CREATIVE KIDS TOP Blab Activity Spotlight: BLab Tanegashima

Blab

2026.06.17
Activity Spotlight: BLab Tanegashima

An Introduction to BLab’s Activities on Tanegashima.

B Lab Tanegashima has launched a demonstration experiment to cultivate Pongamia (Japanese name: Kuroyona) with the aim of fostering sustainable regional development and creating next-generation energy.For this project, 50 pots were airlifted from Okinawa to Tanegashima to verify the feasibility of cultivation at the northernmost limit of the species’ natural range (the northernmost limit confirmed by scientific research is Amami Oshima).

Pongamia is a plant that has garnered global attention as a raw material for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as the oil extracted from its seeds contains kerosene (aviation fuel) components.Furthermore, since it is expected to thrive even on poor soil and abandoned farmland, it holds great potential for both solving local challenges and realizing a decarbonized society.

In Okinawa, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology is also conducting cultivation trials of high-quality varieties, and if successful growth is confirmed on Tanegashima, the plan is to plant these trees on approximately 600 hectares of abandoned and degraded farmland on the island. Through this initiative, we aim to promote regional development and achieve the goal of “zero abandoned farmland.”

Tanegashima High School is also participating in this project, and the initiative is being carried out through collaboration between the local community and educational institutions. To coincide with the start of the demonstration experiment, a lecture was held on the theme of “The Contributions of Pongamia to the Local Community.”On the day of the event, approximately 40 people—including the Director of the National Research and Development Agency, Center for Medicinal Plant Resources; the Chair of the Agricultural Committee; city council members; town council members; as well as citizens and other stakeholders—attended to deepen their understanding of the future of the region brought about by Pongamia.

Led by Ms. Norihama, a B Lab organizer, Ms. Koga, a student in my seminar, is also actively participating.

https://blaboratory.org/act…/blabtanegashima_report202606


　

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  • Digital Picture Book Author

    Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
    Director, B Lab
    Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
    Chairperson, CANVAS

    After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
    He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
    His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”