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The Challenge of New Construction Technology: '3DCP' - A Startup Aiming to Be the Industry 'Hub' is 'Building' the Future of 3D Construction【2025 ICT Startup League Member Interview: Kizuki Inc.】
3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is drawing attention as a key technology for the future of the construction industry. Kizuki Inc. (Kizuki) is a startup that played a vital role in Japan's first 3DCP-built two-story house project. CEO Rika Igarashi has an unusual background, having entered this field after working as an acupuncturist. Leveraging the agility typical of a startup, she constantly explores new value propositions and boldly takes on challenges, while also focusing heavily on human resource development to foster overall industry growth. We interviewed her to understand the thoughts behind her mission and her vision for the future.
Scene of 3D Concrete PrintingFrom Managing a System Development Company and Experience as an Acupuncturist, to the World of 3D Concrete Printing
Could you tell us about your background and how you founded the company?
Igarashi: Actually, before getting involved with 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP), I had no connection to the construction industry. I originally established my own systems company in 2000, where I was seconded to telecommunications companies and others to build internal systems. However, the systems industry changes rapidly, and with the anticipated spread of AI, I decided in 2015 to acquire a "skill," and began studying acupuncture. After several years of obtaining qualifications as an acupuncturist and a teaching license for acupuncture, a major turning point for me was when my father passed away in 2021, and I took over his company. Around that time, I encountered 3D Concrete Printing machinery and became convinced that this was a future-leading business in the construction industry, one that I could leverage my systems background in. This encounter was the genesis of starting my current business.
Could you introduce the current business activities of Kizuki Inc.?
Igarashi: We are a construction business utilizing 3DCP technology. Also, since this field is still developing in Japan in terms of both technology and materials, we are focusing on training construction technicians and designers, and also advancing research on domestic material development through industry-academia collaboration with universities, to avoid dependence on imports.
Could you briefly explain what 3DCP is once again?
Igarashi: 3DCP is the primary method for 3D construction, where a special concrete or mortar material in a paste form is extruded from the tip of a robot arm on a 3D construction printer and layered one by one to build up a three-dimensional structure. Since the architectural design is digitized, it offers high design flexibility, and because it minimizes material waste, it leads to cost reduction and resource conservation. Furthermore, since the machine handles progress management and construction work, it can operate 24 hours a day, significantly shortening the construction schedule compared to conventional methods. This also addresses challenges in the construction industry like the aging workforce and labor shortages.
What was the most challenging aspect when Kizuki was founded?
Igarashi: When we first started, 3D printers themselves weren't widespread in Japan, and we had to rely heavily on English manuals for machine operation. Especially concerning material orders, we contacted numerous cement companies, only to be asked what a 3D printer was. Despite this, we gradually got on track with support from a Malaysian engineer experienced in 3DCP who came to help, and the addition of excellent sales team members.
It's quite an unusual background, moving from an acupuncturist to the construction industry. Are there any lessons from your experience as an acupuncturist that you apply to your current business?
Igarashi: The systems industry is constantly evolving, and even the latest technology quickly becomes obsolete. In contrast, acupuncture is a technique that has been passed down for thousands of years without significant change, and the underlying philosophies are completely different. For example, I make an effort not to be carried away by momentum in my business, and instead, regularly pause to objectively assess external factors. This approach is inspired by the Eastern medicine concept of **"Chūyō"** (the Golden Mean), which values a state of balance without bias. By experiencing seemingly opposite worlds, I feel I learned the importance of taking a broad perspective and overseeing the whole situation with a sense of reserve.
3DCP technology can be utilized right from the foundationA New Form of Construction that Digitizes Design and Aesthetics. Deliberately Taking on High Difficulty with Japan's First 3DCP Two-Story House
What are the key characteristics of your company's initiatives?
Igarashi: Although the number of companies adopting 3DCP is gradually increasing, as a startup, we can't compete with major general contractors in terms of recognition or brand power. Therefore, we aim to differentiate ourselves by deliberately tackling highly challenging construction projects that no other company has attempted yet. For instance, this year (2025) in November, we announced the completion of Japan's first 3DCP two-story house, a collaborative project involving 22 companies.
Since it was the first in Japan, what aspects of building a two-story house with 3DCP were particularly challenging?
Igarashi: A major challenge was **"ensuring safety"** because the current Building Standards Law does not yet have provisions specific to structures built using 3D printers, which differ from conventional construction methods. To address this, we commissioned an external construction company for the design, and for the structural calculations—which verify the building's durability—we collaborated with a major engineering consulting firm, **Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc.** By deliberately choosing a two-story house, which requires a structural calculation report, we were able to prove its safety. Additionally, we designed the project so that all foundation formwork for pouring concrete was created with a 3D printer, using no conventional wooden formwork whatsoever. We also focused on high aesthetic quality, which is uniquely possible with 3DCP, such as the wavy texture characteristic of mortar materials. As a latecomer, we aim to differentiate ourselves from competitors in this way.
So, there are various materials and methods for 3DCP.
Igarashi: **Mortar**, a typical material, has a fine texture, resulting in a beautiful surface finish and high design expressiveness for the constructed building. However, currently, the dedicated mortar must be imported from overseas, which is costly. On the other hand, using **concrete** does not result in as smooth a look as mortar, but it has the advantage of lower cost and being relatively easy to procure in any country. For example, we are considering a project in the Philippines, where mortar is expensive and the focus is more on practicality and speed rather than high design quality, so we anticipate using concrete. We differentiate materials based on factors like the construction site, cost, and the key priorities for the building. While few 3DCP machines can handle concrete, we own the **BOD2** model from **COBOD** of Denmark, which holds the largest global market share, making concrete-based construction possible for us.
I heard you are also conducting research on 3D construction mortar, which is currently difficult to obtain domestically, through industry-academia partnerships.
Igarashi: Yes. We are conducting material research with students from **Tokyo Metropolitan University**. We are also simulating how coating agents applied to the building's surface perform under different conditions. Since 3D printer materials themselves have only emerged in recent years, we plan to continue verifying changes that occur over time.
I was told you plan to focus on human resource development for 3DCP as well.
Igarashi: In Japan, information and technology related to 3DCP are still in the process of spreading. We aspire to become a **hub** that facilitates the expansion and growth of the 3DCP industry itself, both domestically and internationally. To achieve this, we plan to conduct training in Japan and other Asian countries to increase the number of designers and technicians. Our company name, **"Kizuki"** (築, meaning 'to build/construct'), embodies our desire to start from scratch, steadily accumulate achievements one by one, and grow the entire industry.
What motivated you to focus on human resource development?
Igarashi: The starting point was the immense difficulty I experienced when founding Kizuki—finding virtually no information or people to consult about 3DCP. I strongly felt then that human resource development is essential for the future growth of the new 3DCP industry. We have no problem if the people we train become independent or expand overseas. I believe that activities contributing to the growth of the 3DCP industry will eventually circle back to us in some form.
Specifically, what kind of skills are needed to work in the 3DCP field?
Igarashi: The machine performs the building process, so the work involves system-related tasks such as managing construction speed via a tablet device, and monitoring progress by checking earthwork volume and material quantities. You learn things like creating the initial design, translating it into a program, and using a "slicer" app to convert the data into a format readable by the 3D printer. Since the machine's operation differs depending on the model when data is inputted, experience gained through repeated practice is necessary.
The construction industry often has an image of being labor-intensive and male-dominated; is 3DCP completely different?
Igarashi: Since there's no need for repeated heavy lifting like in manual construction work, women can also acquire the skills. However, in the pre-construction phase, tasks like mixing mortar in a mixer, and post-construction cleaning, are done manually in work clothes. There are still elements of physically demanding, hands-on labor, so it's not a purely "clean" job. I myself have acquired many necessary construction qualifications since getting involved in 3D construction, such as licenses for forklifts, 4-ton trucks, and elevated work platforms. It's easier for those who understand this aspect and can be reasonably versatile to succeed.
Scene of 3DCP two-story house constructionConsidering What We Can Do to Expand the Overall Pie of the 3DCP Industry
Do you have any specific goals you are looking toward as you move the business forward?
Igarashi: I'm thinking along two main axes. For the short- term goals, the first is **material development**. Currently, the mortar used in 3DCP is primarily sourced from overseas, incurring high costs like transportation fees, and logistics issues can affect delivery times. I believe the fundamental solution to this challenge is to establish a system for domestic material formulation and procurement.
The second is **human resource development**. Although still in the planning stages, we are considering a business model where we lend out our machinery for training purposes. Knowledge about 3D construction, as well as the necessary machinery, is not widely available right now, so we hope to contribute to industry expansion by fulfilling that role.
As for the long-term goals, we aim to leverage our accumulated experience and track record to challenge ourselves with constructing larger buildings, such as schools, and explore new fields like playground equipment.
Your corporate website also mentions compatibility with the defense industry.
Igarashi: 3D construction's features—like its mobility for quick construction anywhere, and the freedom to design structures tailored to specific purposes—give it broad applicability as a defense infrastructure during emergencies or disasters. With social contribution in mind, we recently participated in an exhibition to promote entry into the defense industry, which provided opportunities to match with defense-related companies, the Ministry of Defense, and the Self-Defense Forces. We are currently designing a new business in collaboration with **ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.**, which handles aircraft and specialized vehicles. Since this topic relates to national defense, it's difficult for a startup alone to approach. By collaborating with a well-established major company like ShinMaywa Industries, we hope to establish a business model that utilizes each other's strengths. We hope this venture can serve as a catalyst for adding 3D construction as an option for Japan's defense infrastructure and disaster response.
Did participating in the ICT Startup League bring about any new insights or connections?
Igarashi: During the first Startup League Academy, which is held to refine each company's business, I had the opportunity to present our business. The Chairman, Mr. Fukuda, gave me a lot of candid feedback, pointing out areas where my thinking was incomplete and questioning whether my presentation reflected a management-level vision. I was momentarily disheartened, but it was an extremely valuable opportunity to receive honest advice that made me aware of my own shortcomings. I intend to use this experience as a foundation for our future challenges and ideas to expand the 3D construction industry.
Editor's Note
“It’s not just white-collar work operated by a tablet.” Coming from Ms. Igarashi, who has personally obtained multiple heavy machinery licenses required for on-site work, that statement carries weight. The introduction of 3D printer technology in construction isn't about eliminating hands-on labor from the site. It is a means to achieve fundamental **innovation** and create new value in contemporary Japan, where the number of technicians is decreasing and the workforce is aging. The challenges bringing a new "Kizuki" (foundation/era) to Japan’s construction industry are well worth watching.
Kizuki Inc. Social Media Video
@startupleaguejp "What is 3D Concrete Printing Technology?!" We interviewed Ms. Igarashi of Kizuki Inc. about their business! #StartupLeague #Startup ♬ Original Sound - Startup League Information Bureau【Official】
■ICT Startup League
This support program started in 2023, initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Support Project for Emerging Research and Development for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four pillars:
① Research and Development Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided in the form of subsidies. In terms of hands-on support, the selection committee members involved in selecting league members continue to support and accelerate their growth even after selection. For companies highly rated by the committee members—deemed "must-adopt"—the evaluators themselves provide continuous support, such as advice on business plans and providing growth opportunities. This creates a system of "cheering" support.
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It also aims to discover individuals aspiring to start their own businesses, thereby broadening the industry base.
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It is structured as a positive competitive environment, like a sports league, where startups learn and grow together, competing to secure the truly necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). It also provides a space for co-creation, where league members collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, including sessions with the selection committee members.
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■Related Websites
Kizuki Inc.
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Kizuki Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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