Wasabi grown on shelves in a shipping container and in the Yokohama area to boot? And delivered straight to sushi chefs working nearby?

Not likely, purists might shout, thinking that Japanese horseradish can only flourish in mountain areas with pristine rushing water.

Going against the traditional image, a specialized factory module in Shin-Yokohama boasts the latest in sensing technology to ensure cultivation conditions remain perfect 24/7.

The operator is looking to pitch an autonomous system based on artificial intelligence (AI) at some point to maximize production.

Using a container for farming is the brainchild of Tokyo-based agricultural start-up Nextage Inc. With technical support from semiconductor trading firm Macnica Inc. in Yokohama, Nextage has begun selling the agricultural module in the Japanese market.

A Tokyo-based agricultural startup, NEXTAGE, is cultivating high-grade wasabi in Yokohama using advanced technology. The variety, called Mazuma Wasabi, is highly regarded for its well-balanced aroma, spiciness, sweetness, and bitterness.

NEXTAGE has partnered with Macnica, a company specializing in semiconductors and IT equipment, to develop a small plant for wasabi cultivation in Yokohama. 

The system ensures consistent production through data analysis, making it less vulnerable to weather conditions and labor shortages.

Demand for wasabi is rising due to the growing popularity of Japanese cuisine, but supply has struggled to keep pace. This initiative aims to bridge the supply-demand gap while introducing an agricultural method that minimizes dependence on environmental and human factors.