“Can a school building become a farm?” someone wondered. It sounds odd but let me tell you about Toyonaka Municipal Notada Elementary School. This school closed its doors in March 2023. It is located in Notada Town.
Toyonaka Municipal Notada Elementary School has a unique history. It started in 1959. It branched off from Shonai Elementary School. The school began with about 230 students. Its campus featured wide grounds and cherry trees. It stood as a landmark in the community for 64 years. Sadly the school closed in 2023.
But the story doesn’t end there. The city decided to repurpose the school building. It is being used until the new Shonai Sakura Gakuen opens. This is a rare move nationwide. The city leases classrooms to businesses. They foster local businesses.
One project at the former Toyonaka Municipal Notada Elementary School is indoor mushroom farming. A company called Boardless Japan grows mushrooms in old classrooms. They grow two types. These are Tamogitake and Hiratake mushrooms.
The mushrooms are harvested and sold. They are sold at the Toyonaka Shonai Collaboration Center’s morning market. This creates local jobs and revitalizes the area.
Boardless Japan aims to create a circular system. Coffee grounds are collected in the city. These are used to grow the mushrooms. After mushroom cultivation the beds feed Kabutomushi beetles. The beetle droppings become fertilizer.
This project also focuses on employing disabled people. The goal is to create a workplace for everyone. The former Toyonaka Municipal Notada Elementary School became a unique incubator. It supports both business and community.
The location is convenient. It is easily accessible by public transport. The sturdy school building requires minimal initial investment. The proximity to the Shonai Collaboration Center aids sales.
The project fosters community ties. People feel connected to the mushroom farm. Many remember attending the school.
The staff is passionate about their work. They feel joy in growing the mushrooms. Customers appreciate the fresh local produce. Who would have guessed that the old Toyonaka Municipal Notada Elementary School would become a new type of farm and community hub?