Own or Sponsor Forest in Japan - Preserve Nature

Preserving Japan’s Forests: A Campaign for Sustainable Tourism and Nature Conservation

Introduction: Protecting Japan's Forest Heritage

Japan’s forests are a treasure trove of natural beauty, home to diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic birch trees of Hokkaido to the serene cedar groves of Nara, these forests not only play a crucial role in the environment but also attract tourists and potential property buyers from across Asia and beyond. However, the pressures of overtourism and local concerns about maintaining peace and harmony have led to conflicts, with some areas resorting to chopping down trees to deter visitors. This approach results in a lose-lose situation for both locals and nature.

Our crowdfunding campaign aims to turn this narrative into a win-win solution—preserving Japan’s forests while fostering sustainable tourism that respects local communities. Whether you’re exploring Japan as a tourist or considering buying property in this beautiful country, together, we can protect these natural wonders, support local economies, and create a harmonious coexistence between nature and tourism.

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Why Japan’s Forests Aren’t Being Cut Down Enough

The Historical Background of Japan’s Forest Management

Extensive Reforestation Post-WWII: After the war, Japan planted vast areas with cedar and cypress trees to meet future timber demands.

Neglected Plantations: Many of these forests have been left unmanaged, leading to overgrowth and unhealthy ecosystems.

Challenges Facing Japan’s Forests

Economic Barriers: Domestic timber prices have declined due to cheaper imports, making forestry less profitable.

Labor Shortages: Japan’s aging population and the lack of interest among younger generations have led to a shortage of skilled forestry workers.

Environmental and Social Implications

Allergies from Cedar Pollen: Unmanaged cedar forests contribute to high pollen levels, exacerbating allergies.

Biodiversity Loss: Dense forests hinder the growth of diverse plant and animal species.

Natural Disaster Risks: Poorly managed forests are more vulnerable to landslides and flooding.

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The Ecological Importance of Forests

Forests are vital for maintaining biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Forest floors, if left uncleaned, can accumulate dry debris that becomes a major fire hazard, especially during unusually dry years.

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Tourism’s Role in Forest Preservation

Positive Economic Impact

Tourists support local businesses, including farmers, artisans, and small enterprises.

Properly managed tourism enhances the value of surrounding properties and creates sustainable revenue streams.

Risks of Poor Practices

Cutting down forests to deter visitors harms the environment, reduces biodiversity, and impacts future tourism and property values negatively.

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Our Mission: Sustainable Solutions for Forest Preservation

Key Objectives

Preserve Forests: Protect Japan’s forests through conservation practices and cleaning forest floors to reduce fire hazards.

Develop Sustainable Tourism: Promote eco-friendly tourism programs that respect local communities.

Support Local Economies: Enhance property values and local business opportunities through preserved natural beauty.

Proposed Initiatives

Forest Floor Cleaning

Organize regular clean-up activities to remove debris and prevent forest fires.

Eco-Tourism Development

Establish guided tours to educate visitors about Japan’s forests.

Promote off-season tourism to spread visitor numbers evenly throughout the year.

Community and Property Buyer Involvement

Collaborate with locals and buyers to align policies with conservation goals.

Provide training and support for sustainable practices.

Reinvestment in Nature

Use tourism and property revenues to maintain trails, organize conservation projects, and clean forests.

Awareness Campaigns

Educate tourists and locals on respecting nature and cultural customs to ensure positive environmental impact.

The Forest Area

We have forest areas in Hokkaido targeted for the first cleanup and maintenance projects. One is near Otaru and another near Ashibetsu.

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How You Can Help

There are subscriptions on this page you can use to become a member and make a difference plus have opportunity to physically help in Japan.

The sponsor vs. owner are both helpful. We put those funds toward cleaning up the forest and building pathways that our members can enjoy if they have the opportunity to visit Japan. 

Owners get a certificate of ownership over the trees and shrubs in their requested square meter size and that remains valid as long as they are subscribers. Outright ownership of the land is also possible via membership in the company. Please inquire if you would like to do that.

When Projects Start

Spring 2025 is the target to undertake these projects and we will be posting blogs and videos to show the work! If you have a chance to visit Hokkaido and physically help with the work, you are more than welcome! We can help coordinate your stay in Japan and we will all have a great experience working in the forest and making new friends! There is no obligation and as little as a few hours is welcome or days of course too!

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Join the Movement: Protect Japan’s Forests

This initiative is more than a crowdfunding campaign—it’s a commitment to preserve Japan’s natural beauty for future generations. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil property or contributing to environmental conservation, this project ensures thriving nature, prosperous locals, and enriched visitors.

Become a subscriber and help retain the beauty and health of Japan’s forests!