History of SAKATA SEED CORPORATION

This page is an archive of the "100th Anniversary Website" created between June 2012 and February 2014 to celebrate 100 years of SAKATA SEED CORPORATION in June 2013. The content is as it was at that time.

1913～
1970～
1990～
2000～

1913～

Year	Company History	Variety Annals/History of Awards Received
1913	The company's founder, Takeo Sakata, founded 'Sakata Noen' upon his return to Japan from Europe and North America.
1914	First export of lily bulbs to Europe and North America.
1916	Export of seedlings becomes difficult and sales of seed commences.
1920	First publication of export catalogue.
1921	Establishment of the first germination laboratory in Japan. Chicago Branch opens
1922	New three-story office built at 2-Sakai-machi, Yokohama (in front of Yokohama Park).
1923	Offices destroyed by fire in the Great Kanto Earthquake. Chicago Office closes as a result of the earthquake disaster.
1924	Relocated to 65 Nishihiranuma-cho Yokohama City.
1926	New offices and warehouse built at 2-13 Nishihiranuma.
1927	Warehouse destroyed by fire. Domestic catalogue "Sono no Izumi" published.
1928	Rebuilding of offices and warehouse on the 2-13 Nishihiranuma site.
1930	Establishment of Chigasaki Breeding Station and commencement of R&D over wide ranging varieties.
1931	First issue of "Sono no Izumi, Hobby Edition" (the cornerstone of current gardening news).
1934		F₁ All Double Petunia "Victorious Mixed", the world´s first All double flower. Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections. The petunia was introduced in Japan as Tsukubane Asagao (morning glory shuttlecock)... read more
1935	Reclassification of "Sono no Izumi" as Sakata Seed inventory, dividing it into wholesale, commercial, common and hobby editions. Opening of Ofuna Farm.	Celosia "Flame Of Fire". Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections.
1936	Lily export catalogue published.
1938	"Sakata Seeds" is registered as a trademark.	Petunia "Blue Gem". Awarded Special Prize in the All-America Selections. F₁ Petunia "Victorious Gaiety". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections. F₁ Petunia "Victorious Orchid Beauty" Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections.
1939	Shanghai Branch opens and seed is exported to North America.	F₁ Petunia "Victorious Apple Blossom". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1940		World's first F₁ cabbage "Suteki Kanran". At Sakata, we have many "ground-breaking stories". One such story is that of the... read more Petunia "Glow". Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections.
1941		F₁ Petunia "Blue Brocade". Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections Petunia "First Lady". Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections.
1942	Company is incorporated as "Sakata Seed Corporation." Shanghai Branch closes due to proliferation of war.
1944	Offices moves to Honmachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama.
1945	Offices destroyed by fire in Yokohama air raid and business moves to Fujisawa.
1948	Headquarter moves to 2-Kiribatake, Kanagawa-ku.
1951	Shop unit opens at Headquarter (currently Garden Center Yokohama) Becomes a forerunner to gardening shops in Japan.
1957		F₁ Petunia "Glitters". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1959	Misato Research Station established in Misato, Minami-Azumi Gun, Nagano Prefecture (presently Azumino City).
1960	Chogo Research Station established in Chogo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture and launched as a vegetable breeding farm.
1961	Nakai Research Station established in the town of Nakai, Ashigarakami Gun, Kanagawa Prefecture.
1962		"Prince" melon released. Historically, soft-fleshed, sweet melons were grown in greenhouses in Japan, each... read more Dianthus "Bravo". Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections.
1964		Celosia "Fireglow". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1965	Takeo Sakata wins the All-America Selections Medallion of Honor. In 1965, Sakata Seed Corporation's founder, Takeo Sakata, was the first... read more	Cabbage "Kinkei 201" released. Cabbage "Savoy King". Prize-winner in the All-America Selections. F₁ Antirrhinum "Floral Carpet Rose". Awarded Bronze at the All-America Selections.
1966	Establishment of Hazawa offices at Hazawa Chou, Kanagawa Ku, Yokohama, as product packaging and distribution base.	World's first F₁ Pansy "Majestic Giant Mixed" and "Majestic Giant White with Blotch". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections. Pansies, originally a plant that flowers in spring, was grown for a long time as an ... read more Dianthus "Red Monarch". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1967	Fukuoka Representative Office opens (currently Kyushu Branch Office).
1968		Celosia "Golden Triumph". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1969		Centaurea "Snowball". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections. F₁ Cabbage "Stonehead". Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections. F₁ Cabbage "Harvester Queen". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.

1970～

Year	Company History	Variety Annals/History of Awards Received
1970	Establishment of Chogo Shipping Center, Mail Order Dept (closed May 2006).	Morning Glory "Early Call". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1971	Kimitsu Research Station opens in Sodegaura Chou (presently Sodegaura city), Kimitsu Gun, Chiba Prefecture, for the expansion of vegetable breeding research. Sendai Branch opens. (Presently Sendai Sales Branch)	Import and sale of sweetcorn "Honey Bantam". F₁ Hibiscus "Southern Belle". Awarded Silver in the All-America Selections.
1972		Sale of "Zuiko"Tomato with multiple disease resistance. Release of Spinach "Atlas". Hollyhock "Summer Carnival". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections. Sole agent for Jiffy products. Seedling production is important, as in the term a "seedling determines half... read more "Green Duke" broccoli, targeted to overseas customers, makes market debut. Raising broccoli for commercial purposes began in earnest in the 1920's in ... read more
1974	Shirakawa Sales Office opens (closed May 2002).	Celosia "Red Fox". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections. Cosmos "Diablo". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1975	Acquisition of Jiffy Pots Products Co. of Japan, Ltd.	F₁ Carnation "Juliet". Awarded Bronze in the All America Selections.
1976	Okayama Branch opens (closed May 2004). Headquarter moves to Minami-Ku, Yokohama.
1977	Expansion work carried out on former headquarter and turned into a garden center. Sakata Seed America Inc. established.	Release of "Andes" melon F₁ Petunia "Victorious Blushing Maid". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1978		F₁ Watermelon "Sweet Favorite". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1979	Kyoei Noji Co.,Ltd. established. (currently Sakata Logistics Co., Ltd.)
1980	Sapporo Branch opened (presently Hokkaido Branch). Sakata Florist Co.,Ltd. established (May 1999 final liquidation).	Sales of "Marathon" Broccoli, a variety aimed at overseas market.
1981		Celosia "Apricot Brandy". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1982	Nakai Engei Co., Ltd. established (final liquidation January 2009).	F₁ Carnation "Scarlet Luminette". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections. F₁ Carnation "Scarlet Luminette". Awarded Bronze by Fleuroselect.
1983	70th anniversary. Flower show held in Mukogaoka Amusement Park.	F₁ Petunia "Red Picotee". Awarded Bronze in All-America Selections. F₁ Petunia "Red Picotee". Awarded Bronze by Fleuroselect.
1985	Nagoya Branch opens (closed in May 2006 when business was centralized at the current Nishi Nihon Branch). Salinas Research Station opens.	Release of Sakurasuto high tech seeds. Release of Sweetcorn "Peter Corn". Prior to 1970, the problem with corn was that it suddenly lost its taste shortly after... read more Celosia "Century Mix". Awarded Bronze in the All-America Selections.
1986	Corporate name changed to "Sakata Seed Corporation".
1987	Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Second Section. Yamagata Vegetable Center Co.,Ltd. established (presently Yamagata Celltop Co., Ltd.).	Successful culture of Chinese cabbage pollen. Successful culture of broccoli from anthers. Successful introduction of cytoplasmic male sterility into Cabbage.
1988	Establishment of Sakata Kosan Co., Ltd. Higashimura Propagation Center Co. Ltd., established (presently Brolead Co., Ltd.). European representative office opens.	F₁ Shasta Daisy "Snow Lady". Prize-winner in the All-America Selections.

1990～

Year	Company History	Variety Annals/History of Awards Received
1990	European representative office incorporated locally and "Sakata Seed Europe B.V." was established (presently Sakata Holland B.V.). Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section. Kakegawa Research Center established in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Hokkaido Research Station opens in Higashikagura Chou, Kamigawa Gun, Hokkaido. Kanto Kita Branch opens (closed May 2006 when business was centralized at the present Higashi Nihon Branch). Nagano Celltop Co. Ltd., established Hida Celltop Co. Ltd., established.	Exhibitor at the International Garden and Greenery Exposition, Osaka. Lisianthus "King of Snow" awarded the Grand Prize. In 1990, this lisianthus was awarded top prize at the "International Garden &... read more
1991	Sakata Seed Chile S.A. established. Yokohama Branch opens (presently Higashi Nihon Branch).	F₁ Pansy "Maxim Marina". Prize winner in the All-America Selections. F₁ Squash "Tivoli". Prize winner in the All-America Selections.
1992	Fukuoka Celltop Co. Ltd., established.
1993	80th Anniversary. Dream Show held at Kakegawa Research Station. Establishment of Sakata Seed Mexico S.A. de C.V.. Opening of Florida Research Station.
1994	Acquisition of Agroflora S.A.. (Brazil). Sakata Seed do Brazil Ltda. (presently Sakata Seed Sudamerica Ltda..) established. Research station established in Bragança Paulista Research Station. Yamagata Bulb Shipping Center opens (closed May 2008). Kazo Center opens (closed December 2009). Opening of Shiga Breeding Branch Station (closed October 1999).
1995	Completion of/transfer into new headquarter building in Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama.
1996	Acquisition of Flora Feliz S.A. (Costa Rica). (presently Sakata Centroamerica S.A.) Establishment of Sakata Siam Seed Co., Ltd. (Thailand). Establishment of Sakata Seed Iberia S.L. (Spain). Establishment of Sakata Seed France S.A.R.L..(presently Sakata Vegetables Europe S.A.S.) Acquisition of Samuel Yates Ltd. (UK) (presently Sakata UK Limited). Osaka Branch opens. (presently Nishi Nihon Branch)
1997	Acquisition of Chung Won Seed Co.,Ltd. (presently Sakata Seed Korea). Establishment of Korean Office. Share acquisition in Nishio Shokubutsu Co.,Ltd. Establishment of Khon Kaen Research Station.	Celosia "Prestige Scarlet". Prize-winner in the All-America Selections. Gypsophelia "Gypsy Pink." Prize-winner in the All-America Selections.
1998	Establishment of Sakata Seeds (Suzhou) Co.,Ltd. (China). Establishment of Uchaud Research center. Gerden Center Shonan opens (closed in November 2005).	F₁ Campanula "Champion Blue" & "Champion Pink". Awarded Gold by Fleuroselect.
1999	Acquisition of May Ford Holding Ltd. (South Africa) (presently Sakata Seed Southern Africa Pry). Acquisition of Willgro Nurseries Ltd. (UK) (presently Sakata Ornamentals UK Ltd.) Sakata Middle East Regional Office opens	Zinnia "Profusion Cherry" & "Profusion Orange". Both awarded Gold by All-America Selections. Zinnia Elegans (zinnia) have been improved for over 150 years, with numerous... read more Zinnia "Profusion Cherry". Awarded Gold by Fleuroselect.

2000～

Year	Company History	Variety Annals/History of Awards Received
2000	Yoju Research Station opens (Korea). Sakata Seed Guatemala, S.A. established.	F₁ Dianthus "Melody Pink". Prize-winner in the All-America Selections.
2001	European Sakata Holdings (France) established as headquarters for Europe/Africa. Chiba Branch sales office established (presently Narita Office of Higashi Nihon Branch). European Sakata Holdings established. Sakata Techno Service Co.Ltd. established.	Zinnia "Profusion White". Awarded Gold in the All-America Selections. Zinnia "Profusion White". Awarded Gold by Fleuroselect.
2002	Alf Christianson Seed Co becomes a subsidiary company (including Mount Vernon Research Station). Garden Center Yokohama renewed and re-opened. Domestic sales organization reorganized into four-branch structure. Landscaping Division awarded ISO 9001:2000 certification. Okayama Distribution Center established.	F₁ Pansy "Morpho". Prize-winner in the All-America Selections F₁ Pansy "Morpho". Awarded Gold by Fleuroselect.
2003	90th year anniversary. Acquisition of the flower division of L.Dæhnfelte A/S (Denmark). Sakata Seed reached an agreement with major European nursery... read more Seed Testing Dept.obtained the certification of The International Seed Testing Association for the first time in Japan among private companies. Establishment of Sakata Ornamentals Europe S/A. Establishment of Odense Research Station.	F₁ Petunia "Merlin Blue Morn". Prize-winner in the All-America Selections. F₁ Carnation "Can Can Scarlet". Awarded Gold by Fleuroselect. F₁ Carnation "Can Can Scarlet". Prize-winner in the All-America Selections.
2004		Gypsophelia "Gypsy Deep Rose". Prize-winner in the All-America Selections. Release of mini tomato "Aiko". Haven't cute, mini plum tomatoes become a staple on supermarket shelves? "Aiko"... read more
2005	Shunichiro Suda wins the All-America Selections Medallion of Honor. In 2005, Shunichiro Suda (company senior managing director at the time) won... read more Acquisition of Qualiveg Seed Production, Inc. (America). Establishment of Sakata Seed Oceania Pty Ltd. (Australia).	Release of SunPatiens^®. Awarded Good Design Award for "Rogina^®" series lisianthus. Lisianthus was originally a single flower wild species native to North America... read more
2006	Yaita Logistics Center opens in Yaita, Tochigi Prefecture.	Awarded Grand Prize at Japan Flower Selection in Bedding Flower Division for "Sunberina Petit Morpho" viola.
2007	Adoption of Executive Officer System.	Awarded Grand Prize at Japan Flower Selection in Bedding Flower Division for "Lavender" sun patients.
2008	Establishment of Sakata Seed India Private Limited.	Empirical evidence of SunPatiens^® environmental purification capabilities Environmental cleansing SunPatiens^® fulfill the dream of being "beautiful and... read more Awarded Grand Prize at Japan Flower Selection in Cut Flower Division for "Rogina Lavender" lisianthus.
2009	Hazawa Distribution Center opens.	Sale of the Sunflower "Vincent's" series. We developed the world's ground-breaking, pollenless, F₁ hybrid cut sunflower... read more
2010	Vegetable Seed Production Dept. and Flower Seed Production Dept. newly established. Establishment of Sakata America Holdings Company,Inc.	F₁ "Seirin" cabbage authorized for "2009 Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Authorized Variety," the first authorized variety developed in the private sector.
2011	Establishment of Sakata Turkey (Sakata Tarım Ürünleri ve Tohumculuk Sanayi ve Ticaret LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ). 60th year anniversary of Garden Center Yokohama and 80th year anniversary of mail order.

Varieties inserted in the history of varieties will be updated in order.

All-America Selections: Flowers
A competition of the world's most prestigious floral varieties, held in North America for general gardening enthusiasts.
All-America Selections: Vegetables
A competition of the world's most prestigious vegetable varieties, held in North America for general gardening enthusiasts.
Fleuroselect
A competition of the world's most prestigious floral varieties, held in Europe for general gardening enthusiasts and commercial producers.
Japan Flower Selection
Competition which began in 2006 to select outstanding new varieties of flower of both domestic and international origin.
Good Design Awards
A only system of comprehensive design evaluation/recommendation in Japan, the "Good Design Award" began in 1999 under the sponsorship of the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. The system is a successor to the "Good Design Products Selection System (G-Mark System.)", created by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1957. The Japan Institute of Design Promotion positions "Good Design Awards" as foundations to a prosperous economy and recognizes the eminent powers of distinctive designs for the advancement of lifestyle and industrial activity.

F₁ All Double Petunia "Victorious Mixed", World's First All Double Flower and Our First-Ever Prize in the All-America Selections

F₁ All Double Petunia "Victorious Mixed" - Petunia Seed Worth More Than Gold

The petunia was introduced in Japan as Tsukubane Asagao (morning glory shuttlecock) and has enjoyed its status as an iconic flower that adorned homes from spring to summer. While there were single flower and double flower petunias, neither was raised in Japan at that time. While in North America double flowers were bred with colors more vibrant than the native Japanese varieties, these included a mixture of single flower, with none producing 100% double flower petunia. It was a few years from the start of R&D aimed at perfecting a 100% double flower variety when we finally succeeded with the "All Double Petunia", which was awarded our first-ever prize in the All-America Selections. In no time at all, we were inundated with orders from around the world and for a time, the seeds were selling, at the retail price, for 20 times the price of gold, at USD 10,656/lb (1lb= approx. 454g).

Release of the World's First F₁ Hybrid Cabbage "Suteki Kanran"

Suteki Kanran, the First F₁ Hybrid Cabbage

At Sakata, we have many "ground-breaking stories". One such story is that of the Suteki Kanran (cabbage), released in 1940. This product takes its name from Suteki Shinohara who bred the variety. At the time, cabbage was of an 'open pollinated' variety with an inconsistent harvest period and size, making harvesting time consuming. Shinohara developed his own cultivation methods and bred an F₁ (F₁hybrid) product strain whose uniformity was well-suited well to large-scale farming, enabling Sakata to develop the world's first F₁ cabbage. While Suteki Kanran came under war-time seed control and was not released into the market, it became the foundation of future mainstream F₁ products.

Release of "Prince" Melon

"Prince" Melon - Making Melon More Accessible

Historically, soft-fleshed, sweet melons were grown in greenhouses in Japan, each one being tended to with great care. It was a luxury item that could not be grown without high-level cultivation techniques. "If we use the blessings of nature in the open field, we can supply large quantities. But then we cannot make them as delicious as those grown in greenhouses. We want to have as many people taste delicious, affordable melons." This belief became our driving force and the "Prince" melon, a cross-breed of melons native to Japan and to Europe, was created. Initially we struggled to produce melons in Japan's hot, humid climate. Through a process of trial and error, the "Prince" melon was born; a melon with high sugar content, a good smell and soft flesh that could be grown in the open fields in Japan for the first time.

Company founder Takeo Sakata wins the All-America Selections Medallion of Honor

In 1965, Sakata Seed Corporation's founder, Takeo Sakata, was the first foreign contender to win the Medallion of Honor.
The All-America Selections was established in the United States in 1932 as a non-profit organization with the goals of selecting and popularizing superior new varieties of flowers and vegetables, and protecting the rights of breeders. It is active in introducing and popularizing new flower cultivation products to general horticultural enthusiasts from the United States and Canada. It is the world's most prestigious horticultural organization, and it is where the leading seed companies from all over the world bring their new varieties to compete. In the horticultural industry, the All-America Selections Medallion Of Honor is regarded as an esteemed prize - in baseball terms it would be comparable to induction into the Hall of Fame. Starting in 1936, famous prize winners include George B. Park, Ernest Benary, G. Carl Ball.

"Majestic Giant Mixed", and "White with Blotch", the world's first F₁ pansies, win Bronze Medal at the All-America Selections

Pansies, originally a plant that flowers in spring, was grown for a long time as an open-pollinated variety called "Swiss Giant" originating in Europe. Benefiting from Japan's environment as well as innovations in F₁ seed production and breeding that resulted in varieties that were easier to grow and flowered in autumn as well, the world's first F₁ hybrid pansy "Majestic Giant" was developed.
With an ease of cultivation unseen in usual open pollinated varieties, its large flowers, color, and consistency were recognized both inside and outside Japan. In 1966 the same series, "Mixed" and "White With Blotch", won a prize in the All-America Selections, the most prestigious contest in the American horticultural industry.
With continuous improvements, the "Majestic Giant" brand has maintained popularity for over forty years in the Unites States, and is well-known not just in the horticultural industry but by horticultural enthusiasts in general.

Sole Distributor of Jiffy Products

Jiffy - A Strong Ally of Seedling Production

Seedling production is important, as in the term a "seedling determines half the outcome". Since 1972, we have been the sole distributors and sellers of Jiffy products. Using peat moss from northern Europe as a base material, these products have revolutionized seedling nursing (growing seedlings). Jiffy products, made of compressed peat moss, do not require containers such as plastic pots, and enables robust growth. Moreover, when seeds have been sewn and grown into seedlings, they can be transplanted into fields or containers as is. The products are also environmentally friendly, with no root damage and need for containers. The term 'Eco' was not a popular one when they were first made, but Jiffy creators may well have thought that "what is kind to plant is also kind to the environment."

"Green Duke" broccoli targets overseas customers, makes its market debut.

"Green Duke" broccoli - outstanding consistency - a hit in the U.S.A.

Raising broccoli for commercial purposes began in earnest in the 1920's in California. Compared to the broccoli that we eat now, broccoli at the time was small, irregular in shape and had irregular harvest times. It was a vegetable which took a lot of effort, requiring farmers to go into the fields for harvesting any number of times.
In these circumstances, Sakata was the first Japanese company to market an F₁ hybrid, called "Green Duke". With its large head, high-yield, consistent size and regular harvest times, it was easier to harvest, and yieldability improved substantially. This spurred the popularization of broccoli in the United States.

Release of "Peter Corn" Sweet Corn

"Peter Corn" - An Explosion of Sweetness and Popularity

Prior to 1970, the problem with corn was that it suddenly lost its taste shortly after harvesting. Against this backdrop, we released "Honey Bantam^®". This corn, which retained its sweetness for a longer period after harvesting than previous varieties, became instantly popular. Later, in 1985, we released "Peter Corn", a bi-colored corn with a mix of yellow and white kernels. At a glance it was distinguishable from other corns and was even sweeter than Honey Bantam^®. Moreover, its soft seed coating did not linger in the mouth. Within mere three years after its release, "Peter Corn" dominated the market.

Lisianthus "King of Snow" Wins Top Prize

"King of Snow" - Enthusiasm for the Pure White Double Flower

In 1990, this lisianthus was awarded top prize at the "International Garden & Greenery Exposition" held at Tsurumi Green, Osaka. During the 1970s, lisianthus reached the upper echelons of popular cut flowers. At the heart of cut flower consumption were important family ceremonies; recognizing this, our company quickly started the development of the gorgeous, voluminous, double flower lisianthus. However, we were unable to create what we had hoped for, as when the seeds were sown, less than 70% grew into double flowers.
After 10 years, "King of Snow" was our hard won commercial success, a pure white lisianthus variety with perfect doubleness in flowers. It became the cornerstone for all subsequent lisianthus R&D.

All-America Selections Awards Gold to 2 Varieties of Zinnia "Profusion Cherry & Orange"

Zinnia "Profusion Cherry" & "Profusion Orange": Strong and Beautiful Hybrids

Zinnia Elegans (zinnia) have been improved for over 150 years, with numerous varieties of varying flower size and double flower. However, they were susceptible to disease in the hot, humid Japanese summer and failed to fully grow.
The "Profusion" zinnia was made by breeding between different species "inter-specific hybrid", which was historically deemed to be difficult. The new variety was disease resistant, and boasted many braches and flowers. It won Gold at the All-America Selections, a competition for the world's most prestigious flowers, held in the United States and aimed at the home gardeners. It was also awarded Gold by Fleuroselect, a flower competition held in Europe. In 2001, "Profusion White" won the same awards.

Sakata Seed acquires the floricultural division of L.Dæhnfeldt A/S (Denmark).

Sakata Seed reached an agreement with major European nursery company L.Dæhnfeldt A/S, to acquire the latter's floricultural division and two subsidiaries, and concluded an agreement on July 11, 2003. Because of this, our company, already holding the world's top share in the pansies and lisianthus markets, secured primary market share for both primulas and flower-pot gerberas as well.

Release of "Aiko " Mini Tomato

"Aiko" Mini Tomato - Pretty Mini Tomatoes

Haven't cute, mini plum tomatoes become a staple on supermarket shelves? "Aiko" pioneered the way into opening up the Japanese market for mini plum tomatoes. They initially appeared in home gardens and direct sales, and then took the unusual course of continuing onto large-scale production. No matter how you look at it, the appeal of Aiko is their robustness and taste. Whether in home gardens or in commercial production locations, these characteristics have proven to be extremely popular. With a strong, thick, sweet flesh, it is a versatile item which can be eaten raw, stewed or dried. When you are growing mini tomatoes, please remember "Aiko."

Shunichiro Suda wins the All-America Selections Medallion of Honor

In 2005, Shunichiro Suda (company senior managing director at the time) won the All-America Selections Medallion of Honor.
The All-America Selections was established in the United States 1932, as a non-profit organization with the goals of selecting and popularizing superior new varieties of flowers and vegetables, and protecting the rights of breeders.　It is active in introducing and popularizing new cultivation materials to general horticultural enthusiasts from the United States and Canada. It is the world's most prestigious horticultural organization,and the leading seed companies of the world bring their new varieties to compete. In the horticultural industry, the All-America Selections Medallion Of Honor is regarded as an esteemed prize - in baseball terms it would be comparable to induction into the Hall of Fame. Starting in 1936, famous prize winners include George B. Park, Ernest Benary, G. Carl Ball.

Medallion of Honor of the All-Amedca Selections awarded to Shunichiro Suda, Senior Managing Director.

Rogina^® series of lisianthus wins the Good Design Award

Lisianthus was originally a single flower wild species native to North America. It was introduced in Japan before WWII, but breeding only began to thrive around 1980. In the late1980s, double-flower varieties were also developed, and these were often used in decorations for events such as weddings. From there, ideas for other varieties took root, and breeding efforts were focused on the well-loved rose flower shape. The year 2003 marked the debut of the ultimate in rose-flowering lisianthus, the "Rogina^®" series.
With the appearance of the "Rogina^®" series, flower petals became thicker, flower stalks bent less, its stems became more robust, blossoms stayed longer and as a result, its appropriateness for shipping improved. Because of its heat endurance, lisianthus has become the "ace" cut flower for summer occasions. It has been in demand for years by business specializing in weddings, funerals, and ceremonial occasions, and has become an indispensable standard cut flower. The lisianthus developed in Japan has been charming people the world over and is still held in high esteem.

Good Design Award 2005 Winners

Evidentiary Proof of the Environmental Cleansing Capabilities of SunPatiens^®

SunPatiens^® - Enjoy Gardening While Improving the Environment

Environmental cleansing SunPatiens^® fulfill the dream of being "beautiful and environmentally friendly." SunPatiens^® are robust flowers that continue to blossom from early summer to fall. Compared with other flowering plants, SunPatiens® have the ability to absorb and break down 5-8 times the amount of air polluting carbon dioxide and 3-4 times the amount of formaldehyde, said to be a cause of sick building syndrome.
In addition, the plants' high evaporation capability significantly lowers the surrounding temperature. ^*1In recent studies, the plants in Floating flower beds have shown a high absorption rate of nutrient salts as well as water cleaning capabilities. ^*2These are truly plants of the future. SunPatiens^® heal our minds and bodies all over the world.

*1 Joint Research: Water level results are from joint research conducted by Yutaka Urano (Doctor of Tokyo University, Faculty of Agriculture) and the independent administrative institution, the Agricultural Institute of Environmental Techology.
*2 Joint Research: From joint research conducted with Yoko Oki of Okayama University's Faculty of Science & Technology.

Release of the Sunflower "Vincent's"

Vincent's Series - Blooming Upwards

We developed the world's ground-breaking, pollenless, F₁ hybrid cut sunflower "Kagayaki-Shine". We also released the much anticipated "Vincent's" Series; with similar, pollenless flowers. The flowers characteristically bloom upwards. With round, attractive petals and long lasting flowers, they are easy to use in bouquets and flower arrangements. Depending on the hours of sunlight, typical sunflowers bloom for greatly varying periods of time. "Vincent's", on the other hand, bloom all at once around the 55th day as long as optimal cultivation is provided for, making "Vincent's" the only cut flower able to offer security of supply.
The "Vincent's" series was named after the painter, Vincent van Gogh, who was passionate about sunflowers. For van Gogh, the color yellow was a symbol of 'happiness' and 'hope' and he painted this impressive color in many of his works. His representative work "Sunflowers" is a work that exudes such passionate feelings.