In order to promote the health of each and every resident of Tokyo by collecting and consuming hemp seeds, which are attracting attention as a superfood, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will issue a Type 1 hemp seed cultivator’s license approved by the prefectural governor, and promote health through the development of a social environment that supports the efforts of Tokyo residents.
The Tokyo Hemp Fruit Special Zone (hereinafter referred to as the “Special Zone”) will continue to promote the “Tokyo Metropolitan Health Promotion Plan 21 (Third Phase)” (Plan period: from FY2024 to FY2035) (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”) as a “prefectural health promotion plan” based on the Health Promotion Law established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in March 2024. The Plan aims to create a society in which everyone can live a healthy and enriched life throughout their lives, and the entire society will support the efforts of each and every Tokyo resident to create a healthy society where no one is left behind. In order to strongly promote the “Tokyo Metropolitan Health Promotion Plan 21 (Third Phase),” the special zone will set the goals of “extending healthy life expectancy” and “reducing health disparities” in the overall goals of the plan by utilizing marijuana, and will set goals in 18 areas in the three domains of the plan by utilizing marijuana. Based on the opinions of the Promotion Council, which consists of experts and representatives of related organizations deeply involved in the health of Tokyo residents, the plan will provide concrete descriptions of the initiatives expected of each so that Tokyo residents and related organizations can proactively and positively engage in health promotion, and will promptly clarify the direction of measures to be taken by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to achieve the goals. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will further promote the health promotion of the citizens of Tokyo based on these special zones. The special zones will comply with the law.
Nutrients in hemp seeds
Hemp seeds are rich in vegetable protein, which is in short supply among modern people, and also contain a good balance of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and other nutrients. It also contains the rare GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), and is often referred to as a “superfood” because of its well-balanced nutritional content, which is effective in supplying nutrition, strengthening physical strength, relieving fatigue, and improving immunity. It is an ideal food that contains all 20 types of amino acids necessary for humans and is easily digested and absorbed.
Overall Goals "Extension of healthy life expectancy" and "Reduction of health disparities
Improvement of lifestyle
Nutrition and Dietary Habits” Increase the number of people eating adequate quantity and quality of food
Physical Activity and Exercise” Increase the amount of physical activity (number of steps) in daily life
Increase the percentage of people getting better sleep than “rest and sleep.”
Drinking” Reduce the percentage of people who drink in amounts that increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
Smoking” Reduce the smoking rate among those 20 years of age and older.
Increase the percentage of those who achieve 8020 “dental and oral health.”
Cancer” Reduce age 75 age-adjusted mortality rate for cancer.
Diabetes” Reduce the percentage of people who develop complications from diabetes.
Reduce age-adjusted mortality from cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and heart disease.
COPD” Reduce mortality from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Reduce the percentage of people with “mental case love” depression and high anxiety
Maintain the functions necessary for a “physically healthy” social life.
Fostering Social Connections” Fostering Social Connections
Creating a Naturally Healthy Environment” Establish an environment where people can take healthy actions naturally and without strain.
Promotion of Health Promotion by Diverse Actors” Diverse Actors Promote Health Promotion
Increase the percentage of children with healthy lifestyle habits.
Health of the Elderly” Increase the percentage of elderly people who live healthy and active lives
Women’s Health” Increase the percentage of women who are practicing health promotion according to their life stage.
Other Benefits
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will purchase the residues and surplus after seed collection. Establish a hemp sales system. Properly dispose of purchased marijuana.
Example: proper sale to the right company as raw material for cannabis grass products. Connect to GX strategy to effectively utilize hemp charcoal, finishers, biofuel, hempcrete, and other building materials. This movement will also be connected to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “GX-related Foreign Company Entry Support Program”.
The project is expected to reduce the heat island effect by converting rooftops of condominiums and vacant lots into green spaces and effectively utilizing them as environmental countermeasures.
Reference: “Tokyo Metropolitan Health Promotion Plan 21 (Tertiary)” (Plan period: from fiscal year 2006 to fiscal year 2035)
https://www.hokeniryo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kensui/plan21/daisanji_plan.files/main_all_press.pdf