[April Dream] Protecting crops with the power of starfish and creating a "gentle boundary" to reduce deer collisions to zero.

We support "April Dream," an initiative that encourages people to share their dreams on April 1st. This press release represents the dream of "Hartech Biosector Co., Ltd."

[Our Origin] The "full harvest" we want to reclaim (Apple blossoms) [The Reality] The "reality of damage caused by deer" existing right now

In Hokkaido, agricultural damage and traffic accidents (roadkill) caused by Ezo deer have become serious social issues.

It has been reported that for the 2024 fiscal year, agricultural damage amounts to approximately 5.27 billion yen annually, with 6,705 roadkill incidents and an average vehicle repair cost of approximately 620,000 yen per incident.

However, what lies behind these numbers is not just "money." It is human life. And the lives of wild animals.

"...You know, there was a time when we harvested so many apples that they wouldn't all fit in this warehouse."

These words, heard at an orchard in Minami-ku, Sapporo, are my starting point.

Fruit trees damaged by deer eating the buds and stripping the bark.

[The Reality of Damage] A fruit tree with its bark completely stripped, at risk of dying standing.

The unspoken frustration conveyed by the back of the person staring at that tree.

I realized that this problem is not just about damage; it is about the loss of a "life's work."

I was not originally an expert.

It all started when a customer approached me and said, "I'm in trouble because of deer damage. Could you give me some advice?"

From there, days of trial and error began. I studied the ecology of deer, followed their tracks in the snow, and continued to observe what they fear and what they avoid.

In the process, I encountered the technology of Hokkaido Environmental Biosector Co., Ltd. The natural ingredient "marine saponin" derived from starfish has the property of reacting to light to emit ultraviolet rays. Meanwhile, deer are animals that can sharply perceive ultraviolet light, which is invisible to humans. When these two factors were combined, I saw a new possibility.

[Core of the Technology] "Starfish," which possess natural repellent components. [Core of the Technology] Extracted "marine saponin" stock solution.

"Can we communicate a boundary with light rather than fear?" To test this hypothesis, we conducted verification at a deer farm with the cooperation of Kitaizumi Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.

Deer approaching the repellent tape would stop and change their course. We observed them hesitating to enter through the gates.

Furthermore, the collisions with fences that had been confirmed previously were no longer seen.

There are individual differences. However, there was a definite change in that they were "seeing" it.

When I was observing the deer's behavior through a monitor, the conviction I felt upon seeing their reaction—"This will work"—was the greatest driving force for us to move toward commercialization.

We proceeded with the commercialization of "Deer Block" repellent tape, where "marine saponin" extracted from starfish induces an instinctive sense of caution in deer, and our unique "light" technology visually stops them in their tracks.

Even if there are individual differences, they are certainly "seeing" it. Through light, the deer are voluntarily choosing a path that says, "I cannot go beyond this point."

[Glowing Message] Invisible to humans, but visible to deer as a "sharp light" (An image of "Deer Block" repellent tape as seen by a deer)

By maximizing this natural repellent mechanism, it has become possible to maintain an appropriate distance between humans and animals without harming the deer.

[Verification Results] A male deer stopping in front of the tape. [Verification Results] A female deer heading toward the entrance. (Bottom) The appearance of the "Deer Block" repellent tape used in the demonstration. The deer can clearly see the "boundary."

By using ultraviolet light—a "light" that is invisible to humans but visible to deer—as a medium, we can convey our message without spoiling the environmental landscape.

Our technology is not a powerful barrier like an electric fence.

However, through demonstrations at farms in Akan and orchards in Sapporo and Sobetsu, we believe in the possibility of "coexistence through separation."

Even if 100% blockage is difficult, a boundary that says "please don't enter here" can be communicated through light.

Our company philosophy is to "coexist with animals, cherish the global environment, and create new value together with our customers."

One of the reasons deer have increased is likely that we humans have encroached upon their living areas.

That is why, rather than one-sided exclusion, I want to give shape to a "gentle boundary" with the help of starfish.

Currently, we are conducting a demonstration experiment on a national highway in the eastern part of Hokkaido by applying ink containing marine saponin to guardrails.

[Demonstration] Applying ink to guardrails along a national highway. [Demonstration] The tracks in the snow show that they avoided a collision and walked parallel to the guardrail.

From the tracks in the snow, we confirmed behavior where they did not forcibly cross the guardrail but moved parallel to it.

We have also received feedback from the local community saying, "I feel like there are fewer close calls."

Our technology does not forcibly prevent them.

However, it allows the deer themselves to make the choice that "I cannot go beyond this point."

Not to hurt, but to make them aware. That is the "gentle boundary" we envision.

That is why we choose coexistence over exclusion. To reduce the 5.27 billion yen in damage. To bring roadkill closer to zero. To reclaim a future where farmers can once again fill that warehouse with their harvest.

April 1st. We declare our dream here.

To create a future where neither humans nor wild animals are sacrificed. To take the "gentle boundary" created by light from Hokkaido to the world.

This is not an April Fool's lie. This is our serious, heartfelt dream.