The Japan Tapes: U.S. Delegates at the Tokyo International Hemp Conference

From Seed to Fiber: U.S. Hemp Industry's Trade Mission to Japan

Episode Description:
Welcome back to the Let's Talk Hemp Volume Up Podcast! I'm your host, Morris Beagle, and today we have a special episode for you: The Japan Tapes. This episode features a series of short, on-the-ground interviews recorded at the inaugural Tokyo International Hemp Conference. This event marked a significant milestone for the U.S. hemp industry, with 26 delegates from various companies and organizations coming together for a groundbreaking trade mission to Japan.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction:

The Tokyo International Hemp Conference was a major event for the U.S. hemp industry, featuring 26 delegates from various companies and organizations.

The trade mission included attending the conference, a high-profile meeting at the Royal Thai Embassy, and participation in the Asia Hemp Entrepreneur Program.

A highlight of the trip was visiting an eighth-generation farm known for producing golden hemp, a fiber traditionally used in Shinto temples and sumo wrestling rituals.

The mission was spearheaded by the National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHC) with support from a $750,000 USDA grant.

Interviews:

Clyde Carpenter (New York Fashion Innovation Center):

Discusses his role as a lab manager focused on natural fibers like wool, hemp, and flax.

Shares insights on the importance of international collaboration and his takeaways from the event.

Gary Sykes (North Carolina):

Talks about his involvement in the textile industry and the importance of protecting farmers.

Emphasizes the significance of regenerative agriculture and his learnings from the trip.

Guy Carpenter (Bear Fiber):

Highlights the importance of raising awareness about hemp fiber and the potential for U.S. hemp in the Japanese market.

Shares his excitement about the demand for American de-gummed refined fiber in Japan.

Jacob Waddell (Hemp Building Institute):

Focuses on the development of hemp building materials and the importance of accurate carbon calculations.

Discusses his meeting with a Japanese official working on building codes for hempcrete.

Jean Lotus (U.S. Hemp Building Association):

Talks about her work as a journalist and publisher focused on hemp building materials.

Shares insights on the potential for hempcrete in Japan, especially for rehabbing vacant properties.

Joe Hickey (Kentucky Farmers Co-op):

Reflects on his long history in the hemp industry and the importance of international collaboration.

Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to learn and share ideas at the conference.

Mike Klump (AgMarvels):

Describes his seed-to-sale business in Michigan and the importance of face-to-face interactions.

Shares his interest in expanding into grain and fiber applications.

Patrick Atagi (NIHC):

Discusses the success of the event and the importance of working together to promote U.S. hemp internationally.

Highlights upcoming events and initiatives by the NIHC.

Paul Benham (Hemp Plastic Company):

Talks about his work in hemp bioplastics and the potential for collaboration with Japanese companies.

Reflects on the growth of the hemp industry in Japan and the importance of international partnerships.

Ray Kaderli (U.S. Hemp Building Association):

Emphasizes the significance of building and construction using industrial hemp.

Shares his takeaways from the trip and the importance of human connections in the industry.

Robin Destiche (Konopi U.S.):

Discusses his work in seed dis