100-Year Vision of the Forest
Nishiawakura is committed to its "100-year vision of the forest," a long-term initiative focused on restoring biodiversity and promoting sustainable relationships between people and nature.
Working towards sustainability
Nishiawakura Village has become a standout example of sustainability and innovation despite its remote location. Rooted in the "100-Year Vision of the Forest" initiative launched in 2008, the village has focused on restoring biodiversity and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
By using cutting-edge technology, such as laser-equipped drones that map the mountains and forests in intricate 3D detail, this ensures the forests are managed thoughtfully and sustainably (Find out more from Mr. Tabata CEO of Hyakumori Inc.)
​
Nishiawakura has also welcomed a wave of new residents, with migrants now comprising nearly 15% of its population. These individuals bring fresh energy and ideas, starting businesses that creatively utilize the village’s resources. Currently the village is home to more than 50 enterprises, many of which are dedicated to forestry and crafting eco-friendly products.
​​
What's the forest situation like?
After World War 2, the village began growing mostly cypress and Japanese cedar trees. At the time, there weren't enough homes so there was a national call to create lumber for the future. It was said that 5 trees would have been enough to buy oneself a house or put a child through college.
Yet since the whole country did this, people planted too many cedar and cypress trees, leading to an overabundance of supply and decreased demand. While wood was the standard material back then, innovations in concrete, plastics, and exports became the new standard for infrastructure not too long after. The value of lumber then fell to a 20th of what it used to be.
This left the village stuck with trees that are ready to harvest, 50-60 years after they've been planted. It's extremely important to maintain and cut these trees because these forests function similarly to big rice fields. They're not true "forests" per say, as they are man-made.
​
Why can't the village just cut down all of the trees? Well, if all the trees were cut down that would oversupply the market. There also only so many places the village can store all the lumber. The foresters and other business teams have to cut down these trees sustainably while also ensuring that there are diverse ages of trees within the forest.​​​
The future vision
While there are various challenges the village is working hard to solve, such as transporting logging machinery and teams up steep hills and mountains, there is a plan to diversify the forest (A range of tours and activities available by Haykumori Inc.). The village is planning to add more deciduous trees to ensure a balanced ecosystem. Additionally, deciduous trees can act as a means of flood prevention.
​
The village is looking to create a micro economy from within, as there is a high demand for labor to manage the forests and preserve them for the future. Due to this, many jobs have been created and people from outside the prefecture are interested in moving to the village. To raise the brand power of the timber a system has been put in place to maintain and guarantee the quality of the trees.
The local company, A Zero Group has been assisting and helping both newcomers and locals become financially independent and training them to start their own businesses. In addition, they are trying to derive the maximum value of all the natural resources available in the village, not just from the forests.
The goal is to inspire and educate residents to lead more sustainable and healthier lifestyles that coexist with nature, and to become a model community for the rest of Japan.
How is some of the local lumber being used in town?
In April 2020, the new village library opened to the public. The library's interior gives a feeling of warmth to all visitors. There are various events and workshops taking place throughout the year. There are rooms for relaxation and focus, a separate area for youth to play table tennis, and visitors to practice piano.
Awards and Articles
Sustainable Japan
Excellence Award (2021)
At the Sustainable Japan Awards 2021, the village won this award in the Satoyama category. The award celebrates initiatives that create a sustainable circular economy using regional resources.
"Satoyama winners discuss new approaches to sustainable revitalization"
Article by The Japan Times, highlighting how rural communities in Japan, like Nishiawakura, are turning challenges like depopulation into opportunities by using local resources and eco-friendly practices.
"Woodworking meets forest revitalization"
Article by The Japan Times sharing how Youbi Co., an innovative company, is determined to meet climate challenges while promoting social responsibility and contributing to a greener future.