MESSAGE

Seven years ago, we established a local subsidiary in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, and I traveled there almost every month.
While experiencing the incredible pace of change, and at the same time traveling almost every year to New York, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and other places to experience the unique developments in each, I realized that this was not good: Japan was becoming poorer and poorer.
I have come to feel that if things continue as they are, the future of Japan and its young people will be in dire straits.

On the other hand, I have also felt that there are people who, while feeling the contradictions and suffocation of today's society and the difficulties facing Japan's future, have their own values, believe in possibilities, and are trying to put down roots and live their lives.

We want to discover the good things about Japan, polish them up, and share them with the world. We first discovered these things in the world of agriculture.

I am currently focusing on this area, but I would like to utilize the aesthetic sense, perceptual ability, expressiveness, and mathematical sensibility that are inherently Japanese, and propose a business that acts as a new value creation device to Japan, which has been slow to transform its industrial structure.

Toshiya Takekuma

President & CEO, cifra Inc.

Biography
Entered the Faculty of Commerce and Management,Department of Business Administration, Hitotsubashi University,and served as Chair of the Hitotsubashi Festival Organizing Committee.
After graduating from the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Commerce, Hitotsubashi University, he joined Nippon Steel Corporation (now Nippon Steel Corporation), where he gained experience in the steel plant business, the laptop computer business (a new business), and the launch of the SI business.
With the arrival of the Internet in Japan, he founded cifra Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Wise System) and became its representative director.

Currently completing the child-rearing of three sons.
On weekends, spends time with his wife in Karuizawa, working on plans to establish a company-owned farm.
Originally from Kumamoto Prefecture, with a strong affinity for agriculture and food.

Nearly 20 years ago, I chose cifra as the first venture company I would join.
It was the company that best matched my own experiences and values. That feeling has not changed to this day.

cifra is a company that cherishes the spirit of Japan.
cifra is a field that cultivates the growth of its employees.

Toshiaki Hishida

Director, cifra Inc.

Biography
Support for Management and Administrative Divisions
Graduate of the School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University Certified FP (Level 1), Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist, Certified SME Management Consultant

After working for 16 years in accounting, finance, and corporate planning at a publicly listed materials manufacturer, transferred to a venture company.
For over a decade since then, engaged in IPO preparation, strengthening administrative divisions, and formulating medium- to long-term plans for several ventures.
At our company, responsible for the administrative division as well as the standards and regulations during the launch of the Visible Vegetables brand.
Currently enjoying a life in Shinshu, in close touch with the earth.

Our Awesome Partners.

These are the core partners who support cifra’s activities. We are always grateful for their collaboration.
With the help of external specialists as well, we continue to advance our business swiftly and with high quality.

 

Agricultural & Livestock Distribution Consultant

Kenji Yamamoto

President & CEO, Good Tables Inc.

Born in Ehime Prefecture in 1971, raised in Saitama Prefecture.
Loves eating more than anything else. From an early age avidly read NHK’s Today’s Cooking magazine, and during his university days was absorbed in dancyu, developing an interest in cooking and food photography. Began cultivating vegetables by opening up a field while still in school. After various twists and turns, established his career as a consultant in agricultural product distribution.

His blog can be found here ↓
https://www.yamaken.org/

Also the photographer of the top image.
Special Thanks!

Copywriter / Creative Director

Noriyasu Sato

President, Statan Inc.

Joined Hakuhodo in 1985 and became a copywriter.

Left the company in youthful impulse, worked for a time in film production, but returned to advertising and founded Statan Inc. in 2000. Specializes in brand development and product rebranding inspired by words and concepts.
Has partnered with cifra on concept work and naming such as “Visible Vegetables”, “Pre-Cut Vegetables”, “Vegetables with Letters”, and “Rozen Farmers Support Network”. Also serves as Creative Director for logos such as “Visible.”

Also serves as Creative Director for logos such as “Kaogamieru.”
Special Thanks!

photographer

Misaki Yanagihara

COO PHOTO (formerly Kentaro Kumon Office)

Born in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, in 1991.

 After graduating from the Japan Institute of Photography and Art, studied under photographer Kentaro Kumon. 

Now works as a freelance photographer, producing photography for magazines, books, and advertising.

Responsible for photographing original recipes for “Visible Food”.
Also the photographer of the portraits featured on our corporate website.
Special Thanks!