Events
Tokyo will host the Japan International Hemp Expo on November 14th and 15th, 2025.
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For the first time since the legal reform, Japan is opening its doors to the global hemp industry with “JIHE 2025,” which will take place on November 14 and 15 in Shinjuku, Tokyo. JIHE (Japan International Hemp Expo) 2025 reflects a turning point in Japan. In 2025, Japanese cannabis policy will reach a significant crossroads. With the entry into force of the revised Cannabis Control Law and the new Hemp Promotion Law, the process for obtaining cultivation licenses will be facilitated.
This change is more than just deregulation: it marks a historic moment in which Japanese society begins to redefine cannabis, moving from simply a "drug" to a "resource." This will give rise to new discussions and opportunities in the medical, industrial, and cultural fields.
Symbolizing this transformation is JIHE 2025, which will take place at Lumine 0 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on November 14th and 15th, 2025. The event is an evolved form of the exhibition “CBD Journey”, which has led the domestic CBD market for the past five years, and positions itself as a new platform representing Japan's industrial shift “from CBD to hemp”.
Overview of “JIHE 2025”
Global trends and Japan's current position
▲ Ryota Nakazawa – CEO of Asabis Inc. and founder and organizer of JIHE, Japan's largest international hemp/CBD exhibition and conference, is dedicated to building the fundamental infrastructure for Japan's emerging cannabis industry.
Around the world, hemp has evolved beyond being just a source of CBD — it has developed into a multifaceted industrial ecosystem encompassing renewable materials, construction, food, medicine, and sustainability.
Ryota Nakazawa, CEO of Asabis Inc. and founder of JIHE
In Europe, the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) leads efforts to establish regulatory frameworks, while in Thailand, the legalization of cannabis has positioned the country as a hub for the Asian market.
In contrast, Japan has long discussed CBD products primarily as an "end-use" sector, lacking a framework that links the initial stage (cultivation and processing) with the final stage (products and distribution).
Filling this gap and fostering discussion throughout the value chain — from production to the market — is precisely why Ryota Nakazawa, CEO of Asabis Inc., transformed the former “CBD Journey” exhibition into “JIHE”.
“The world is already talking about what comes after CBD. I wanted to change the perception that only Japan has been left out of this conversation,” said Ryota Nakazawa.
The New Industrial Structure Emerging from Legal Reform
▲ Comparative Table of Cannabis-Related Bills in Japan (2024): Old vs. New
The legal reform that will come into effect in 2025 will allow the cultivation of cannabis in Japan under a licensing regime. This marks not only a practical advancement for medicinal cannabinoids, but also the establishment of a basis for a comprehensive discussion on the cultivation, research, and distribution of industrial hemp.
In this new context, a new market is emerging—one that integrates the agricultural, medical, and materials sectors. JIHE serves as a platform that visualizes the beginning of this transformation.
JIHE Design Concept: From CBD to Hemp
(1) Internationalization — From “Japan” to “Asia”
▲The “JIHE” has been reborn as an international exhibition, adopting a structure that connects speakers, exhibitors, and visitors globally. A symbolic aspect of this change is that many of the foreign speakers participate in the event on their own initiative, not for financial compensation, but out of interest in investing in the Japanese market immediately following the legal reform.
(2) Industrial Integration — Uniting “CBD” and “Hemp”
Beyond the traditional “CBD Journey” area, the newly created “Hemp Journey” zone will feature exhibits covering diverse fields — including hempcrete, textiles, plastics, and food. This new structure symbolizes a transformation from an “experiential exhibition” to an “exhibition that renews society.”
(3) Energy Design — “Business Day” and “Community Day”
▲ Starting October 10th, the schedule for the “JIHE Forum” is as follows:
November 14 (Friday) — Business Day: Industry and political leaders will participate in high-level discussions.
November 15th (Saturday) — Community Day: the general public will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences.
By segmenting visitors, the event strategically maximizes the unique energy and engagement of each audience.
(4) Three New Values Brought by JIHE
1️⃣ A Place to Map the Future of the Market: Experience firsthand the latest developments in regulation, product trends, and global supply chains following legal reform. Here you will find insights into the “Japanese market for the next decade”.
2️⃣ Building Authentic Global Networks: Through the JIHE Forum, participants can interact directly with key figures in the global hemp industry, establishing Japan's first true hub for international industrial hemp exchange.
3️⃣ Witnessing an Industrial Turning Point: This is more than just an exhibition. It's a historic event marking the inaugural year.
More information on JIHE official website.
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Takuya Aiuchi
Takuya Aiuchi is the founder of Japan's leading CBD information platform, "CBD Library". A pioneer in the industry, he contributes articles to domestic and international media on cannabis and participates extensively in international exhibitions. Takuya is actively involved in advancing knowledge and trends regarding CBD and cannabinoids in the Japanese and international markets.
Aiuchi is also a member of the Japan Society of Clinical Cannabinoids and has completed with distinction the courses of Cannabis Consultant MM411, CBD Medical Wellbeing MM411, Qualified Pharmaceutical Affairs Manager, Advanced Functional Food Labeling Specialist and Level 1 Certified Aromatherapy Examiner .
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