NPO法人イトバ機構の代表である藤井嘉博氏は、糸島で環境再生型森林農業モデルを構築する活動に取り組んでいる。彼は、皮むきや間伐を通じて森林を保全し、将来の世代に引き継ぐことを目指している。日本の森林現状を学び、適切な間伐が必要であることを強調している。彼はスパースメソッドと呼ばれる皮むきと間伐の手法を提唱し、林業の収益性を高める取り組みに取り組んでいる。オンライン体験プログラムを通じて森林保護の重要性を広めている。
NPO organization representative Yoshio Fujii aims to build an environmentally sustainable forest agriculture model in Itoshima. We are working to preserve the forests of Itoshima passed down from our ancestors by conserving forests through activities such as peeling bark and thinning, to be handed down to future generations 100 years from now. We discussed the current state of Japan’s forests and what is needed to pass down rich forests to future generations.
“Peeling bark and thinning” triggers the growth of living things and revitalizes the forest.
We visited Yoshii Yoshihiro, who is based in Itoshima and carries out forest regeneration activities using the “bark peeling and thinning” method in the vast forests of Fukuoka City. Unfortunately, it was drizzling that day. As we walked through the city and up a steep path in the forest, we saw Yoshii touching the trees and gazing up at their tops.
There are two methods of tree felling: thinning and clear-cutting. Thinning involves thinning out trees in the forest, while clear-cutting involves cutting down all the trees. Yoshii’s thinning method involves peeling the outer bark of trees and allowing them to die without cutting them down.
Entering the forest, you can see pink ribbons wrapped around the trees. These are marks left on the trees without thinning. In parts of the forest, you can see beautiful trees with peeled bark.
At first, Yoshii was involved in film-related work in Tokyo. He became interested in environmental issues while working on a film and moved to Itoshima to focus on forest regeneration.
The reason I chose Itoshima was that when I went to Korea for Japan-Korea exchange activities, I saw Tsushima Island beyond the strait from Busan.
“When I first came to Itoshima, I could see Tsushima Island well from the coast. I saw Itoshima on the other side of Tsushima from Busan. I felt that Busan and Itoshima had a fateful connection.”
Living in Itoshima, I also learned that there are many forests suitable for bark peeling and thinning. We heard about the current situation of forestry activities in Fukuoka City.
When people hear the word “forest conservation,” many think of excessive deforestation. Indeed, extensive areas of original forests have been lost due to excessive deforestation overseas. However, in Japan, through forest conservation activities, we have learned that the forest issues are as follows: After the war, cedar, cypress, conifers, and other trees were densely planted to expand timber production, and they have been left unattended for many years. Therefore, instead of excessive deforestation, thinnings are necessary.
Leftover cedar and cypress trees are said to cause disasters.
“When planting cedar and cypress at the same time, they grow to the same height. Also, if the branches are at the same height, they will collide with each other, preventing the trunk from growing thick.” Since small trees can only grow upwards towards the sky, they are at risk of falling easily, causing landslides.
Proper thinning is the basis of forestry management. However, during the high economic growth period, the forestry situation changed, making thinning difficult.
“Due to a decrease in forestry workers and the impact of the strong yen, an increase in cheap imported wood compared to domestic wood has resulted in losses even if trees are cut and handed over to operators, making forestry an unsustainable industry.” As a result, trees in forests across Japan are left unthinned and abandoned.
While exploring profitable forestry methods beyond environmental activities, Yoshii came up with the answer of “peeling bark” using small saws and bamboo. The sparse method.
Yoshii says there are three advantages to peeling and thinning. One of them is an educational experience program that offers thinning experience.
“We offer a program where you can experience the current state of the forest and actually peel bark and thin. We discuss with everyone which trees to leave and which to peel. The forest provides us with various things, but we can also have encounters and experiences in the forest that are unique to the forest.”
The secondary benefit is that peeling and thinning can reduce costs.
“Sawn wood from live trees is heavy, and transportation requires manpower, heavy machinery, large trucks, and the maintenance cost of forest roads, resulting in costs. When the bark comes off, the branches can no longer absorb moisture and nutrients. The trunk, tree, trunk, tree, trunk, tree, trunk, tree, trunk, tree, trunk… It’s a trunk, it’s a trunk, and it’s a trunk. It’s a stalk, it’s a stalk, it’s a stalk, that’s a stalk, and that’s a stalk. The trunk…, The trunk…, The trunk…, The trunk…, The trunk…, That’s a stalk…, That’s a stalk…, That’s a stalk…, That’s a stalk…, That’s a stalk…, That’s a stalk…, That’s a stalk…, That’s a stalk…, A stalk… A stalk… A stalk… A stalk… A stalk… A stalk… A stalk… A tree trunk… A tree trunk… A tree trunk… A tree trunk… A tree trunk… A tree trunk… A tree trunk… A tree trunk… A tree trunk… That’s a trunk…, That’s a trunk…, That’s a trunk…, That’s a trunk…, That’s a trunk…, That’s a trunk…, That’s a trunk…, That’s a trunk…, That’s a trunk… That’s a trunk… That’s a trunk… That’s a stalk… That’s a trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk… The tree trunk…
Another important point is the expansion of the market pipeline for thinned wood.
“People are increasingly interested in using the wood they peel off when building or renovating their homes. Please select the trees you like, cut them down, and give them to us. It has value as one of the trees.” – – If people choose to use thinned wood and forestry, the forestry industry in Japan will transform.
“Pulling out trees allows the remaining trees to spread branches, sink roots into the ground, and grow thicker.
“Sunlight pouring through the previously canopy-covered ground allows various plants to grow, bringing back insects, fungi, and various other living things.
“Forests live again over a long period of time.”
Make coasters at home using bark and thinned wood online experience
However, the most fundamental purpose is to make people feel affection for trees and to raise interest in the conservation and regeneration of forests through tree felling and thinning. Thanks to Yoshii’s proactive efforts, the phenomenon of peeling and thinning in the Itoshima area has started to take root.
“We are currently working on a plan to build a school building using peeled and thinned wood from the mountainside and establish a free school in the forest.”
“At Tasuki Tazuki, Yoshii serves as the storyteller for the online experience of “What kind of forest is a rich forest? Making coasters with stripped sparse wood and talking about the forest,” conveying the importance of protecting the forest to the participants. Through about a two-hour exchange, he wants participants to experience thinning and peeling and stand at the entrance to regenerate the forest.
“To date, the only way to convey the message about thinning was to experience the forest firsthand, so I am very excited to be able to create opportunities for online communication. Participants can work with domestic lumber. In the future,” as people choose thinned wood and forestry, a transformation will take place in Japan’s forestry.
I accessed a website to share the online experience. Participants, highly interested in nature, enthusiastically made coasters using high-quality wood and sandpaper, experiencing the nature of Itoshima. Yoshii earnestly responded to questions from participants interested in bark peeling and thinning and interwove past interesting anecdotes.
“People who cut down natural forests after the war to increase Japan’s self-sufficiency rate placed cedar and cypress trees in the hopes of future generations’ use, restored the forest, and returned it to its original state. We want to protect Japan’s forests for the people 100 years from now.”
Online Experience
“What is a rich forest like? Make coasters with stripped sparse wood and learn about the forest”
We will deliver a kit containing coaster-making wood (2 pieces), three types of sandpaper + wood for sanding (1 piece), and organic drip coffee (2 pieces) to your home. The price is 4,400 yen + shipping. There is also a participation class for viewing only without a kit, priced at 1,500 yen (no shipping fee).
.custom-hover-1155233 a {
transition: all 0.2s;
border: 2px solid #fcb900;
}
.custom-hover-1155233 a:hover {
background-color: #fff;
}