An Analysis of Impact of Urban Beekeeping Projects on Community: Ginza Bee Projects brought not only bees, but also a more sophisticated image to Ginza

Although the Japanese beekeeping industry has been in decline owing to increasing use of pesticides on rice farmlands and aging of beekeepers, a non-profit organization (NPO) and a group of people in central Tokyo started a beekeeping business in the rooftop garden of a tall building in the Ginza area. The bees travel as much as 3 km from their rooftop hives to collect nectar from street trees, residential gardens, and central parks. The NPO sells the collected honey to shops and stores in the Ginza district so that they can produce and sell Ginza brand sweets, breads, and drinks. The Ginza Bee Project's outstanding success has motivated other communities to launch urban beekeeping businesses. Today there are approximately 100 urban beekeeping groups throughout Japan. This study focuses on the Ginza Honey Bee Project and examines the socioeconomic impact of this project on the community.