What is HEMP
Hemp refers to industrial cannabis. Unlike marijuana, it is characterized by containing only trace amounts of delta-9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound — well below the legally established residual limits. Therefore, it has no narcotic effects. In Japan, a major legislative reform in December 2024 shifted the regulatory framework from a "plant-part-based regulation" to a "compound-based regulation."
Hemp is known as an extremely durable, low-environmental-impact plant, and is being reevaluated as a "sustainable resource." For example, it is used in textile products such as clothing and rope, food products such as hemp seeds and oil, as well as building materials, biofuel, paper, and more. Hemp is attracting attention for its versatility and potential, particularly in addressing environmental challenges and creating new industries.
Versatile Industrial Resource
A sustainable plant covering
clothing, food, and shelter
About HEMP HUB
ヘンプの正しい知識を伝え、偏見や誤解をなくす活動に取り組み、ヘンプのサプライチェーンをつくることを目指しています。
HEMP HUB was established in the town of Meiwa, Taki District, Mie Prefecture — a region with a long history of hemp cultivation, once known as "Omigo" (the hemp-spinning village). Our goal is to bring the boundless potential of industrial hemp into mainstream society. Hemp has been closely connected to Japanese life since ancient times, and it holds the key to solving many challenges facing modern society, including environmental issues, health, and regional economic revitalization. Our organization aims to serve as a platform for promoting the utilization of hemp and creating new industries. By building a space where all stakeholders in the hemp industry — producers, researchers, businesses, and consumers — can join hands and collaborate, we work to spread accurate knowledge about hemp, eliminate prejudice and misconceptions, and build hemp supply chains. We support the collection and research of hemp-related information, the study and proposal of business models, and the resolution of challenges toward broader adoption. Furthermore, through regional revitalization activities centered on hemp and the planning and management of events, we wish to create a future where everyone can safely enjoy the benefits of hemp — together with all of you.
Activities
Hemp Utilization
From a single plant, every part — flowers, seeds, stalk, and roots — can be put to use. Hemp is a whole-plant resource, with each part serving a distinct industrial purpose.
Flowers & Leaves
CBD & Wellness Products
Health foods, cosmetics, supplements
Seeds
Food, Hemp Oil & Protein
Hemp seeds, oil, plant-based protein
Stalk (Bast Fiber)
Textiles, Paper & Composites
Apparel, paper, bio-composites
Stalk (Hurd / Core)
Building Materials, Hempcrete & Bedding
Insulation, hempcrete, animal bedding
Roots
Soil Improvement & Phytoremediation
Soil purification, fertility recovery
Hemp Industrialization
From seed breeding through cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distribution, and reintroduction. We build an integrated supply chain to create a sustainable, circular industry.
Seed & Breeding
Selecting superior strains, securing seeds
Cultivation
Producer networks & cultivation know-how
Primary Processing
Fiber separation, threshing, drying
Manufacturing
Food, textiles, building materials, cosmetics
Distribution & Use
Channel development & consumer delivery
Circulation
Reintroduced as a sustainable resource
HEMP HUB Supports the Entire Industry
Initiatives
Creating an industrial ecosystem for whole-plant utilization
Deep expertise through a departmental system
Each department addresses challenges and shares knowledge in its specialized field
Building an information collection and dissemination platform
