ARUN Newsletter – Issue 6 【Activity Report】Arun Dojo Visits Japan

【Activity Report】Visit to Japan through ARUN DOJO

CEO of ARUN portfolio company Traten Greens engages in dialogue with Japanese businesses

In late February, as part of the ARUN DOJO program, international members were invited to Japan for a learning exchange journey, deepening mutual understanding through on-the-ground experiences (March 2026 Newsletter). Taking this opportunity, one of the participants—Ms. Rinzing Choden Bhutia, Founder and CEO of Traten Greens, an ARUN portfolio company—engaged in discussions with a Japanese organic cosmetics company.

Traten Greens produces and sells organic cosmetics using natural ingredients sourced from Sikkim, located in the foothills of the Himalayas in India. The products are handcrafted by local women, contributing to both community empowerment and sustainable practices. Ms. Rinzing expressed strong interest in natural ingredients utilized in Japan, as well as local production methods, highlighting potential areas for knowledge exchange and future collaboration.

Grates Greens https://agapisikkim.com/　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

On March 2, we visited a fruit- and roots-based salon in Meguro, Tokyo. The company distributes cosmetics and inner-care products (such as food and beverages) made from organic fruits and promotes the concept of “real organic. The company’s president and plant therapist, Mr. Junichi Enodo, introduced current trends in Japan’s organic cosmetics market, as well as lotions with fresh scents reminiscent of freshly cut fruit. Ms. Rinzing explained the various natural materials used by the company, their efficacy, and its use of sustainable raw materials that are not harvested out of season. The discussion took place in a relaxed atmosphere, and Ms. Rinzing actively asked questions. 

FRUIT ROOTS https://www.fruitsroots.com/

On March 3, we visited Kamiina, Nagano, and visited Mr. Akira Kawakami, a representative of Itsukimanbai, who manufactures fruit-roots products, and a doctor of agriculture, and the Chamomile Research Institute, which manufactures cosmetics using chamomile, and visited the manufacturing site. Mr.Kawakami raises herbs and plants in their own farms and produces organic cosmetics by researching the utilization of natural materials. Ms. Rinzing stepped into the farm and her eyes lit up at the rich variety of plants. She smelled them one by one and engaged in lively discussions with Mr.Kawakami about the differences between these plants and Himalayan herbs.

Itsukimanbai  http://morinoyorozuya.com/index.html

【photo】 Ms. Rinzing listening attentively to Mr. Kawakami’s explanation

Afterward, at the Kamitsure Research Institute in Kitaazumi, Nagano, we toured the manufacturing process of cosmetics made with organic chamomile. We also visited Yasueso, an accommodation facility operated by the institute. Ms.Rinzing showed great interest in the company’s three-generation commitment to “living a comfortable life with the help of nature.”

Kamitsure Research Institute https://lab.kamitsure.co.jp  

【photo】Ms. Rinzing receiving explanations about the institute’s wide range of organic chamomile products

Ms. Rinzing returned to Tokyo and took a short course on cosmetic manufacturing at ORGANIC MOTHER LIFE in Meguro. As Traten Greens produces products using oranges, she asked very detailed questions about techniques such as extracting extracts from orange seeds.

ORGANIC MOTHER LIFE https://organic-mother-life.com/

After returning home, Ms. Rinzing has begun new initiatives in Sikkim, drawing on what she learned in Japan. 

We would like to take this opportunity to once again express our sincere gratitude to everyone at Fruit Roots, Itsukimanbai, the Kamitsure Research Institute, and ORGANIC MOTHER LIFE for their kind support during our visits.

[Written by Sakino Fukushima and Irina Onuma (Traten Greens Investment Team), and Naoko Terada (Public Relations Team)]