Established in Nihonbashi,
Rooted in Integrity

Plastic Shredding Facility Co., Ltd. was founded in 2014 with a straightforward mission: to provide information that people can genuinely trust. Our founders — a group of journalists, researchers, and cultural specialists — recognised that quality editorial content about Japan was often either overly simplified for foreign audiences or inaccessible to those unfamiliar with the country's nuances.

We set out to bridge that gap. Today, from our offices in the historic Nihonbashi district of Tokyo, we serve a growing roster of corporate clients, publishers, and individual subscribers who value depth over brevity and accuracy over sensation.

The name "Aoi" — written with the character 葵, meaning hollyhock — reflects our commitment to something that grows steadily, that is deeply rooted, and that returns reliably season after season.

Bonsai tree — patient growth and careful cultivation

What Guides Our Work

Our editorial standards and company values are not simply aspirational — they form the basis of every decision we make, from article selection to client partnerships.

Editorial Independence

We accept no payment for editorial coverage. Our opinions are formed through research and critical thought, not commercial relationships.

Long-form Thinking

We resist the pressure to publish quickly and prioritise content that rewards careful reading and stands the test of time.

Cultural Respect

We approach all subjects with sensitivity and humility, particularly when writing about traditions, communities, and practices that are not our own.

Reader Accountability

We publish correction notices prominently, respond to reader feedback seriously, and maintain transparent standards of practice.

Continuous Improvement

We regularly review our practices, invest in our team's professional development, and seek feedback from the communities we cover.

Broad Perspective

We include voices from across Japanese society — regional and urban, traditional and contemporary — to present a fuller picture of the country.

A Decade of Careful Growth

2014

Founded in Nihonbashi

Plastic Shredding Facility Co., Ltd. is established by a team of five specialists in journalism, translation, and cultural studies.

2016

Launch of Editorial Platform

We launch our online publication, initially producing twelve articles per month across culture, society, and daily life in Japan.

2018

Corporate Services Division

In response to demand, we establish a dedicated division providing research and information services to corporate clients.

2021

100th Article Published

A milestone marked with a special editorial series reflecting on a decade of changes in Japanese urban life.

2024

Expansion & New Office

We relocate to a larger office in Nihonbashi and expand our team to twelve editorial and research professionals.

12

Years of Operation

120+

Published Articles

35+

Corporate Clients

The Editorial Team

Our team combines expertise in journalism, cultural studies, translation, and research — all united by a deep respect for Japan and its people.

Kimura Satoshi

Editor-in-Chief

With twenty years of experience in cultural journalism, Satoshi leads the editorial vision of Plastic Shredding Facility. He specialises in the intersection of tradition and modernity in contemporary Japan.

Hayashi Yuki

Senior Researcher

Yuki holds a doctorate in Japanese cultural history and is responsible for the rigorous fact-checking and sourcing standards that define our publication.

Nakamura Emi

Editorial Director

Emi oversees our corporate information services and brings a background in international communications, ensuring our content is accessible to diverse audiences worldwide.

We Welcome Your Enquiries

Whether you are interested in our editorial services, a potential partnership, or simply wish to learn more about Plastic Shredding Facility, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us