Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on September 22, 2025, 8:08 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.
Shikoku is blessed with a mild climate and abundant rainfall, and its forest resources support the livelihood and culture of the region. In this natural environment surrounded by steep mountains and clear streams, forestry girls work seriously with forests on a daily basis. They pass on the bounty of the forest to the next generation through a wide range of activities, including not only on-site work such as logging and thinning, but also tree planting, reforestation events, and interaction with local people. Their life-size images are shared on Instagram, where you can learn about the unique scenery of Shikoku, their seasonal work, and the joys and struggles of working in the forests. In this article, we introduce five Instagram accounts that showcase the appeal of Shikoku's forestry girls.
The "Forestry Girls Club @ Kochi" is a community led by local women who deepen their connection through activities related to forests and forestry. Many of the posts also show scenes of "special chainsaw training," and the serious expressions on the faces of the women show the strong ambition of the women involved in forestry work. On the other hand, when we see them in their casual clothes, they look like ordinary women, which makes us realize that you don't have to be a special woman to be involved in the forestry industry.
Many of the contributions include events for children, live singing performances after film screenings, and other activities that emphasize the importance of connecting with the community. Through these activities, it is clear that the Forestry Girls Society @ Kochi is building bridges between forests and people and actively contributing to community development.
Rinrin Girl is a women-led project to support the forestry industry that started with the desire to make the forestry industry more accessible to women living in Ehime Prefecture, a prefecture rich in natural beauty. You can imagine a life with nature in concrete terms.
While overturning the image of forestry as a male-dominated industry, this account communicates the appeal of the region and the activities of women, giving us a chance to learn about a new aspect of the forestry industry. The account also provides a glimpse into the atmosphere of the community, where women of various ages and backgrounds participate, and gives us a sense of the possibility that "anyone can take on a challenge.
On her Instagram account, you can see her skillfully operating chainsaws and heavy machinery, as well as her soft, relaxed expression as she takes a breather in nature. Her charm, which combines strength and flexibility, can be felt in her Instagram account.
The positive and cheerful nature and humor of the posts also ooze from the text, which makes us smile. In addition, the photos and videos of wild animals and beautiful nature encountered during the work are also posted, and the depth of the forest and its breath of life is a major attraction of the site. This is an account that is easy to relate to and naturally draws in even those who do not yet know much about the actual forestry industry.
Ayano Shima is a forestry girl who experienced forestry as a Regional Development Cooperation Volunteer in Kuma Kogen Town, Ehime Prefecture, and continues to communicate about mountain work on Instagram, where she immerses herself not only in the seriousness of wearing a helmet and facing a tree, but also in the seasonal beauty of the forest and small everyday discoveries. It is an immersive experience. Posts about serious mountain work, such as logging and forestation, are also accompanied by easy-to-understand explanations for those without specialized knowledge.
In addition, real-life behind-the-scenes information about the forestry industry, such as how to wash protective pants and maintain tools, is also introduced, and the appeal of this account is its life-size communication that allows viewers to envision what it would be like to work in the field. This is an account that gives courage and hints to women who want to take on the challenge of forestry.
On her Instagram page, Seika, who runs a forestry business with her husband, shows how she skillfully maneuvers a chainsaw to cut down trees and how she works while deeply involved with the local mountains and people. Seika's efforts to work hard even while pregnant oozes the strength of a woman in the forestry industry and gives courage to those who see her work.
It is also impressive to see how the whole family enjoys living in the mountains, with children helping to chop firewood. The challenge of building a self-built house by sawing lumber from trees cut down by the family itself is also introduced, and the way they enjoy living in harmony with nature to the fullest makes us yearn for more. This account is filled with many hints for those interested in forestry as well as for those interested in immigrating with their families.
