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Updated by the Editorial Department of *Forest Circular Economy* on August 17, 2026, at 9:23 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.
“FORESTRISE 2026 (The 5th Next-Generation Forest Industry Exhibition),” an event bringing together the latest technologies in “Wood Change”—including smart forestry, forest DX, and decarbonization—will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from September 16 to 18. The event will showcase smart technologies—such as AI and drones—designed to address labor shortages and improve forestry efficiency, as well as the latest trends like carbon credits. It will serve as a business matching platform bringing together innovative companies and organizations from the forestry, timber, and forest management sectors, both domestic and international. The Platinum Initiative Network, which tackles social issues through collaboration among industry, academia, government, and the private sector, will operate a joint pavilion alongside five member organizations comprising companies and universities.
On September 18, the seminar “Realizing a ‘Forest Circular Economy’ That Makes Japan Shine,” organized by the event’s hosts, will be held. Experts will engage in a comprehensive discussion of challenges across the entire supply chain—from upstream to downstream—aimed at realizing a forest circular economy, including the use of wood in urban construction, the conversion of forest resources into domestically produced fuels and chemical products, and the consolidation of forest land to ensure a stable supply. The event will begin with an opening address titled “Toward a Self-Sufficient Nation” by Hiroshi Komiyama, Chairman of the Platinum Vision Network, followed by the following three panel discussions.
[Panel 1] Creating Forests in Cities Through the Expansion of Wooden Architecture (1:05 p.m.–2:00 p.m.)
This session will explore the use of wood and wood-based materials in non-residential, mid- to high-rise, and large-scale buildings, as well as the development of supporting systems, through discussions that address both policy and practical implementation.
▽Speakers:
・Hiroyuki Adachi (Managing Director, Shelter Co., Ltd.; Vice President, Japan Association for Fire-Resistant Wooden Buildings)
・Shunji Ikaga (Chairman, Housing and Architecture SDGs Promotion Center; Professor Emeritus, Keio University)
・Mr. Atsuhito Oshima (Director, Wooden Housing Promotion Office, Housing Production Division, Housing Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
・Kazuaki Hiraishi (Advisor [Business Operations] at the Platinum Vision Network, a General Incorporated Association)
[Panel 2] From Dependence on Imported Crude Oil and Naphtha to an Era of Domestic Fuels and Chemical Products Derived from Forest Resources (2:05 p.m.–3:00 p.m.)
We will discuss the prospects for biomass chemistry—which replaces imported crude oil and naphtha with domestically produced fuels and chemical products derived from forest resources—as well as the roles of the public and private sectors in its societal implementation.
▽Speakers:
・Mr. Taketo Okutani (Managing Executive Officer and CIO, Head of the Innovation Promotion Division, Oji Holdings Co., Ltd.; President and CEO, Oji Medicinal Plant Research Institute Co., Ltd.)
・Mr. Makoto Nakayama (Assistant Director, Biochemical Industries Division, Commerce and Services Group, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)
・Masahiro Naruse (Inspector, Timber Utilization Division, Forest Policy Department, Forestry Agency)
・Mr. Shoji Matsukawa (Carbon Neutral Project Group Manager, C1 Chemicals Division, Green Energy & Chemicals Business Unit, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.)
・Mr. Taro Kamagata (Advisor to the Secretariat of the Platinum Vision Network, a General Incorporated Association)
[Panel 3] Profitable Forestry Through Forest Land Consolidation—The Potential of “Land Readjustment” for Forests—(3:05 p.m.–4:00 p.m.)
In light of challenges that hinder forest consolidation—such as the fragmentation of forest land and unclear boundaries—this discussion will explore measures to enhance the profitability of forestry through forest land consolidation, as well as the potential for a “land readjustment” program tailored to forests.
▽Speakers:
・Mr. Hiroshi Kuboyama (Coordinator for Industry-Academia-Government-Community Collaboration, Tohoku Branch, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, National Research and Development Agency for Forestry and Forest Products)
・Kimiya Shibata (Representative Director, Shibata Industries, Inc.)
・Mr. Satoshi Tachibana (Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kyoto University; Chair, Forestry Policy Council)
・Daisuke Hodo (CEO and Representative Director, Shimon Co., Ltd.)
This marks the second time the Platinum Initiative Network (Platinum Forest Industry Initiative) has exhibited at the event. Five member organizations—including companies and universities—are participating in this joint pavilion. Visitors can explore initiatives that bridge the upstream and downstream sectors of forest resources—from forest land consolidation and forest management to the creation of high-value-added wood products, woody biomass, and the development of new materials—all within a single area.
The pavilion will showcase “biomass manufacturing” by Oji Holdings, as well as new material technologies such as modified wood from Franwood. In addition, initiatives spanning the entire value chain—from upstream to downstream—will be gathered in one place, including Shimon’s support for forest land consolidation, Chubu Electric Power’s forest management in collaboration with local communities, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology’s material development and processing technologies through “carbon farming.” The Platinum Initiative Network will also present its own project map. Furthermore, special sessions hosted by participating organizations are scheduled to take place within the joint pavilion on September 16 and 17.
＜FORESTRISE2026 開催概要＞
Dates: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – Friday, September 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 2
Organized by: Sankei Shimbun
Admission: Free *Registration is required, however.
*Related Links*
FORESTRISE 2026: The 5th Next-Generation Forestry Industry Exhibition
FORESTRISE 2026 Seminar Registration
We will be exhibiting at FORESTRISE 2026 (the 5th Next-Generation Forest Industry Exhibition) — Platinum Vision Network, General Incorporated Association
