Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on August 05, 2025, 5:50 PM 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.
The Tohoku region, with its vast forests, is one of Japan's leading forestry regions. Aomori hiba (cypress), Akita sugi (Japanese cedar), akamatsu (red pine), beech (Japanese beech), and many other tree species have taken root in the region. In recent years, "forestry girls," who are active in the forestry industry, have been attracting attention. They work in a wide variety of ways, including taking on the heavy labor of felling and transporting trees, planting trees, communicating the appeal of timber, and engaging in activities that value their connection with the local community. The women in forestry work to protect the forests of the future while dealing with nature. In this issue, we introduce five Instagram accounts featuring women involved in forestry from the Tohoku area*. Please check them out as an opportunity to learn about the realities and thoughts of those in the field.
On Instagram, Muto Forestry in Higashioki-gun, Yamagata Prefecture, daily updates on the company's forest care and logging operations are posted. Of particular note is Ms. S, who is introduced as a "forestry girl. The image of her maneuvering a large truck with ease and loading the truck from the ground is impressive, as is her robust activity in the field. The caption of the post includes warm and positive words for Ms. S., conveying her trust in the field and expectations for her growth.
One of the charms of this account is that it offers a glimpse into the friendly atmosphere of a forest, with posts of smiling faces during breaks and scenes of well-manicured forests. This is a warm and reliable account filled with the daily lives of women in forestry who live with nature, with the strong message that "women can do forestry, too.
On the Instagram page of Aisin Forest Co., based in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, women in helmets and work clothes are seen cutting down trees with chainsaws, carefully maintaining their own tools, and other realistic images from the field.
One of the most impressive is, "Even men can do it, and those who can't, can't. It is the same for women! In the end, it doesn't matter what gender you are! In the end, it doesn't matter what gender you are! These words are a powerful encouragement to women who are taking on the challenge of forestry.
It also depicts the daily life of the forestry girls as they earnestly confront the harsh nature of Iwate Prefecture, including mowing work in a snowstorm and scenes of snowy mountains, and it clearly shows their resilience and pride in their work. This is an account that gives a realistic impression of the lives of these women who are rooted in their local communities.
Chica, who is engaged in log loading and unloading in Akita Prefecture, is so talented that she won first prize in the women's division of the Akita Prefecture Truck Driver Contest. She shares her daily struggles as a forestry girl on Instagram with positive words. Her positive words, such as "It's cold, but forestry is fun," and "I will continue to work hard loading and unloading logs with a high level of self-consciousness," show her determination and passion to continue taking on new challenges.
His professional skills also shine through, as seen in the way he deftly maintains his truck and installs chains. Her diverse talents, such as designing logos for apparel brands and enjoying her hobby of touring, are also part of her charm. She is a forestry girl with a strong core who enjoys fashion and forestry at the same time.
The Instagram page of Takagiku Forestry, based in Mamurogawa-cho, Mogami County, Yamagata Prefecture, provides realistic images of daily logging operations and forest maintenance, as well as of the forestry girls working in the field. Some of the posts show female employees joining their male counterparts in operating chain saws, and the power of these women is captivating. The company is also involved in special classes and forestry experience programs at junior high schools and high schools, bringing the appeal of the forestry industry to young people and creating pathways to local employment.
It also shows the harshness and mystery of nature, such as muddy streams caused by heavy rain, large claw marks left by bears on large trees, and deer antlers over 50 cm long. This is a worthwhile account filled with the activities of women in the forestry industry who connect communities, mountains, and people.
The activities of the Akita Prefecture Forestry Women's Conference are introduced on Instagram by "Forest and Wood Country Akita," which disseminates information on Akita Prefecture's forests and timber industry. The Akita Prefecture Forestry Women's Conference is an organization where women involved in the forestry industry exchange information and hold training sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field, while working to create a comfortable working environment and promote the appeal of the forestry industry.
Numerous photos on Instagram show the women participating in training sessions, social gatherings, and events in the prefecture, providing a concrete picture of how women are involved in the forestry industry. In addition, there are many scenes of learning and exchanges of opinions at training sessions, which show that the forestry girls are positively honing their skills. This is an informative and helpful account for those interested in the specific activities and initiatives of forestry girls.
*Note
The "Tohoku area" in this article refers to the five prefectures of Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, and Yamagata according to the Forestry Agency's block classification.
See also:Forest Service Link: Forestry Agency
