Updated by the Forest Circular Economy Editorial Department on December 1, 2025, 3:45 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.
The environment surrounding the forest industry is becoming increasingly challenging, with factors such as sluggish demand for domestic timber and population decline. At the same time, new models for circulating forest resources within regional economies are being sought nationwide from the perspectives of decarbonization and economic security. Okayama Prefecture, which boasts the nation's top production of Japanese cypress, a concentration of CLT industries, and the research infrastructure of Okayama University, can be considered one of the promising regions for implementing a forest circular economy.Against this backdrop, Okayama University and the Platinum Concept Network will host the symposium "Okayama Initiative! Toward Realizing a Forest Circular Economy" on December 22, 2025. Discussions will focus on models unique to Okayama, including advanced utilization of locally sourced timber, information sharing across supply chains, and technological development supporting mid-to-high-rise timber construction. This event will feature practical themes, offering a comprehensive view of regional initiatives.
The defining feature of this symposium is that key players from industry, government, and academia will gather to discuss concrete, locally-driven circular models centered on Okayama Prefecture's forest resources, processing technologies, and research infrastructure.
In a special lecture, Hiroshi Komiyama, Chairman of the Platinum Concept Network and Honorary Editor-in-Chief of "Forest Circular Economy," will present a vision for realizing a "Platinum Society" that utilizes local resources from the perspective of the forest circular economy. In the following keynote speech, Masanobu Abe, Executive Vice President of Okayama University, will take the stage to introduce technological developments aimed at promoting mid- to high-rise wooden buildings and research strategies that support decarbonization.Okayama University, centered on its Green Innovation Center (GIC), has been promoting the advancement of wood utilization and human resource development, while strengthening collaboration with industries within the prefecture. Research rooted in the Okayama region is at the core of creating new value from forest resources.
The panel discussion will feature diverse speakers supporting the front lines of forestry, timber, construction, and regional economies, who will discuss the current status and future prospects of the “Okayama Model.”
Representing the administration were Mayor Noboru Ota of Maniwa City and Hiroshi Shimizu, Director of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department of Okayama Prefecture, demonstrating the collaboration between regional policy and industry.From industry, speakers included: Koichiro Nakajima, President and CEO of Meiken Kogyo, a top-tier domestic manufacturer of CLT and structural laminated timber; Kentaro Kubota, President and CEO of Life Design Kabaya, advancing town development utilizing locally sourced timber; and Yoshihiko Tahara, Managing Director of Inosho Forestry, a comprehensive timber manufacturer handling everything from forestry to sawmilling, pre-cut timber, and housing.Additionally, Kosuke Shigeku, Manager at C-Cube Consulting, will add the perspective of commercializing regional industries. Moderator Taro Kamagata, Advisor to the Platinum Concept Network, will guide the discussion covering the entire value chain from upstream to downstream.
Okayama Prefecture is a region blessed with abundant forest resources, a concentration of processing industries, and pioneering initiatives by local governments. It possesses all the necessary conditions for implementing a forest circular economy: Japan's top hinoki cypress production volume, the presence of CLT manufacturing companies, unique forest policies, and the active promotion of timber construction.
However, it also faces many challenges common nationwide, such as declining demand for timber, a shortage of workers, and population decline. This structure of "potential × challenges" can truly be seen as a microcosm of Japan. Established by Okayama University within this environment, the GIC has accumulated multifaceted research in areas such as technological development, human resource development, and international collaboration.
Foundational research for mid-to-high-rise timber construction, long-term regional plans supporting the planned utilization of locally sourced timber, and the digitization of supply-demand information linking upstream and downstream sectors—many initiatives are already underway in Okayama. With the establishment of Okayama University's satellite campus in Maniwa City in September 2025 and the introduction of full-scale research facilities on the horizon, the “Okayama Model” is taking shape through the integrated efforts of local industry and the university.
This symposium will provide an opportunity to share concrete initiatives that have begun in Okayama, such as technological development for timber construction and the organization of supply and demand information, and to gain practical knowledge for creating a regional cycle.
Outline
Title: From Okayama! Toward Realizing a Forest Circular Economy
Date and Time: Monday, December 22, 2025, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Implementation: Hybrid event with both in-person attendance and online viewing
Venue: Okayama University 50th Anniversary Memorial Hall
Capacity: Venue: 350 people (first-come, first-served), Online: Unlimited
Participation Fee: Free (Advance reservation required)
Organizer: Okayama University
Co-hosted by: Platinum Vision Network General Incorporated Association
Application Method: Please apply via the form or email.
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