North Itami area

Promoting Harmonious Coexisting in Nature at Our
Business Sites by Initiating Studies on Living Creatures

Seeking to create a Green Factory in symbiosis with the surrounding area’s vibrant natural environment

The North Itami area is located in the northern part of Itami City, surrounded by a historic reservoir and vast green spaces. It is also situated in one corner of the Koyaike Scenic Area designated by the city in accordance with Japan’s City Planning Act.

These designated scenic areas have land use restrictions in order to preserve the rich natural environment and landscape. The North Itami area is blessed with abundant water and greenery, including a reservoir bordering it to the south.

In the North Itami area, we conduct a variety of activities as a Green Factory in symbiosis with the surrounding environment, based on the results of past wildlife surveys conducted on-site.

As part of this effort, in April 2020, in collaboration with Itami City, we created the North Itami Garden in the area, which recreates the bamboo grass fields once part of Itami's landscape.

North Itami Garden features bamboo grass species such as balloon flowers and thoroughwort, which were donated by Itami City. Our goal is for the garden to function as a “stepping-stone biotope” connecting the ecosystems of neighboring cities. Additionally, the garden is located near the employee entrance to encourage employees to take an interest in biodiversity conservation activities. It also provides a comfortable green space that promotes relaxation.

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  Top/Bottom left: North Itami area, surrounded by water and greenery

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  North Itami Garden upon completion

Focusing on conservation of rare native species

In the North Itami area, our focus is on the conservation of rare species that grow naturally there. In particular, the whisk fern, which was confirmed to be growing in the area in November 2015, is a species designated as Near Threatened (NT) in the 5th Red List (Flora and Fungi) compiled by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. In the North Itami area, conservation efforts are being implemented, including transplanting the whisk fern to areas with less pedestrian and automobile traffic or caring for it indoors. In 2024, the plants raised in pots were transplanted to their original location. Today, conservation efforts continue, including the installation of shade nets.

The North Itami area is also home to American aloe, which is said to bloom once every 50 years. The American aloe in the area flowered once in 2014, while another one of the plants bloomed in July 2024. We took this opportunity to promote engagement with the local community and held a flower viewing event. Many local residents visited to catch a glimpse of the rare blossoms, deepening our connections with the community.

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  Transplanting whisk fern grown in pots to their original location

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  American aloe bloom viewing event