About

About

Turning the living mechanism of bioluminescence into light for society. Here we introduce LEP's philosophy and the team that realizes it.

Close-up of plant leaves whose veins glow green in the dark
Purpose

Purpose

Healing the Earth with
Nature's Wisdom.

LEP (Light Emitting Plants) unlocks the innate power of bioluminescence through science, delivering a new culture of light that does not depend on electricity. Toward a future where light in harmony with nature gently accompanies both cities and everyday life.

Illustration of a moonlit rural landscape where green glowing plants line the paths as people and deer pass by
Vision

Vision

A society in harmony with nature, illuminated by
living plants.

Bringing a new light in harmony with the environment that requires no electricity. Transforming the very concept of illumination in urban and living spaces.

Values

Values

The four values we hold dear: PARC.

P

Passion

Passion

Pursuing dreams with wholehearted dedication to our work.

A

Adaptability

Adaptability

Embracing change with flexibility and resilience.

R

Resonance

Resonance

Diverse individuals harmonizing and resonating as a team.

C

Challenge

Challenge

The courage to venture into the unknown, never settling for the status quo.

LEP
  • PPassionPassion
  • AAdaptabilityAdaptability
  • RResonanceResonance
  • CChallengeChallenge
Three Business Domains

Market Expansion

LEP's self-luminous technology is advancing social implementation across three domains: spaces, lifestyle, and urban infrastructure.

01SPACE DESIGN

Space Design

Overwhelming impact and emotion through total immersion.

Large-scale installations for hotels, commercial facilities, and weddings. Creative expression freed from power and wiring constraints delivers both “buzz-worthy attraction” and “environmental contribution.”

02HOUSEPLANT, FLOWER GIFT

Lifestyle

A new emotional experience for everyday life.

Glowing houseplants and luminous flowers—roses, carnations, orchids. Through “life's light,” delivering moments of tranquility and wonder to your daily life.

03LIGHTING INFRASTRUCTURE

Lighting Infrastructure

Toward an environmentally harmonious future city.

Implementing “zero electricity, CO₂-negative” lighting using self-luminous trees, dramatically reducing energy costs and environmental impact for next-generation infrastructure.

Team

Team

Experts in science and business drive the social implementation of self-luminous plants.

Joji Takamoto

Joji Takamoto

CEO

Founding member of Plug and Play Japan, served as VP Health/Insurtech and Head of Kyoto. Led accelerator programs in healthcare and deep tech. Columbia Business School MBA. Oversees management, business development, and finance at LEP.

Kenji Nagai

Kenji Nagai

CTO

Professor, Osaka University. Pioneer in bioimaging using fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins. Science Advances cover feature for 20-color bioluminescent proteins. 22,000+ citations. Leads luminescence system development at LEP.

Taku Demura

Taku Demura

CSO

Professor, Nara Institute of Science and Technology. Leading expert in plant biomass research in Japan. Over 15,000 citations. Leads luminescent gene introduction technology, cultivar development, and regulatory affairs at LEP.