SoA Co., Ltd. — Kawagoe, Japan
People Who Take on Challenges Shape the Future.
SoA is a startup based in Kawagoe, Japan. Starting with agriculture, we are building an environment where people come together, develop their potential, and turn new ideas into real businesses—from Kawagoe to local communities, Japan, and the world.
Philosophy
A company where you can make what you want to do happen.
What SoA wants to build is a company where each person can make the thing they want to do happen. Agriculture is the first stage for that.
- Look for the way it can be done, not the reason it can't.
- Think first, then try it.
- Speak openly, whatever your position.
- Build a place where anyone can make it happen, whatever their age or experience.
- Keep changing, without fear of change.
Business
Three businesses: trading, agriculture and digital
We export fine Japanese products as a trading business, grow rice in Kawagoe, Saitama, and run a digital business built on what we have learned operating a farm and an online shop.
Trading
The taste of Japan the world hasn't met yet.
A trading business that exports fine Japanese agricultural, marine and livestock products and food. Starting from the rice we grow, we bring products from producing regions across Japan to importers, restaurants and retailers overseas. We are in talks with overseas buyers through GFP and JETRO programs and hands-on export support from Saitama Prefecture.
- Export wholesale of Japanese agricultural, marine and livestock products and food
- Supply to importers, restaurants and retailers overseas
- Talks with overseas buyers (with support from GFP, JETRO and Saitama Prefecture)
Agriculture
Growing rice in the fields of Kawagoe.
We grow rice on 3.8 hectares (about 9.4 acres) of farmland operated by SoA in Kawagoe and sell it through our rice brand Komeyoshi.
- 3.8 ha of farmland operated by SoA (Sai-no-Kizuna and Koshihikari)
- Retail sales through the Komeyoshi online shop
- Rice for restaurants, retailers and food companies in Japan
- Farm visits for companies and municipalities
AI & Digital
Bringing what we refined in our own field to yours.
Based on the know-how from running a farm and an online shop, we provide website production, app and system development, and AI adoption support.
- Website production
- App and system development
- AI adoption support
- Proposals grounded in our own operations
Partnership
Themes we would like to work on together
We welcome collaboration with companies, municipalities, financial institutions and investors. Whatever the topic, please talk to us first.
Overseas trade and rice for businesses
Export wholesale of Japanese agricultural, marine and livestock products and food; rice for restaurants, retailers and food companies in Japan
Regional collaboration
Community development and training of new farmers with municipalities and farming corporations
Technology trials and business development
Field trials with agricultural machinery and IT companies, new business planning with food and retail companies
Visits and consultations
Farm visits for companies and municipalities, consultations on investment and finance
Network
Programs and support
Export support
- GFP (Global Farmers / Fishermen / Foresters / Food Manufacturers Project)
- Rice Overseas Market Expansion Strategy Project
- JAPAN STREET
- Japan Food Export 10,000 Exporters Support Program
- New Exporters 10,000 Support Program
- Saitama Prefecture Overseas Marketing Promotion Consortium
- Saitama Prefecture Hands-on Support for Agricultural Exports
- e-Venue
- North America Japanese Food Global Gateway Program (year-round catalog)
Startup support
- TIB STUDIO
- Shibusawa MIX Startup Creation and Growth Support Program
Industry network
- Food Tech Public-Private Council
* These are programs we participate in, are registered with, or receive support from.
Message
“When more people speak of their dreams, Japan can grow further.”
A message from Soichi Saito, Representative Director and CEO, on why he is building a company that brings out the potential in each person.
Soichi Saito, Representative Director / CEO
Read the CEO messageFrom the field
From the rice fields of Kawagoe, as it is
From planting to harvest, we share our daily farm work and the fields on Instagram.
