Updated by the Editorial Department of *Forest Circular Economy* on June 22, 2026, at 6:00 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.
Through “Forest Circular Economy,” we take a multifaceted approach to understanding the relationship between forests and society and the economy, and are engaged in fostering a “dialogue of knowledge that connects the field with society.” In the course of this work, we have come to realize that the practical efforts of women exploring new ways of working and living in forests and local communities tend to be overlooked as isolated individual experiences. Therefore, we have launched the “Forest Women Support Project.” Rather than focusing on established success stories, we will host a series of online practice conferences and special report features—held four times a year—that shine a light on “practices in progress”: the ongoing process of making choices amid uncertainty and conflict. We aim to share the authentic voices and practices of women working in forest settings with the wider public and create a space for reflecting on future ways of working and engaging with local communities.
We view forests not merely as resources, but as “a stage where we can rediscover new ways of living through dialogue with nature.” The project was launched following an online talk event held in February 2026. Under the theme “Women Creating Jobs in the Forest,” we invited nine women active in the field to speak. Rather than presenting polished success stories, they shared their journeys—including moments of uncertainty, conflict, and the decision-making processes they went through. Over 100 people (80% of whom were women) tuned in, and after the event, we received numerous comments from viewers such as, “It gave me an opportunity to reflect on my own situation” and “I want to visit the speakers’ workplaces.” The event resonated deeply with a diverse audience—extending far beyond those in the forestry industry—and has generated a significant response.
For the first session of the Practical Conference, five women will take the stage to discuss the theme “Dialogue with Nature: A Way of Life That Challenges Our Values.” We will welcome women active in diverse fields—including child-rearing, education, satoyama conservation, community development, living in harmony with nature, and creating jobs through engagement with forests—who will share the values and ways of life they have discovered through their connections with forests and local communities. This event is open not only to those involved in forest- or community-related work but also to anyone interested in finding their own unique way of working and living, or exploring new ways of life.
What we want to emphasize at this event is not the finished success stories, but rather the process of decision-making and uncertainty that comes before them. Work and activities related to the forest begin differently for each person. Some people discover the forest through raising children, while others deepen their connection with it through satoyama conservation, community activities, or creating jobs in nature. This journey is not always easy. Participants face various challenges, such as building relationships within the community, the difficulties of sustaining a business, balancing work with family and daily life, and coming to terms with their own values.
The “Forest Girls’ Action Conference” is not a forum for presenting definitive answers or conclusions. Rather, it is a space where viewers can gain new perspectives—through the experiences of each speaker—that help them reflect on their own situations. After participating, you should find it a little easier to put into words what you’re unsure about and what values you should prioritize as you consider your next steps.
・What led me to become involved with the forest and the local community
・The Relationship Between Child-Rearing, Education, Community Development, and Forests
・Lifestyles and Work Styles in Harmony with Nature
・Ideas for transforming forest work sites into “pleasant workplaces”
・The doubts, conflicts, and shifts in values I faced as I continued my activities
・How to reevaluate our approach to life and work going forward
Kaoru Aoki (Heritage Keeper, LLC)
Representative Partner of Heritage Keeper LLC. Forest Bathing Facilitator, Nature Game Leader, Registered Nurse, former full-time nursing school instructor (pediatric and psychiatric), and mother of three. She moved back to Sagamihara City from Yokohama to raise her children. Since 2012, she has organized a children’s playground at “Tsuchizawa no Mori.” In 2021, she founded the company with colleagues. She oversees retreat programs for individuals, nature experiences for children, and corporate training. Through “Caring Forest,” she received the Judges’ Special Award at the “Forest and Future Sustainable Award” presented by the General Incorporated Association Forest and Future.
Official WEB site Instagram
Sachi Amano (Diverseline, General Incorporated Association)
Representative of Diverse Line, a general incorporated association based in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture, dedicated to environmentally conscious forest management through self-managed forestry. The members are creative individuals such as snowboarders and artists. Through a lifestyle that combines “creativity and self-managed forestry,” they are dedicated to protecting ”nature”—their creative canvas—while embodying diverse ways of living and creating a positive cycle that benefits the environment, society, and people.
Official WEB site Instagram
Miyu Tanaka (Monoguchi LLC)
Born in Mugi Town, Tokushima Prefecture. As a child, he spent his days playing in the fields and mountains. In 2024, he established Monoguchi LLC in his hometown of Mugi Town. As a next-generation forest owner who has inherited the mountain forests left by his predecessor, he launched “yusan,” a cultural initiative aimed at rebuilding the relationship between forests and people. At the monthly “yusan shop & tea experience,” he offers a tea-tasting experience in the mountains and sells bancha made from native tea leaves. In April 2026, he unveiled the “yusan stool” at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy. Through spatial experiences and products, he aims to help society rediscover the senses lost amid modern conveniences and transform abandoned mountain forests from a liability into a platform for cultural creation. Additionally, as a planner at Tu Co., Ltd., he is involved in branding for corporations and local governments. He focuses on culture and sensory experiences through activities such as producing podcasts and publishing books at the company’s “Laboratory for the Exploration of Change,” which investigates social transformation.
Instagram
Akari Tada (Togawa Lumber Co., Ltd.)
Born and raised in a lush, green town surrounded by mountains, I was an athletic type who devoted myself to softball during my school days. Although I had left my hometown for a while, I returned and took a clerical position. Driven by a desire to work while staying active in nature and to balance that with raising her children, she took the plunge and switched careers to the forestry industry. As a heavy equipment operator, she selects timber and produces biomass fuel chips, finding joy in her work every day.
Official WEB site
Saeko Nishimura (NPO Chizu no Mori Kosodachi-sha)
She studied forestry as an undergraduate and spent time studying in Myanmar during graduate school, where she conducted research on tropical forests (mangroves). After getting married, she moved to Tottori Prefecture and joined the Tottori Prefectural Government in 2003. She retired in 2012. In 2009, she founded “Chizu Town Forest Kindergarten Marutanbo.” Subsequently, she was involved in establishing a second kindergarten, “Sugi-bokkuri: Plaza Under the Sky,” in 2013; an alternative school for graduates, “Nitta Sudbury School,” in 2014; and “Hajimari no Ie,” a shared house for families with children, in 2016. In 2024, she handed over the business and is currently enjoying life in Chizu Town.
The "Forest Circular Economy" column isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)
Official WEB site Instagram
*Moderator: Kaoru Sumitomo (Editor-in-Chief, "Forest Circular Economy")
During the talk, the discussion will center on three key perspectives: “A gateway to engaging with forests and local communities,” “Doubts and decisions encountered while continuing our activities,” and “Practical steps to transform forest work sites into pleasant workplaces.” All of these topics will be discussed not in terms of general theories or ideals, but based on experiences accumulated in each specific setting.
・People interested in forestry or local jobs
・People interested in the relationship between parenting, education, and forests
・People involved in community-based initiatives and job creation
・People interested in working and living in nature
・Those who want to reevaluate their work style and way of life
Those who want to think about "future relationship with forests" from a realistic viewpoint in the field, regardless of gender.
In the second half of this event, we will set aside time to delve deeper into the discussion based on questions submitted in advance by our female viewers.
Please use the registration form to share any concerns or questions you currently have—such as your relationship with forests and the local community, creating job opportunities, balancing work with parenting and daily life, and working in nature.
*Please note that only women may submit responses to the pre-event questions. However, anyone is welcome to watch the event itself.
*We will pick up from the questions we received and answer them.
*There will be no Q&A session on the day of the event.
Ten people selected by lottery from among those who registered for this talk event will receive a copy of *Edited and Compiled by Hiroshi Komiyama*Forest Circular Economy.will be given as a gift.
Event Name: Forest Women’s Action Conference—Women Shaping Forests and Communities
Theme: A Dialogue with Nature, A Way of Life That Challenges Our Values
Date & Time: Friday, July 17, 2026, 12:30–14:00
Holding format: Online (Zoom Webinar)
Eligibility: Anyone can watch it
entrance fee: Free (advance registration required)
On-Demand Streaming: If you have registered, you can watch the event via on-demand streaming for a limited time, even if you are unable to watch it live.
Capacity: 500 people
Structure: First Half: Self-introductions and Discussion of the Theme / Second Half: Answers to Pre-submitted Questions
organizing: “Forest Circular Economy” (Platinum Vision Network, General Incorporated Association)
Sponsored by: Togawa Lumber Co., Ltd., Tokuyama Co., Ltd.
*This will be published online as a report at a later date.
After registering, you will receive an e-mail with the URL for participation. If you do not receive it, please check your spam folder.
Your email address will also be registered for our free Forest Circular Economy Newsletter. You will receive a weekly newsletter with noteworthy articles and event information. You can unsubscribe at any time if you no longer need it.
Registration information such as name and affiliation will be used only for event management and newsletter distribution, and will not be provided to any third party.
Please refrain from recording, recording or taking screenshots of the event.
Fall (Scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2026)
The Choice to Relocate and Work in the Forest—Redefining Time, Place, and Relationships
To “reset your life,” all you need to do is make major changes to your schedule, location, and relationships. The “Forest Girls” are pioneers who have put this into practice. They’ve chosen a way of life that breaks away from Tokyo’s centralization and reflect on the meaning, challenges, and hope of putting down roots in a local community.
Winter (Scheduled for Friday, January 22, 2027)
The Reality of Making a Living from Forestry—Income, Side Hustles, and Financial Mindset
Automation and digitization are significantly changing our values regarding people, things, and money. In this new era, might we need a new perspective on money? We’ll discuss the financial perspectives that “Forest Girls” have cultivated through their work and daily lives, as well as the values that cannot be measured in monetary terms.
Spring (Scheduled for Friday, April 16, 2027)
The Choice to Tackle Forestry Work as a Couple and a Family—Raising Children and My Husband’s Work
In an era where AI is boosting labor productivity, these women have chosen to live their lives differently. How have their choices affected not only themselves, but also their children’s education, their husbands’ careers, and the dynamics of their families? They’ll share their real-life experiences from a family perspective.
*Each session is scheduled to take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
*The theme for each session will be adjusted and planned based on the speakers’ activities and areas of focus.
*We are also looking for female speakers. Please contact us at the address below for more details.
*We are also seeking companies and organizations to sponsor this project. If you are interested, please contact us at the address below.
info@forestcircularity.jp
