 Hemp Cutter