Roots, Culture, and Connection — A Special Visit to Kanazawa

Some days remind you why you do what you do.

In May 2026, we welcomed two very special guests to Kanazawa — Kunitomo-san, director and founder of dance team Chibiunity, and Max, founder of Nekohama Matcha, a brand dedicated to bringing Japanese matcha to the world.

The visit centered around something close to our hearts — Gynura bicolor, the traditional Kaga vegetable behind our Gynura Bicolor Japan SuperGreen. Together with our dedicated farmer from Nappa Kai, we walked through the fields and shared the philosophy of circular agriculture — a way of growing that respects the land, reduces waste, and gives back to the community it comes from.

Our COO had the pleasure of guiding the day, introducing Kanazawa through its culture and history. The visit included Kanazawa Shrine, nestled within the grounds of Kenrokuen — one of Japan's three great gardens — a place that has stood for centuries as a symbol of beauty, care, and tradition.

What connected everyone in the room was simple: a shared belief that the good things Japan has to offer deserve to be shared with the world. Chibiunity carries Japanese culture through dance. Nekohama carries it through matcha. JHL+ carries it through the plants and traditions of Ishikawa.

Different paths. The same direction.

We are grateful for this exchange and excited for what grows from it. 🌿

Rooted Connections — A Special Visit to Kanazawa

In the spring of 2026, we welcomed very special guests to Kanazawa.

Kunitomo-san, director and president of dance team Chibiunity, and Max, CEO of Nekohama Matcha, a brand dedicated to bringing Japanese matcha to the world. Each of them is sharing Japanese culture globally through their own field.

The theme of this visit was Gynura bicolor. Together with the head of Nappa Kai, our dedicated farming partner, we visited the fields so our guests could directly experience the philosophy of circular agriculture and the environment in which Gynura bicolor is grown. An approach to farming that cherishes the land and works in harmony with nature’s cycles — there are things you can only truly understand by standing there in person, not just hearing the words.

After that, our COO guided our guests around Kanazawa. We also stopped by Kanazawa Shrine, located within Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three great gardens, giving them time to feel the history and beauty of this place firsthand.

Through dance for Kunitomo-san, through matcha for Max, and through Gynura bicolor and Japan Gold Turmeric for us — each of us is working, in our own way, to protect the good things Japan has to offer and share them with the world.

Our paths may be different, but we are all moving in the same direction.

It was a day in Kanazawa that reaffirmed that belief for us. 🌿