Green Brothers Switzerland operates its CBD business in 20 countries worldwide.

Q: Could you tell us about the CBD products offered by Green Brothers Japan?

CBD, referred to as cannabidiol, is one of the cannabinoids, a type of chemical compound extracted from hemp. Its intake offers multiple benefits, such as better sleep, anti-inflammatory properties, and alleviation of depression and neurological disorders. Internationally, CBD is also being used in the treatment of dementia. In Japan, where CBD is legal, it's seen as a component of natural wellness practices and a means to enhance quality of life. Although CBD is not classified as a pharmaceutical and cannot be considered a treatment in Japan, it is positioned as a health supplement capable of supporting the alleviation of various symptoms.

Q: Green Brothers Switzerland, the parent company, has a global presence in the CBD market, doesn't it?

Indeed, Green Brothers Switzerland, based in Switzerland, is a leading CBD producer. The company was founded in 2016 by a trio of brothers who oversee the entire process, from the cultivation of the raw materials to the final stages of manufacturing, processing, and distribution. They are also actively involved in CBD research. Currently, Green Brothers operates in 20 countries around the globe, having made our foray into the Japanese market in 2022 with my assistance.

Sensing the Potential in CBD for New Business Ventures

Q: Can you share the story behind the establishment of Green Brothers Japan?

I was contemplating a new business venture and became interested in CBD, as it was garnering medical attention in Europe and the United States. I sought partners in Europe and the US with whom I could trade. It was during this search that I discovered Green Brothers Switzerland.

I originally intended only to engage in procuring CBD. However, Green Brothers Switzerland approached me with a proposal for a collaborative venture to establish a Japanese corporation. I agreed to serve as its representative. Acknowledging the cultural differences between overseas and Japanese markets, we realized that a sales strategy tailored to Japan was necessary. Entering the Japanese market, with a corporate trust culture, was seen as a significant challenge.

Q: Please also tell us about President Takamori's interest in CBD.

I was born in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, but moved to Ohio, USA, at 14 due to my father's assignment in America. I spent my middle school, high school, and university years in the US, graduating from Ohio State University. After graduation, I worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Upon leaving PwC, I was involved in international trade business but returned to Japan due to changes in the political climate.

Foreign news of Green Rush sparked my interest in CBD. Based on my unique experiences, I studied the Japanese legal regulations concerning CBD and handled all customs and broker interactions myself, successfully importing 20 kilograms through customs. The memory of personally retrieving my first import from Narita Airport remains a fond one. That was my first encounter with CBD.

Q: Does Green Brothers Japan engage in both sales and manufacturing?

Yes, that's correct. The current CBD market is burgeoning, driven by small and medium enterprises, sole proprietors, and individual CBD users. We assessed that merely trading in CBD raw materials would not suffice for a sustainable business model. Based on my upbringing in the United States, I recognized the substantial benefits for manufacturers in a logistics-driven society. Having manufacturing capabilities creates opportunities for long-term viability and strength. Consequently, we import extracted raw materials from Green Brothers headquarters and proceed with processing and productization within Japan.

In January 2024, we secured a confectionery manufacturing license, enabling us to set up operations that can accommodate small batches as well.

Establishing a CBD Manufacturing Base in Aichi Prefecture, President Takamori’s Roots

Q: Why was Nagoya chosen as the location for your manufacturing base?

The choice was personal; I am originally from Aichi Prefecture, and I have trusted colleagues in this area. Handling CBD can be complex, making reliable partners indispensable.

Furthermore, establishing a new manufacturing base with clean rooms suitable for food production usually entails significant costs. Finding a suitable manufacturing site was challenging. However, discovering Creation Core Nagoya was a stroke of luck, allowing us to start in an excellent environment both financially and quality-wise. It was indeed a fortunate development.

Aiming for market expansion by dispelling the stigma around CBD through awareness campaigns

Q: How do you plan to expand your CBD business moving forward?

To further popularize CBD in Japan, it's crucial to eliminate the misconceptions and prejudices surrounding it. As part of our awareness efforts, we launched the General Incorporated Association All-Cannabinoid in 2023. Given the market's nascent stage, we aim to collaborate with other companies to share intellectual property and provide accurate information to consumers.

We are currently developing three brands. 'Alpinium' is a brand through which athletes support the general public. 'Sixty8' is an e-cigarette line free from nicotine and tar, and 'Repose' caters to women's health and FemCare. Each brand is tailored to meet the specific needs of our consumers.

Additionally, our brands are listed as part of the hometown tax donation rewards in Nagoya City. We engage in various activities to increase awareness and knowledge about CBD among a wide range of people.

As part of our other awareness-raising activities, we are focusing on collaborations with athletes in the lead-up to the Asian Games in 2026.

Additionally, we plan to ramp up our sales initiatives targeting corporations. Given the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry's emphasis on health management, CBD—with its potential to improve sleep and alleviate stress—can be a significant component of employee welfare programs. Ideally, leveraging CBD to boost employees' quality of life could, in turn, enhance corporate performance, creating a beneficial scenario for everyone involved.

While negative stereotypes persist, CBD is a safe option used in natural therapy. Living in a stress-dominated society, I believe CBD can be part of the solution.