Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on March 13, 2026, 7:59 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.
As the harsh cold of winter eases, young leaves begin to sprout and birdsong increases in the forests. In the forestry industry, there are still some difficulties that are unique to spring, such as the muddy conditions caused by melting snow and the difference in temperature between morning and evening, but it is a time when the heavy winter gear is freed and the burden on the body is eased a little. For those who are thinking of getting involved in forestry or taking the first step into forest work, spring is a relatively easy season to take on this challenge.
The "forestry girls" active in various regions not only work for companies and organizations, but also engage in forestry and satoyama maintenance on their own, and communicate their own perspectives on how they relate to the forests. In this article, we introduce five Instagram accounts that transmit the images of forestry girls walking with the forests in spring.
The Forestry Women's Association@Tochigi is a voluntary organization founded mainly by Utsunomiya University students. Tochigi Prefecture is a region with many forests close at hand, and in spring, the mountains are decorated with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, creating a landscape where one can feel the changing of the seasons.
On Instagram, the participants not only show practical activities such as tree thinning and afforestation, but also how to enjoy the spring forest through forestry activities such as woodworking workshops, interaction with local children, and plant-dyeing. The sight of people enjoying nature's bounty with all their senses is impressive. Photos of cherry blossoms and freshly budding trees convey the atmosphere of spring, when the forests suddenly become more vigorous.
The account is attractive for its attitude of viewing forestry not only as "work," but also as a place for learning, play, and interaction, and it seems to bring forests and people closer together.
Based in Mutsuzawa-cho, Chiba Prefecture, Kaori's Instagram feeds her diverse daily life of enjoying nature with all her being, including forestry, farming, DIY, gourmet food, surfing, and more. Mutsusawa-cho, where satoyama scenery remains close at hand, is an area where the forests along the river and hills gradually deepen their greenery in spring, and you can feel the change of the seasons with the soft light.
In his posts, he carefully captures scenes unique to satoyama, such as his plant survey in the forest where typical spring plants such as harigiri and kibushi grow thickly, flowers in his garden, and creatures he encounters in the fields and mountains. The calm and relaxed lifestyle of these people makes us think, "This way of life is also nice. This account is a gentle companion for those who are interested in living in satoyama and those who value work-life balance.
Seika is a forestry girl based in Motoyama-cho, Kochi Prefecture, who posts about forestry, agriculture, and country life. In her posts, she carefully describes her daily life working in the mountains and interacting with the local mountains and people, including the scenery of her work in the mountains where she handles a chainsaw to cut down trees. Some of them even continue to work while pregnant. This is an inspiring story that shows that it is possible to continue to be involved in the forest at one's own pace, even if one's life stage changes.
The way of life in which the whole family faces nature together is also impressive, with the children helping to chop firewood and the self-built house they are building using lumber they themselves cut down. In spring, he posts photos of dishes using wild vegetables such as Japanese knotweed and wild boletes, conveying the richness of a lifestyle that incorporates the bounty of the forest into daily life. We recommend this account not only for forestry, but also for those interested in living with nature with their families.
Kanamori Forestry Co., Ltd. is a forestry company based in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, that cultivates and maintains forests. Fukui City, which has a Sea of Japan climate, has snowfall in winter, and the snow begins to melt around March. While the work environment is gradually easing after a heavy winter, the mountain paths can easily become muddy due to melting snow and spring rains, making it a season that requires constant attention to one's footing.
In the March post, we are shown working hard to prepare the ground on a rain-soaked site. The caption, "It's raining, so the slopes are pretty slippery," conveys the fact that spring is a time when the site is greatly affected by natural conditions and experience and prudence are required.
Some posts mention hay fever, and it is impressive to see how they face their work with a positive attitude despite their seasonal problems. This account offers a glimpse into the reality of the forestry industry, which is affected by the four seasons, from a life-size perspective.
Rika Goto is a forestry girl based in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, as a "Mino City Regional Development Cooperation Volunteer" starting in April 2025.On Instagram, she conveys through her posts her relationship with the nature and people of Mino, and the joy and deep love of living in the mountains.
Located inland, spring in Mino City is characterized by a large daily temperature difference. While cold protection is essential for early morning work, temperatures rise to around 15 to 20°C during the day, and those on site can feel the arrival of spring on their skin.
The April postings beautifully capture the forests of Mino in their budding season, including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and kuromoji, which are synonymous with spring. Unlike the plants and trees you see in the city, what spreads out behind them is the nature of the mountains, which is almost untouched by human hands. It is as if we are gently being given an account of the scenery that can only be encountered by those who work in the forestry industry.
