Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on May 31, 2025, 10:00 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 wooden cities, and encourage innovation in the forestry industry in order to fully utilize forest resources to decarbonize, strengthen economic security, and create local communities.
On May 28, Watami, a major restaurant company, held a forest opening ceremony and conducted forest conservation activities in the "Watami Forest" established in a city-owned forest in Rikuzentakata City. These activities were based on the agreement concluded under the "Rikuzentakata City Corporate Forestation Program. The local government and companies, which are continuing on the path of post-disaster reconstruction and regional revitalization, will work together to realize a sustainable regional society.
This program is a mechanism for diverse entities, including local governments, public corporations, forestry cooperatives, and companies, to collaborate in forest development and work toward the realization of a decarbonized and nature-symbiotic society. Companies that conclude an agreement with the city of Rikuzentakata are provided with one plot of city-owned forest (approximately 1 ha) by the city, which they can use for employee training, recreation, and other purposes as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, Watami has been working to revitalize the economy and promote employment in Rikuzentakata City, and plans to open "Rikuzentakata Watami Organic Land" in 2021. Thirty-eight employees involved in the restaurant business participated in this forest opening ceremony and forest conservation activities. Under the guidance of the Rikuzentakata Forestry Association, activities such as marking planted trees, trimming tsubo, removing tree shelters, and clearing trees were conducted. Watami plans to continue the "Watami Tour," in which employees from each business visit Rikuzentakata City to participate in activities.
What is noteworthy about Rikuzentakata City's approach is that it aims not only to maintain and promote the multifaceted functions of the forest, but also to encourage businesses and other entities to continue to visit the city, thereby increasing the number of people interacting with the city and revitalizing the local community. This approach goes beyond mere forest conservation. A system that creates opportunities for urban businesses and organizations to be involved in the community on an ongoing basis while taking advantage of the bounty of forest resources could be a powerful option for creating a sustainable community.
