{
  "id": 17132553,
  "title": "Tokyo developers grow grapes, rice in high-rise gardens to bring nature into urban life",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/tokyo-developers-grow-grapes-rice-in-high-rise-gardens-to-bring",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T22:00:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20261029/p2a/00m/0na/007000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In central Tokyo, developer Mori Building Co. has introduced an unusual sight on rooftop gardens – rows of grapes hanging from vines and swaying rice stalks in a paddy. These crops are grown in the heart of the city to bring nature into urban life. The company harvests Kyoho grapes from rooftop gardens in August, but in recent years, disease has affected many leaves and grapes due to insufficient sunlight. To help the vines, staff regularly remove affected parts.\n\nAt Roppongi Hills, a rooftop garden paddy has been cultivating two varieties of rice since 2003. Over the years, about 7,000 people have participated in growing rice and experiencing farm work, such as cutting rice stalks with sickles and using a foot-powered threshing machine.\n\nMori Building's aim is to create green spaces in the city where people can interact with nature. The company's approach, called the \"Vertical Garden City,\" involves consolidating land and constructing high-rise buildings to create sizable open spaces for greenery and plazas. Since 1986, the company has developed over 12 hectares of green space in central Tokyo, with an average green coverage ratio of about 34%, well above the Minato Ward average.\n\nIn recent years, Mori Building has focused on enhancing biodiversity rather than just increasing green space. The \"Green Pool\" at Azabudai Hills, for example, features about 80 species of plants, including vegetables, fruit trees, and herbs. AI and big data were used to determine the types and arrangement of plants, aiming to create a biodiverse environment for insects and microorganisms. Public programs at the site allow participants to observe the plants and pick herbs.\n\nOther developers, such as Tokyu Land Corp. and Tokyo Tatemono Co., are also pursuing urban greening in Tokyo. The challenge is securing not only more greenery but also biodiversity and connections between people and nature. As space in central Tokyo is limited, the role of urban greening is becoming increasingly important.",
  "summary": "TOKYO -- Grapes hang from vines on the rooftop of a high-rise building in central Tokyo, while rice stalks sway in a paddy. Major developer Mori Build",
  "key_points": [
    "Mori Building Co. grows grapes and rice on Tokyo rooftops.",
    "Roppongi Hills paddy cultivates rice for 20 years, engaging 7,000 participants.",
    "Vertical Garden City initiative aims to enhance biodiversity in urban spaces."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}