Updated by the Editorial Department of *Forest Circular Economy* on September 16, 2026, at 9:20 p.m. 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 part of the “Forest Circular Economy” initiative, we host a quarterly series called the “Forest Women’s Practice Conference,” which shines a light on the ongoing efforts—including the doubts and struggles—of women exploring new ways of life in forests and local communities. The theme of the second session (Fall) is “Rebuilding a Life in Harmony with Nature Through Relocation, Career Changes, and Entrepreneurship.” We will welcome women who have transitioned from diverse fields into careers related to forests and nature. They will share the catalysts that led them to change their previous jobs and lifestyles, the doubts and conflicts they faced before making their decisions, and the realities they encountered after making their choices. We aim to create a space where those interested in transitioning to careers related to forests and nature, relocating to rural areas, or starting their own businesses—but who are unsure where to begin—can gain insights to help them consider their own choices.
We received over 400 applications for the first (summer) session of the “Forest Women’s Practice Conference,” held in July. Under the theme “Dialogue with Nature: A Lifestyle That Challenges Our Values,” five women working in different fields spoke about what first drew them to the forest, the doubts they faced in their work and personal lives, and the shifts in their values. Viewers also expressed interest in learning more about ways of working in local communities, interpersonal relationships, and community life.
Changing where you live isn’t the only way to reshape your life. Taking on a new job, leaving a company where you’ve worked for many years to start your own business, or taking over the family business or local forest resources—these choices, too, transform how you spend your time, your relationships, and the values you hold dear.
In this session, we’ll be welcoming women who have ventured into the world of forestry from diverse fields—including tourism, services, and IT—and who have experienced relocation, career changes, entrepreneurship, and business succession. They’ll share their experiences—including the turning points that led them to their current careers and lifestyles, and how they’ve engaged with nature and their local communities.
・The turning point that led me to choose a career related to forests and nature, and the doubts and struggles I faced before making that decision
・What preparations did you make, and how did you acquire the necessary knowledge and build connections with others?
・Changes in values, how we use our time, and our relationships with family and the community that have resulted from living in harmony with nature
・The gap between ideals and reality that has become clear since I began putting things into practice, and the way of life I envision beyond that
Sakiko Kitaura (Yamada Forestry Co., Ltd.)
He is a native of Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. After graduating from high school, he worked as a tour bus driver in his hometown. In Reiwa 1, while considering a career change to an office position, he saw a job posting from Yamada Forestry, applied, and joined the company. Currently, as a forest management planner, he works behind the scenes in forest management, primarily handling administrative procedures and subsidy applications related to the consolidation of privately owned forests and forest maintenance. Amid the ongoing depopulation of mountainous areas, he works tirelessly every day to expand healthy forest areas by centralizing management (consolidation into blocks) through the purchase of forest land and the contracting of forest management services.
Official WEB site Instagram
Chiharu Sakai (The Forest of the Little People)
She worked at a major cosmetics company for 33 years. Inspired by the experience of finding healing in nature and rediscovering her true self, she reevaluated her way of life and, in 2023, opened “Kobito no Mori,” a nature experience facility in Tajin-machi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. The following year, she retired from the company where she had worked for many years, transitioning from the world of cosmetics to the forest. Currently, aiming to serve as a “bridge connecting people and nature,” she creates spaces where everyone—from children to adults—can connect with nature. Even now, while still facing doubts and taking on various challenges, she enjoys the breadth of her life’s journey—from the world of cosmetics to the world of the forest—and is actively living this new way of life.
Official WEB site Instagram
Nahoko Shōji (Kadowaki Shōten Co., Ltd.)
He is a native of Semboku City, Akita Prefecture (formerly Tazawako Town). After graduating from college, he joined a systems integrator, where he worked on system development and business process reform within the company. He became involved in the forestry and timber industries in 2018 following the succession of his family business. In 2021, he established Kadowaki Shoten Co., Ltd. to manage privately owned forest lands. In 2023, he took over the “Mori no Eki” farm-to-consumer market and is currently exploring new directions for the business together with other newcomers to the area.
Official WEB site Instagram Facebook
Kaoru Hara (Yanagisawa Forestry Co., Ltd.)
Born and raised in Kawasaki through high school. After graduating from college, captivated by the craft of woodturning, I entered the world of “wood.” Through a stroke of fate, I joined a forestry cooperative and began a life of forestry and hunting in Ikawa, Shizuoka City, deep in the mountains. Three years later, I moved to Nagano Prefecture and got married. While helping my husband with his charcoal-making business, I joined Yanagisawa Forestry. In 2013, she took over the business and became the representative director. Today, guided by the mission statement “A new forestry company that makes the most of the mountain’s bounty,” she aims to build communities and societies rooted in “Jinen” (nature). In 2021, Yanagisawa Forestry was recognized for its business initiatives and received the Good Design Award.
Official WEB site Instagram Facebook
Tomoko Furuya (itten.)
Originally active as a glass artisan and metalwork jewelry artist, primarily in the Kanto region, she began considering her “ideal lifestyle for the next 10 years” just as the pandemic struck, prompting her to take steps toward relocating. In 2022, she moved to Takachiho Town in Miyazaki Prefecture. While managing a vacation rental called “itten.” and other ventures, she devotes herself to work that draws on her passions and to farming. Hoping to foster a cycle of benefit for both the environment and the community by utilizing local materials, she began manufacturing and selling “100%” aromatic water made from locally sourced timber this spring.
Instagram
*Moderator: Kaoru Sumitomo (Editor-in-Chief, "Forest Circular Economy")
・Those interested in changing careers or starting a business related to forests or nature
・People considering moving to rural or mountainous areas
・People involved in creating jobs that utilize local resources or in business succession
・Those in the community who welcome newcomers and people changing careers from other industries
・For those who want to reevaluate their work, where they live, how they spend their time, and their relationships with family and the community
・For those who want to learn about the ideals and realities of relocating, changing jobs, or starting a business from the perspectives of those who have been through it
For this event, when you register, you must include one of the following: a question for the speakers, something you’d like to hear or expect from the event, or a message for the speakers. It can be just a brief comment related to your current concerns or interests—such as preparing to relocate, changing careers from a different industry, starting a business or business succession, building relationships in the community, or balancing work with family and daily life. In the latter half of the event, we will engage in an in-depth discussion with the speakers based on the feedback you provide.
*Due to time constraints, we may not be able to address all of the comments we have received.
*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 event will receive a copy of *Edited and Written 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:Rebuild Your Life in Harmony with Nature Through Relocation, Career Changes, or Starting a Business
Date and Time:Friday, October 16, 2026, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Holding format:Online (Zoom Webinar)
Eligibility:Anyone can watch it.
Participation Fee:Free (advance registration required)
On-Demand Streaming:If you have registered, you can watch the on-demand broadcast for a limited time, even if you are unable to watch it live on the day of the event.
Capacity:500 people
Contents:First Half: Self-Introductions and Topic Discussion / Second Half: Dialogue Based on Pre-Submitted Questions
*This will be published online as a report at a later date.
Organized by:"Forest Circular Economy" (Platinum Vision Network, General Incorporated Association)
Sponsored by:Togawa Lumber Co., Ltd., Tokuyama Co., Ltd., Yamada Forestry Co., Ltd.
After registering, you will receive an e-mail with the URL for participation. If you do not receive it, please check your spam folder.
・We will send an email containing the viewing URL and password to the email address you provided approximately one week after the event. If you do not receive the email, 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.
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
