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Updated by the Editorial Department of *Forest Circular Economy* on September 25, 2026, at 7:56 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.
In the fall, while the intense summer heat subsides and the physical and mental strain of forestry work eases, the significant temperature differences between morning, evening, and daytime make this a season that requires careful attention to clothing and health management. In the forests, where tasks such as thinning and timber hauling continue, a growing presence can be seen among women known as “forestry women.” In addition to learning forestry techniques and working in the mountains, they are also engaged in activities that connect the forest with the local community; however, the reality is that the nature of their work and their work styles are not yet widely known. Therefore, in this article, we’ll introduce five Instagram accounts that share insights into their autumn work and daily lives.
The Sagawa Town Regional Revitalization Corps in Kochi Prefecture is an account that shares updates on the activities of its members—who are working to promote forestry and regional development with the support of the local government. Sagawa Town offers a supportive environment that encourages independent forestry, making it a reassuring place for women who want to take on the challenge of working in the forestry industry.
The account showcases the process of learning new skills from scratch—including the use of heavy machinery and equipment, as well as training sessions aimed at obtaining certifications. Another appealing feature is the release of immersive videos that allow viewers to experience the atmosphere of real job sites.
The photo posted in September shows three women working in forestry smiling against a backdrop of mountain forests bathed in the soft light of autumn. The warm and friendly atmosphere on site is striking, and the photo conveys how they are working together in forestry while clearly enjoying themselves.
Mane Forestry is a company that operates forestry businesses based in southern Kumamoto Prefecture. While the lingering heat of summer persists during the day in southern Kumamoto in the fall, mornings and evenings turn chilly early on, and by mid-November, you’ll find yourself unable to do without warm clothing. The account features many posts capturing slices of nature—such as rare mushrooms, wildlife, and autumn foliage filling the screen—and one of its charms is that it lets you experience the richness of the mountains up close.
In addition, posts show women in the forestry industry tackling their work on-site while wearing long sleeves and long pants and taking thorough safety precautions—a snapshot that conveys both the rigors of forestry work and the authentic atmosphere of the workplace. This account allows you to experience both the beauty of nature and the powerful energy of the workplace.
The Instagram profile of Hyogo Shinrin Development, based in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, features the slogan “Let’s bring women’s power to forestry!”—a clear indication of the company’s commitment to supporting women in the workforce. The high frequency of updates is another appealing aspect; these consistent posts are gradually raising awareness and understanding of forestry as a career, and are likely to encourage others to pursue this path in the future.
From a post showing women in the forestry industry engaging in hands-on training in an autumn forest, you can see that even though things don’t always go as planned and they run into obstacles, they’re gaining experience one step at a time. The phrase “It’s okay, it’s okay” accompanying the post conveys the presence of senior colleagues who quietly watch over them and lend a helping hand when needed. This account conveys a warm company culture that ensures those taking on new challenges never feel isolated.
Kaori shares her diverse lifestyle, which includes her work as a woman in forestry, as well as half-built projects, DIY, and growing rice and vegetables. There are surely many women who are drawn to her way of life—one in which she seamlessly integrates forestry as a natural part of her daily routine and brings her “things I want to try” to life, one by one.
Mutsuzawa Town in Chiba Prefecture, where Kaori is based, is a pleasant place to live with relatively mild seasonal changes. Her posts often showcase the bounty of the seasons—such as gathering chestnuts in the fall and making plum syrup in the summer—conveying the richness of a life spent close to the mountains and nature. At the same time, she shares glimpses of specialized logging techniques, showcasing how she approaches forestry with genuine expertise—not merely as a hobby—which is another appealing aspect of her account. This account is a must-follow not only for those who want to learn about the real daily life of a woman in forestry but also for anyone interested in rural mountain life.
Rika Goto is a young woman working in forestry who began her duties as a member of the Regional Revitalization Corps in the forestry sector in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, in April 2025. Autumn in Mino City is marked by significant temperature fluctuations, and by November, a chill sets in—particularly in the mountainous areas—signaling the onset of winter.
Ms. Goto focuses her activities on “the relationship between towns, people, and mountains,” and actively coordinates experiential events that connect people with the forestry industry, such as “A Day to Experience Everything from Logging to Lumber Processing in Mino City.” In addition to photos of her work, she shares many images capturing the beauty of nature, making the idea of living in harmony with the forest feel a little more accessible. These efforts may well serve as a catalyst for increasing the number of women entering the forestry industry in the future.
