Our sugi (Japanese cedar) and hinoki (Japanese cypress) forests face a crossroads. Decades of monoculture forestry have created dense, aging stands with low biodiversity, increasing susceptibility to pests and worsening pollen issues—especially near urban areas. Rather than resorting to traditional logging or clear-cutting, we are charting a regenerative path, reimagining these forests as thriving food forests that support biodiversity, reduce pollen, and contribute to food independence.
The Vision: Food Forests as Buffers and Biodiversity Hubs
Our aim is to create productive buffer zones that bridge the gap between civilization and deep forests. These zones will serve as:
- Pollen and Allergy Reduction Areas
By thinning sugi and hinoki stands near urban areas, we aim to reduce pollen levels, easing the burden on residents who suffer from allergies—our own family included. These buffer zones will help mitigate pollen-related health issues, especially where urban pollutants intensify their effects. - Regenerative Ecosystems and Food Hubs
Instead of removing all trees, we’ll retain the healthiest specimens and integrate a diverse array of food-bearing and native plants. This approach will increase biodiversity, improve soil health, and create a resilient ecosystem that balances nature with human needs.
Step 1: Thinning and Preparing the Land
Selective thinning of the outer forest layers will focus on removing weaker trees and reducing overcrowding while maximizing the use of resources. This phase includes:
- Repurposing Sugi and Hinoki Trunks
Felled trunks will be used to build large, raised beds along the land’s natural contours. These beds will follow the slope (“dénivelé”), acting as barriers to catch organic matter and prevent erosion. Over time, this system will evolve into a terraced landscape that stabilizes soil and water retention. - On-Site Branch Mulching
Branches will be crushed and layered into the raised beds, where they will decompose, enriching the soil. This approach minimizes waste and accelerates the land’s transformation into fertile ground.
Step 2: Constructing Raised Beds and Fencing
The raised beds are the foundation of this regenerative design. They stabilize the land and create planting zones, complemented by fencing to protect young plants. Key steps include:
- Layering Organic Matter
Raised beds will be filled with branches, leaves, and other organic material that decompose over time, creating a nutrient-rich base for long-term plant growth. - Integrating Wildlife-Resistant Fencing
Deer and boars are a significant challenge in forest-edge agriculture. Standardized fencing, designed to blend into the environment, will be installed atop the raised beds to safeguard plants while maintaining the natural aesthetic.
Step 3: Planting for Diversity and Productivity
With the land prepared, the focus shifts to planting. This stage introduces a multi-layered system of trees, perennials, and native plants to support resilience and productivity.
Fruit Trees for Sustained Harvests
A carefully selected mix of hardy fruit and multipurpose trees will anchor the system, arranged by size to create a tiered canopy that maximizes light and space. Hardy varieties like persimmons, figs, and mulberries will form the forest’s backbone. These trees thrive in local conditions, providing sustainable food sources for humans and wildlife alike.
Other varieties we have tested and plan to include:
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): A resilient species offering edible nuts and stunning autumn foliage.
- Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica): A mid-sized evergreen tree that yields sweet, golden fruit in early summer.
- Camellia (Camellia sinensis): Known for its tea leaves, this evergreen shrub-like tree thrives in Kansai.
- Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida): Produces tart fruit suitable for preserves and snacks.
- Japanese Pepper Tree (Zanthoxylum piperitum): A tall tree producing aromatic seeds used as a spice.
- Toona (Toona sinensis): A highly nutritious tree valued for its edible young leaves.
- Japanese Udo (Aralia cordata): A fast-growing tree with edible shoots used in traditional cuisine.
- Akebia Vine (Akebia quinata): A smaller, climbing species producing edible pods loved by birds.
Perennial Herbs and Ground Covers
These companion plants enrich soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds, creating a supportive micro-climate for the larger trees. All species are native or well-adapted to Japan’s climate and offer dual-purpose functionality as ground cover and edible yields.
Key selections include:
- Japanese Strawberry (Fragaria nipponica): A native strawberry with sweet fruit and ground-covering growth.
- Japanese Wild Ginger (Asarum nipponicum): Shade-loving native ground cover with heart-shaped leaves.
- Sedum (Sedum japonicum): Drought-tolerant succulent-like ground cover for sunny spots.
- Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis): Long-lived perennial vegetable producing tender spring shoots.
- Artichoke (Cynara scolymus): Striking plant yielding edible buds and enhancing garden structure.
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Clumping herb with mild onion flavor; easy to grow and pest-repellent.
- Sorrel (Rumex acetosa): Tangy leafy green that grows well in sun or partial shade.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): Aromatic herb with culinary uses, thriving in sunny, well-drained soil.
- Valerian (Valeriana fauriei): Traditional medicinal herb with pollinator-friendly flowers.
Step 4: Dense Native Plantations Using the Miyawaki Method
To bridge the gap between the food forest buffer and deeper sugi and hinoki monocultures, we will introduce a Miyawaki strip—a dense plantation of diverse, native trees.
- The Miyawaki Method: Accelerates natural forest regeneration by planting native species closely together, creating a miniature, self-sustaining forest within 20-30 years.
- Benefits: Enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and acts as a natural transition zone, reducing pollen spread and providing wildlife habitats.
Suggested species include:
- Konara Oak (Quercus serrata)
- Yamazakura Cherry (Prunus jamasakura)
- Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
- Tabunoki (Machilus thunbergii)
- Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
- Kusunoki (Cinnamomum camphora)
- Akagi (Bischofia javanica)
- Amur Cork Tree (Phellodendron amurense)
- Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
- Aodamo (Fraxinus lanuginosa)
We can regenerate forests by tight planting native species at the edges of our food forests
Step 5: Long-Term Vision and Community Involvement
This project is about more than transforming a section of forest—it’s about creating a sustainable model that can be replicated across Japan. Our vision includes:
- Promoting Food Independence: By growing a diverse range of edible plants, we contribute to local food security and reduce dependence on imports.
- Restoring Ecological Balance: A careful mix of forest thinning, regenerative planting, and native biodiversity will stabilize ecosystems and increase resilience to climate change.
- Engaging the Community: Workshops, tours, and educational events will involve local residents, sharing knowledge and fostering a sense of stewardship.
Image credit: Andrea Manzati, used with permission from https://alconic.it/.
What’s Next?
As we move forward with this vision, we will share updates on our progress and ways you can get involved. Whether through planting days, workshops, or visiting the site, this is a journey we invite you to join.
If you’re interested in learning more or supporting the project, reach out through our website, Niwamori.org
Together, we can transform sugi and hinoki forests into vibrant, regenerative ecosystems that support both people and the planet.