Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on June 25, 2025, 11:42 AM JST
Editorial Board, Forest Circular Economy
Forestcircularity-editor
We aim to realize "Vision 2050: Japan Shines, Forest Circular Economy" promoted by the Platinum Forest Industry Initiative. We will disseminate ideas and initiatives to promote biomass chemistry, realize woody and lumbery communities, and encourage innovation in the forestry industry in order to fully utilize forest resources to decarbonize the economy, strengthen economic security, and create local communities.
Hokkaido boasts the largest forest area of any prefecture in Japan and has a thriving forestry industry. In particular, Abies sachalinensis and Ezo spruce produced in Hokkaido are highly valued for their lightness, workability, and beautiful grain, and are in high demand as building and furniture materials. While a variety of high-quality species grow here, the winters are cold and the working environment is harsh. Despite these conditions, "forestry girls," who combine strength and delicacy, are steadily expanding their fields of activity.
This article introduces five Instagram accounts of forestry girls active mainly in Hokkaido. Each of the accounts shows the real life of the girls in their daily lives and work, their relationship with the local community, and the seasonal changes in the forests. Through their posts, you can experience the real charm of Hokkaido's forests and forestry through the unique perspectives of forestry girls.
Kitamura Forestry Women's Club (@foresty.maako) is an account operated by female employees of Kitamura Forestry, which carries out afforestation and lumber production in Urahoro-cho, Tokachi-gun, Hokkaido, and provides information on the work and daily life of women involved in the forestry industry. The site features not only the hard work of logging, tree planting, and forest management, but also the seasonal changes in forests and interactions with fellow workers, showing the dependability of women in the forestry industry who enjoy the richness of Hokkaido's nature.
In addition, the highlight post included the weather forecast of -14°C and a single word: "It was cold. Even from a single post, the harsh environment unique to Hokkaido can be clearly seen. On the other hand, there are also posts that make us chuckle, such as one in which a woman sews together a pair of torn trousers, giving us a glimpse into the lives of women in the forestry industry.
The "Donan Forest Growing Association (@dounan.mori.kai)" is an organization that conducts forest maintenance and forestry experience events in the Donan region of Hokkaido. The twin sisters, who have worked in the construction industry for many years, are members of the group, and in addition to tree planting, logging, and forest preservation work, they offer a variety of programs such as woodworking and craft-making experiences.
On Instagram, activities for local children and the general public are also posted, and the content is appealing because it brings the forestry industry closer to people. The joyful expressions on the participants' faces convey the preciousness of time spent in contact with the forest. The attitude of nurturing the connection between the community, the forest, and people can be felt warmly even through the screen. This account is recommended not only for those interested in forestry, but also for those interested in living in harmony with nature.
Tomiyama Shoten is a group of lumber professionals engaged in sawmilling, lumber sales, and furniture production in Tokachi Ikeda-cho and Shihoro-machi in Hokkaido, Japan.
In addition, dynamic scenes of work at a lumber mill provide such a sense of realism that one can almost feel the sounds and smells of the wood being shaved. The photos of orderly rows of lumber, rainbows in the sky over clear-cutting sites, and other scenes with a sense of scale unique to Hokkaido are also highlights of the site. The deep respect for nature and trees, as well as pride in craftsmanship, can be felt in every detail of the posts. There are also some heartwarming posts, such as a video of a raccoon dog that the author met while conducting research, which will make you feel closer to the forestry industry.
HIKOBAYU (@hikobayu) is a brand offering essential oil made from distilled Abies sachalinensis, and on its Instagram page, visitors can see scenes of tree planting, thinning, and other forest maintenance, as well as woodworking workshops and community activities in the forest. Scenes of peaceful times in contact with nature, organic gifts, and local events provide a glimpse into a lifestyle that incorporates the forest into daily life.
What is even more noteworthy are the warm photos of forests taken from a woman's unique point of view and the many columns that will deeply penetrate your heart. The soft tone of the columns reveals new possibilities for "women in forestry" and their diverse ways of working. This is an account that will be a great companion for women who want to get involved in the forestry industry and for those who are interested in living with nature.
minotake Inc. (@mntk.jp) is a team based in Ikeda-cho, Hokkaido, that creates products and spaces that make use of forest resources. The account also features Nao FUKEYA, a forestry girl who is also active as a member of the Regional Development Cooperation Volunteers, and carefully describes her real life living with the forest.
In addition to on-site work such as tree thinning and tree planting, the site also reports on a wide range of activities, such as building structures using local timber, participating in events, and interacting with local residents, to convey how "forestry is more than just cutting down trees" and how rewarding the work of connecting communities and nature is. The photographs are also impressive, showing the richness of Hokkaido's four seasons, with its dazzling fresh green forests, large Quercus crispula trees turning red, and snowy landscapes all around. This account is a must-follow for women in the forestry industry who are interested in a community-based lifestyle.
