Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on August 27, 2025, 8:37 AM 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.
The majestic mountains and rich forest resources of the Chubu region have long supported local lifestyles and industries. From forests close to urban areas to mountains deep in the heart of unspoiled nature, forestry girls are active in a variety of fields. In addition to on-site work such as logging and thinning, the girls also engage in a wide range of activities that connect forests and people, such as forestry education and community events. These activities are shared in real life on Instagram, and the appeal of this site is that it provides a close-up look at the difficulties and rewards of living with forests, as well as the lively atmosphere in the field. In this issue, we will introduce five accounts that show the real faces of women in the forestry industry in the Chubu area*.
Ando Forestry Co., Ltd. operates a forestry business in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. By combining traditional techniques with the latest technology, the company focuses on creating an environment in which inexperienced workers and women can easily play an active role. On Instagram, the company provides information on logging operations on steep slopes, special logging, and hauling out. In this context, it is eye-catching to see forestry girls working on the front lines as a matter of course.
In addition, the company's "Inochi no Yama Project: Koshizawa Maple Tree Project" involves planting broadleaf trees, including those with autumn leaves, and many local women and children participate in these activities. These events provide a valuable opportunity for not only those working in the forestry field, but also local people to think about the future of forests while interacting with nature. These accounts allow visitors to come into contact with both the forestry field and activities that support the forestry industry for the next generation.
Ltd., which operates a forestry business based in Minokamo City, Gifu Prefecture, introduces a number of images of forestry girls working hard on shaping and cutting stumps in front of stumps. The work with the elevating work vehicle is recorded on video from installation to felling, and the entire scene can be seen, from dynamic felling to simple and patient work.
Furthermore, it is also impressive to see how they take on the challenge of working together with veterans, supporting each other as they face their tasks. The account also actively communicates training and education initiatives, including scenes of new employee training and internship students being accepted. The account is characterized by its abundance of video postings, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the realism of the work.
Rika Goto studied forestry at the Gifu Academy of Forest Science and Culture before becoming a member of the Mino City Community Development Cooperation Team. The account also carefully introduces local events, seasonal scenery, and interaction with local people in the satoyama, giving a picture of "forest life" that is rich in individuality.
Although she is not a typical forestry girl who mainly engages in field work such as logging, she is very helpful in using her professional experience in forestry to act as a bridge between the forest and the community. The account is attractive for its realistic communication closely related to local culture and natural resources, and is worth watching for those who are interested in forestry and satoyama conservation.
The "Mountain Forest Playgroup Zakikko" is a volunteer tree-thinning team made up of former members of "Kikori Juku" in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. On their Instagram page, you can see the women playing a central role in selecting trees, clearing underbrush, and removing branches. The activities of course, but also the energetic and radiant smiles of the forestry girls are very impressive, and their expressions show that they truly enjoy interacting with nature and have a strong love for the forests.
In addition, a post titled "Exploring Mountains, Forests, and Rivers" captures the members' lively time in nature and gives great energy to the viewer. The photos posted on the site are as beautiful as a photo album, conveying the breath of nature and the beauty of the seasonal landscapes through the screen. This is an attractive account that can be recommended not only to those who are interested in forestry and forest maintenance, but also to those who are interested in a way of life that enjoys nature.
Based in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, Marumitsu Itoh Co., Ltd. is engaged in a variety of forestry-related businesses, including the maintenance of forests near urban areas, special logging, landscaping, and wood recycling. The company's website is also available for viewing on the company's website.
The sight of these forestry women, with their not-so-large bodies, skillfully manipulating chainsaws has a power that strikes a chord with those who see them. In addition, each of their postings gives us a sense of the potential for women to play an active role in the field. The company is also active in accepting interns and is committed to training the next generation of forestry personnel. This is an enthusiastic account that offers a glimpse into the appeal and future of the forestry industry.
*Note
The "Chubu Area" in this article refers to the four prefectures of Nagano, Toyama, Gifu, and Aichi according to the block division of the Forestry Agency's Forest Management Bureau.
See also:Forest Service Link: Forestry Agency
