Updated by the Forest Circular Economy Editorial Department on January 6, 2026, 10:21 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.
In winter, snow-covered trees stretch across cold regions, creating a beautiful landscape that feels like another world. However, the reality of winter forestry work is far from serene. Daily tasks continue amidst harsh conditions unique to winter: biting cold air, snow, frozen ground, and heavy protective gear. Because this work constantly confronts the severity of nature, forestry has long been strongly associated with the image of "a job for physically strong men." Recently, however, women working in forestry have been sharing their authentic daily lives on Instagram. This article introduces five Instagram accounts where you can see the real lives of women foresters working on winter job sites.
Kikori-chan, also known as Aimi Tajiri, is a female forestry worker employed by Tajiri Forestry Co., Ltd. in Yamanashi Prefecture. She actively shares her daily experiences on the job through Instagram. Yamanashi Prefecture features many high-altitude mountainous areas, where winters are bitterly cold, and some regions experience heavy snowfall and icy roads. Winter work in steep mountain forests demands not only physical strength but also careful judgment, as ensuring footing safety and adequate cold-weather protection are essential.
A video posted in March 2024 showcases the powerful visuals of tree felling operations in mountain forests where snow piles up to ankle height. The approachable presentation makes it clear that the post is designed to allow even first-time viewers to engage with the world of forestry without feeling intimidated.
Additionally, it features content addressing women's unique concerns and health issues, such as PMS. Women aspiring to work in forestry can learn about common anxieties and worries they may face beforehand and gain insights on how to address them.
Chica shares her work as a female forestry worker handling and transporting logs in Akita Prefecture on Instagram. Akita Prefecture experiences blizzards and heavy snowfall in winter, with the severe cold significantly impacting the working environment. Working in such conditions, chica's account is characterized by numerous posts featuring snowy landscapes. Her post stating "Snow piled up to my knees" vividly conveys the harshness of the winter workplace. Work on deep snow-covered yards and frozen roads often leads to problems, and her account realistically documents these tense situations.
While the harshness is undeniable, the large vehicles and stacked logs that stand out against the pure white landscape are beautiful, creating a scene that conveys the unique power of winter forestry. The way it conveys the harsh reality of the work site while also capturing its charm and pride is precisely what makes chica's account so compelling.
The Yamamori Asobi-tai Zakikko is a volunteer group focused on forest thinning activities based in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. While Aichi's winters tend to be relatively mild with many sunny days, radiative cooling can bring significant cold snaps and morning fog can occur. Even in areas with little snowfall, the environment requires caution during work, such as slippery footing from damp fallen leaves. While their Instagram doesn't feature photos of the forest blanketed in snow, posts showing rivers frozen over convey the severity of winter's chill even through the screen.
Beyond just work scenes, posts titled "Exploring Mountains, Forests, and Rivers" and "Ice Play" also stand out, showcasing an approachable stance toward engaging with nature effortlessly. For those who want to see forestry not just as a "job" but as an accessible activity, this account offers a welcoming and helpful perspective.
Emoto Timber Industries Co., Ltd., a historic lumber company celebrating its 100th anniversary, is based in Hokkaido's Okhotsk region and handles afforestation, logging, and lumber production. The Okhotsk region is known for being particularly harsh in winter even within Hokkaido. Photos posted in early November already show a vast expanse of snow. Posts mention temperatures dropping to around -15°C (-9°F), and the cold sea breeze makes the wind chill feel even lower.
Climbing up and down snow-covered mountains repeatedly during winter work demands not only physical strength but also constant vigilance against danger. The scenes of work on snow-covered slopes often look nerve-wracking to the untrained eye, vividly conveying the real tension on site. Emoto Timber Industry's Instagram shares these harsh winter workplaces without reservation, making it a valuable record for understanding work in cold regions.
Sagari Timber Co., Ltd. operates from its base in Minokamo City, Gifu Prefecture. While the climate in Gifu Prefecture is relatively mild with little snowfall, this area experiences the characteristic cold snaps typical of inland regions. Temperatures tend to drop significantly in the early mornings and evenings, and road surfaces often freeze during the winter months.
The video "First Snow Work for a Forestry Woman," posted in February 2025, also shows her working in a forested area covered with a light dusting of snow. While it wasn't deep snow, working in an environment where the ground was slippery required concentration and left no room for carelessness.
Sagari Timber's Forestry Division Instagram account impresses with its careful portrayal of workflows and the atmosphere on site, despite lacking flashy effects. It also offers glimpses of women in forestry gradually gaining experience, creating an appeal that makes you want to check back regularly.
