＜As a volunteer on the YouTube program "Tiger of 2025", HACHIMITSUDO, Received 9 million yen in investment by achieving "ALL"! Okinawa Beekeeper's Challenge to Solve the Honeybee Shortage Okinawa beekeeper's challenge to solve the shortage of bees by "6th industrialization of beekeeping" and nationwide expansion

HACHIMITSUDO, an Okinawa-based honey business, is pleased to announce that its president, Naoumi Chihana, has received an investment of 9 million yen on the YouTube program "Tiger of 2026" in March, 2026.

URL of the broadcast: https://youtu.be/Osh1BVmbTcU

("Tiger of Reiwa CHANNEL": I want to create a 6th industry with beekeeping network from Okinawa to all over Japan)

The Crisis of Honeybees Supporting Japan's Agriculture and Naoumi Chihana's Challenge

This project aims to take advantage of Okinawa's mild climate to nurture honeybees, build a beekeeping infrastructure starting from Okinawa to solve the serious shortage of honeybees nationwide, and contribute to the local economy through the sixth industrialization of honey.

Naoumi Chihana

Future Business Development: "Unique Network" Expanding from Okinawa to Nationwide

We will use the funds we have acquired this time to rapidly accelerate our business based on the following three pillars.

≪1. 5-fold expansion of the scale of beekeeping and expansion of bases in Kyushu and throughout Japan

First, we will establish a solid business foundation in Okinawa by expanding our current 50 honey bee colonies to 250 colonies by the end of the 2026 season.

In 2027, we plan to open a base in Kyushu. Currently, we have already sent bees to cooperators in Kagoshima, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido, and have begun test operations of beekeeping adapted to the climate of each region. In the future, by establishing bases throughout Japan, we will expand our beekeeping network rooted in local communities and promote regional contribution activities directly related to regional development and agricultural support.

≪2. Building a unique supply network and taking on the challenge of resource recycling

We will position Okinawa as a "honey bee supply base" and build a unique network by inviting like-minded partners throughout Japan. The greatest feature of this network is a "recycling-oriented collaboration" that goes beyond mere honey distribution.

We will partner with farmers in each region and focus on "developing products that can only be made in that region" by combining our honey with off-spec fruit and produce that would normally be discarded. By reducing the loss of local resources and delivering high value-added products to the market, we aim to share profits with producers and increase the sustainability of agriculture in Japan as a whole.

≪3. establishment of high value-added business through "honey x 6th industrialization

We will accelerate the "6th industrialization" of the beekeeping industry, which encompasses "production, processing, and sales," and promote the development of high value-added brands.

▼ Success of leading products and future lineup

Following the success of "Okinawa honey candy," which has already been commercialized and is well received, OEM development of honey soap is currently underway. In the future, we will develop products in a wide range of categories such as herb tea, confectionery, and even high-function cosmetics by combining rare natural ingredients such as royal jelly and propolis, in addition to honey.

Solid Steps Toward the Establishment of a Mead Brewery

In preparation for the establishment of a mead brewery, which is our future vision, our CEO, Mr. Chika, has completed a training course at the Okinawa Industrial Technology Center, where he learned specialized techniques as a trainee. With a solid technical background, we will take on the challenge of brewing sake from Okinawa that can aim for the world.

Collaboration with local products

Utilizing our unique nationwide network, we develop "regionally limited premium products" by combining our honey with local specialties produced by farmers in various regions. Together with collaborators from across the country, we will give shape to the unique charms of each region.

≪4. recruiting co-creation partners, and gaining credibility through collaboration with the national and prefectural governments

We are looking for a wide range of partners who will work together with honeybees to create a sustainable agricultural future.

▼ Recruitment of collaborators and cooperating companies throughout Japan

In order to further strengthen our unique beekeeping network, we are looking for "collaborators (individuals and farmers)" who work together to nurture honeybees and enliven local communities, as well as "cooperating companies" who work together to develop resource-recycling products. We will accelerate collaboration with those who wish to create regional development and new industrial value through the power of honeybees.

Strong Cooperation with the Administration and Challenge to the "Nation

This project has been approved by the "Okinawa Prefecture Management Innovation Plan" in 2025, and has been highly evaluated by the local government for its uniqueness and potential. Currently, as the next phase of the project, we are moving in earnest to obtain approval for the "Integrated Business Plan (6th Industrialization Law)" from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. By expanding the scope of the "endorsement" granted by the prefecture to the national government, we will build a more reliable business foundation and take on the challenge of solving the agricultural issues facing Japan as a whole.

Okinawa Hyakumana Honey

Okinawa honey candy

About HONEY-THE-HONEY DOCUMENT CO.

Representative: Chibana Naomi

Location: Okinawa, Japan

Business activities: Beekeeping, planning and sales of honey and processed honey products, agricultural support through beekeeping