A museum garden to preserve urban biodiversity for the next century

MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives will launch a rooftop garden project called MoN Farm this month, with the ambitious aim of creating a living archive that preserves the relationship between humans and nature for the next 100 years.

MoN Farm is designed as an experimental field rather than a traditional farm. It focuses on collecting and recording the wisdom, techniques, and memories generated through human interaction with plants. Visitors become active participants in cultural preservation by planting, harvesting, and discussing the narratives surrounding the botanical world.

The museum farm is a collaboration between three partners. SynecO, a startup focused on augmented ecosystems, provides the ecological framework. The company analysed approximately 4,400 plant species to select those best suited for the local environment. These plants are arranged in a grid to demonstrate how biodiversity adapts to both environmental changes and human intervention.

Mitosaya Botanical Distillery contributes expertise in the cultural application of plants. The garden features species used for food, fragrance, and health, such as lemon myrtle and Japanese berries. Mitosaya also implements circular practices by using natural materials like bamboo and reclaimed transport pallets for garden structures. These elements support a small-scale ecosystem that includes insects and microorganisms.

The third partner, TAKANAWA HOP WAY, integrates the garden into the local community. It involves residents, schools, and businesses in growing hops, which are used as raw materials for beer.

The museum farm is operated by the JR East Cultural Creative Foundation. A kick-off event titled Seed Opening Tilling Culture, Planting the Future is scheduled this Sunday, a workshop that allows the public to participate in the initial planting of the garden.