On 29 October, SIJ’s Mariko McTier will join an online conversation exploring the future of community gardens in Japanese cities.
Hosted by the Circular Community Garden Association (循環型コミュニティガーデン協会), the event brings together three people working on urban sustainability from different perspectives: Mariko through public refill infrastructure and community action; Takashi Ogura, founder of Urban Farmers Club, through urban agriculture; and Yuiko Taira of Local Food Cycling, through community composting and circular food systems.
Together, they will explore what community gardens can contribute to the future of cities, why circularity matters, and how more people can take part in creating greener, more connected urban communities.
Mariko will also be joining the Circular Community Garden Association as an advisor, supporting its work as it looks toward its goal of creating 1,500 circular community gardens across Japan by 2030.
Event details
Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Time: 19:30–20:30 JST
Location: Online via Zoom
Language: Japanese
Fee: ¥500 for association members / ¥1,000 for non-members
Speakers:
Mariko McTier, Co-CEO, Social Innovation Japan / Co-founder, mymizu
Takashi Ogura, Representative Director, Urban Farmers Club
Yuiko Taira, CEO, Local Food Cycling