Updated by the Forest Circular Economy Editorial Department on December 5, 2025, 9:46 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.
The forestry industry has long been dominated by “hereditary” and “family-run” businesses, with startups from scratch remaining a minority even today. For female entrepreneurs in particular, the door is even narrower, requiring significant resolve and initiative to take the leap. However, in recent years, powerful women have begun emerging across the country, effortlessly transcending such stereotypes and launching businesses that leverage their unique perspectives and sensibilities.Their initiatives not only serve as role models for new ways of working but also significantly contribute to revitalizing their communities. Moreover, their progress is becoming a major driving force in connecting sustainable forests to the next generation. This article introduces five Instagram accounts of female entrepreneurs engaged in forestry-related businesses. Be sure to check them out to see the real-life scenes from the field and the actual efforts they are making to contribute to their communities.
Yuka Nonaka, President and CEO of Yuki Corporation, started her business at the young age of 22. The company processes logs harvested from its vast 50-hectare forest, passed down through generations, into lumber sold as housing components and woodcrafts. Its appeal lies in the company's commitment to maintaining a close connection with the forest entrusted by their ancestors—achieved by relying as little as possible on machinery and instead harvesting by hand and physical labor.
Furthermore, Ms. Nonaka energetically engages in diverse activities, such as organizing forest tours for public lectures at the Kumamoto Forestry College—a specialized forestry education institution established by Kumamoto Prefecture—and serving as Vice-Chair of the Women's Division of the Kumamoto Prefecture Forestry Research Group Liaison Council. Her achievements have been highly recognized, earning her the Forestry Agency Director-General's Award in the 2019 Rural Women's Achievement Awards.
On Instagram, you can see not only Ms. Nonaka but also female employees at work, giving you a real sense of the team's atmosphere.
Takefarm Co., Ltd., based in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a company engaged in regenerating degraded bamboo forests and transforming "bamboo damage" into "bamboo assets." President Madoka Higashitani, who previously experienced health issues and took a leave of absence from corporate employment, founded the company in October 2023. It aims to contribute to a circular society through the cycle of "bamboo forest maintenance, bamboo resource utilization, and product commercialization."Despite being a newly established company, it has already made promising strides, such as supplying bamboo fertilizer on a trial basis to Juntendo, a home improvement chain with stores primarily in the Chugoku and Kinki regions. This development has generated significant expectations for the company's future growth.
Additionally, it is a defining feature that while raising funds through crowdfunding for manufacturing and storage facilities for bamboo powder and other products, the initiative also raises awareness about the worsening bamboo pest problem, valuing understanding and connections with the local community and society.
On Instagram, Higashitani shares authentic glimpses of her life—from behind-the-scenes work at the office and speaking engagements to everyday moments with her children. Her account radiates warmth, showcasing her dedication to managing her business while staying hands-on at the front lines, alongside tender expressions as a mother. It's the kind of account that makes viewers want to cheer her on.
Somanobase Co., Ltd. is a forestry venture company founded by Toka Okugawa. Since its establishment in 2021, it has operated with the strong conviction of "eliminating human casualties from landslides."Ms. Okugawa's own town suffered landslide damage during a typhoon, sparking her determination to tackle forest conservation and value creation. Believing that "forest creation cannot be done alone," she involves companies, local governments, and individuals, proposing a new form of forestry that connects forests with people and society.
On Instagram, we primarily share updates about MODRINAE, Somanobase's flagship initiative. This circular project involves growing seedlings from acorns at home or in the office before returning them to the mountains. Its hallmark is the use of stylish kits that make forest creation accessible to anyone. We also showcase gatherings and workshops, conveying the daily struggles and convictions of Mr. Okugawa—an entrepreneur and challenger dedicated to protecting forests.
Kunitake Forestry is a forestry company based in Kumamoto Prefecture, specializing in specialized tree felling and forest maintenance. Founder Nobuko Kunitake is a late-blooming female forester who, at age 49, left a different industry to apprentice under a master forester. Following in her footsteps, her son also entered the forestry world, and together they established Kunitake Forestry in 2015.Focusing primarily on challenging specialized logging, they continue to protect local forests with their skilled craftsmanship.
On Instagram, Nobuko, in her 60s, is featured handling a chainsaw, showcasing her impressive skill and expertise. She participates in the Japan Logging Championship (JLC) chainsaw competition, honing her own abilities while also applying her know-how to employee training.
Furthermore, under the concept of "making the most of wood," we have been implementing the KEYCUS project since 2019. We are not only tackling forest challenges but also taking on the challenge of delivering regional resources to society as new value.
Eri Naito, founder of EN Corporation, is a female entrepreneur whose management philosophy centers on transforming the world's abundant "wastefulness" into business opportunities and giving back to society. After graduating high school, she joined the Maritime Self-Defense Force. Following her retirement, she became an independent host. She then established EN Corporation, continuing her entrepreneurial journey through diverse career paths and embracing new challenges.
Alongside my main occupation, I launched the forest volunteer initiative "TAKENOEN," working with approximately 60 members to maintain bamboo groves and engage in community contribution activities. We actively pursue efforts that utilize local resources to create value for both the environment and society.
On Instagram, she shares updates on bamboo grove maintenance at the site, collaborative efforts with members, and her role as an instructor at events. While striving as an entrepreneur, Ms. Naito also actively pursues activities like triathlons and dinghy sailing in her personal life, showcasing her strength and vitality.
Reference Site
Women's Participation in Forestry: Forestry Agency
