top of page

search results

58 items found for ""

  • Woodsman KIZISHI, a drifter in the forest

    A woodworker is a craftsman who cuts down hardwoods, mainly tochigi, beech, and zelkova, and uses a tool called a potter's wheel to make circular wooden forms such as bowls and trays. Most kijishi were "drifters" who went into deep mountains far from human habitation in search of good lumber, lived and worked in the mountains while it was available, and moved to new mountains with their entire families when the lumber was no longer available. When we look into the history of the woodcutters, the legend of Prince Koretaka Shin'o is the first to come up. Prince Koretaka was the first child of the 55th Emperor Montoku, and was loved by many. Later, he became a monk due to illness and went into hiding in Ono, Kyoto, where he is said to have died at the age of 54. However, there is a different story about the latter half of Prince Tadakyo's life. According to the legend, after losing his throne, Prince Tadakyo left the capital and lived for 19 years in Ogura-tani, Shiga Prefecture, with a number of his entourage until his death. During this time, he invented the potter's wheel, which he taught to the local people. Later, the woodcutters who were taught the technique cut down all the trees in the area and scattered in small groups all over the country in search of good wood. We do not know the details of when this legend began to be told among the woodcutters, but it seems that at least in the Edo period, woodcutters all over Japan recognized that Prince Tadakyo was the founder of their profession and that the Ogura valley in Okueigenji was the site of their distant ancestors. In Oguraya, there were Tsutsui Hachimangu Shrine (now Tsutsui Shrine) in Hirutani-machi and Daio no Omyo Myojin (now Daio no Kiki Jisho Shrine) in Kimigahata-machi, both dedicated to Prince Tadakyo, and they became part of the ruling offices of woodworkers, called Tsutsui Kobunsho and Takamatsu Gosho respectively, and became sacred places for the worship of woodworkers. In return, after confirming that all Kijishi under their control had been accepted, they would give them a kami-fuda, a kune-fuda (business license), and an endorsement that they could go anywhere they wished. In return, the ruling office would distribute documents such as kamifuda (sacred cards), kunefuda (business licenses), and the Emperor's imperial decree authorizing passage through the forest. These documents were "passports" and "family registers" for those who were drifting in the forests, so it seems that a relationship of mutual interest was established and the ruling organization of the largest group of woodworkers in Japan was established until the Meiji era. This legend seems to be a mixture of fact and fiction, and there is a theory that the person who brought the potter's wheel to this country was not Prince Tadakyo, who the Kijishi say was their ancestor, but a group of foreigners, including the Hata clan. I would like to continue reading "Kijiya Fantasy" written by Eiichiro Kirimura and "Kijishi: Their Tradition and Work" published by the Kumano City Museum of History and Folklore, as well as other books on Kijishi, to think about the drifters in the forest and look for hints to improve our forests today.

  • Thinking about wood drying

    I thought about the drying period from the time a tree is cut down until it is ready to be used as lumber. When used as a building material, if the wood is not dried properly, it will distort and twist, affecting the building. When I visited a forestry site once, I was told that zelkova is a very susceptible tree, and that it takes 10 years after being cut down, 10 years after being laid down, and 10 years after being ground (sawed). It takes a very long time, which seems daunting in today's fast-paced world, but the buildings that were painstakingly and carefully crafted over time remain firmly in place today. In the world of woodworking, there are two methods: one is to use dried lumber, and the other is to use raw wood (freshly harvested, undried wood) to make props, vessels, and furniture. When raw wood is ground into thin vessels on a wood lathe and dried, the distortion caused by the drying process works well to enhance the piece. Thus, we can see that the required drying period varies depending on the use and species of wood. We hope to deepen our understanding of trees by thinking about things from various angles and sincerely dealing with trees, rather than being limited to one way of thinking.

  • Maintenance of terraced biotope Mowing of vegetation

    In many cases, satoyama is dotted with poor-nutrient wetlands that are unsuitable for land use) and reclaimed land of residual soil that has become wet due to stagnant water caused by over compacting clay soil, and at the head of reservoirs, there are wetlands where spring water seeps out. In such wetlands, vegetation succession is slow, and wetland wildflowers may be mixed in, so it is important to carefully observe and cut the wetland undergrowth. Mowing to reduce the progression of vegetation succession should be carried out in summer and fall~late fall, preferably by hand or with a shoulder mower. In order to create a wetland as a habitat for living creatures, it is necessary to leave some vegetation. It is also important to remove all mowed grass as much as possible. Mowing in the summer Mowing is a very important task in maintaining this biotope. Mowing can be done by hand or with a brushcutter. We recommend mowing as often as possible and until late fall. However, do not mow after the first snowfall, as the grass and trees will die and go dormant for the winter. This terraced biotope has a lot of vegetation that should be cut at different times of the year, so it is important to keep an eye on these seasonal differences and know when to cut each type of plant. Mowing with a brushcutter Terraced biotopes are diverse habitats and need to be maintained by mowing the vegetation. Mow by hand or with a shoulder-mounted brushcutter during the summer and fall, if possible. Leave the plants Leave plants that are native to the area. Leave plants that do not threaten the environment. Leave plants that do not harm other plants. Leave plants that do not harm animals. Leave plants that do not harm humans. Mow some vegetation to maintain the diversity of the biotope. Mowing is done in the summer and fall to late fall. Mowing is done by hand or with a brushcutter. Mowing requires leaving some vegetation to create wetlands that provide habitat for wildlife. In conclusion, the maintenance of terraced biotopes plays an important role in preserving biodiversity. For this purpose, mowing some vegetation with a sickle or brushcutter is effective in maintaining diversity.

  • Attracting Children to Forests Forest Environmental Education 

    Forest environmental education focuses on the relationship between forests, people's lives, and the environment. In forest environmental education, students learn how forests affect climate change, what humans can do to enrich forests, and the relationship between the economy and nature. It also encourages the protection and care of forest resources by providing information on how forests can be used sustainably by humans while maintaining their ecological health. What is Forest Environmental Education? Forest environmental education is education that aims to deepen understanding and interest in the relationship between forests, people's lives, and the environment through a variety of hands-on activities in forests. The goal of forest environmental education is to help individuals, groups, and communities find ways to live peacefully with nature, taking into account both the conservation needs for future generations and the human needs of the present. Forest Environmental Education and the Relationship between Forests, People, and the Environment Forest environmental education aims to help people understand and act on the relationship between forests, people's lives, and the environment. The concept of forest environmental education was born from four main factors. The "forest and forestry problem," where Japan's forests have been devastated due to the stagnant forestry industry. The growing interest of young people and adults alike in an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Growing demand for vocational training to acquire practical skills (including forestry-related skills) needed in society. Demand from educators for opportunities for children to learn directly about their community and society, such as volunteer activities and field trips to areas affected by natural disasters (e.g., flood control). What will forest environmental education enable you to do?森林の価値と意義を理解する。 Review your own actions to prevent deforestation. Improve forest environmental management. Think about what you can do to help realize a recycling-oriented society. Forest environmental education is more than just visiting a forest and experiencing firsthand its multifaceted functions. It is used to teach people about the importance of plants, animals, and other natural resources. Forest environmental education programs vary by region, but often include activities such as hiking, tree identification, and bird watching. Many schools offer outdoor classrooms where students can learn and explore nature in the outdoors. Some local forests have developed options for students to study and work in forest ecosystems as part of their schooling. These opportunities are offered through summer camps and semester-long projects that provide students with hands-on experience learning how to identify tree species from leaves and other sources (also known as leaf litter). Students can also work with local botanists to educate themselves about the plants native to the area so that the people who live there have a better understanding of what should be protected within their community. What kind of program is forest environmental education? Forest environmental education is a program designed to deepen participants' understanding and interest in the relationship between forests and people's lives and the environment through a variety of hands-on activities in forests. Activities are tailored to the objectives and interests of each participant and focus on the history, culture, and resources of the forest. Through these activities, the program aims to help participants develop an appreciation for nature and actively participate in protecting Japan's unique forests. What Forest Environmental Education Aims to Achieve Understand the value and significance of the various functions of forests. To deepen understanding and interest in the relationship between forests and people's lives and the environment. Forest environmental education aims to help people understand and act on the relationship between forests and people's lives and the environment. Forest Environmental Education aims to help people understand and act on the relationship between forests, people's lives, and the environment. Forest education programs provide students, teachers, and everyone else with the opportunity to learn about forests along with nature.

  • Notice of Masonry Lecture

    Notice of Masonry Lecture Masonry Techniques and Traditions On Monday, January 16, 2023 and Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at Green & Smile Sanpodo We will be holding a "Will Stacking Lecture" for the purpose of passing on the skills and traditions of masonry masonry. We hope you will take this opportunity to join us. Please register here https://forms.gle/pQumwfDsTTHzHvE86 Outline of the lecture ◆Date: January 16 (Mon.) - 17 (Tue.), 2023 (rain or shine) 9:00-17:00 Place: Green & Smile Sanpodo (151-9 Furuikezawa, Yamamoto-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture) Participation fee: 55,000 yen (including lunch for two days) Date and Time: January 16 (Monday) and 17 (Tuesday), 2023 (rain or shine) Place: Sanpodo, 151-9 Aza Furuikezawa, Yamamoto-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture Organizer: Green & Smile Sanpodo Oki Botanical Garden Co. Supported by Takefuji Shoten Co. Instructor: Yuhi Kameyama, Kameyama Zouen Co. Assistance 284. Naka, Takayuki Purpose of the event To hand down masonry skills and train technicians Capacity: 16 people Masonry tools, earth tools, gloves Participation fee: 55,000 tax included (total 2 days) including lunch for 2 days

  • Planting trees in forests.

    Tree planting is an important and globally recognized way to mitigate climate change. It is also effective in reducing the effects of flooding, preventing erosion, and storing water. Afforestation can be used to protect endangered species and provide habitat for animals that have been previously destroyed by human activities. Mie Prefecture has 370,000 hectares of forest, or 65 percent of the prefecture's land area, of which 5,365 hectares are in Komono Town. Komono Town has a forest coverage of 50 percent. Private forests cover 350,000 ha, the majority of the prefecture's forest area. Of the 350,000 ha of privately owned forests, 220,000 are planted forests and 130,000 ha are natural forests and others. The environment surrounding forest management and forestry is currently characterized by deteriorating profitability, an aging population and a lack of skilled forestry personnel, as well as a lack of community-based forest maintenance. Against this background, we believe it is important to stop the ever-increasing saturation of forests. Forests have some form of public interest function, regardless of whether they are human or natural forests, but in order for them to function sustainably, it is important to establish a framework in which not only forest owners and forestry workers can work together, but also the townspeople, companies, and municipalities that live in the area. Protect forests. Protecting the forest: Planting trees in the forest helps protect the area from wildfires and pests. They also help keep the surrounding soil and water healthy, which is important for plants to grow. Prevent landslides. In areas where there is a lot of rain and snow, parts of the ground can shift and move. Planting trees stabilizes the soil and keeps it from shifting underfoot when heavy rain or snow falls! Prevent desertification. Deserts usually occur because people have cut down all the vegetation or exhausted groundwater sources (which work to return water to the ground). Planting more trees near these areas will absorb more carbon dioxide than if they were left alone. In other words... So global warming can be curbed. Komono Town in Mie Prefecture is located on the eastern side of the main Suzuka Mountains, and most of the mountainous strata are granite. Suzuka granite is a massive grayish-white rock ranging in color from gray to slightly lighter, and includes quartzite pegmatite, granite, and semi granite, and the color may vary slightly depending on where it is mined. The Otaka Plateau in Sugitani, Komono-cho, where we live, is composed of granite, but there are also sandstone and mudstone layers. Granite is easy to work and has been used for construction and crafts, and in modern times, many shrine lanterns and water bowls have been preserved. There is a stone lantern and a guidepost of Otaka Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) adjacent to the erosion control forest. After World War II, especially after the Ise Bay Typhoon, demand for stones increased, and they are now widely used as natural stones for gardens, gravel, and other purposes. The mountains and forests are rich in resources, and it is extremely important to restore them to the state where they can be utilized as easily as in the past. Neglected mountain environments have been devastated and spectacular mountain disasters have occurred in many parts of Japan. In August 2014, torrential rains caused a landslide in Hiroshima City; in 2018, a massive landslide was triggered by the Iburi earthquake in eastern Hokkaido; and in 2019, Typhoon No. 15's strong winds toppled a number of grove-rotting Yamatake cedars in Chiba Prefecture, resulting in large-scale, long-term power outages. Other natural disasters, such as record-breaking rainfall, earthquakes, and extreme weather events have occurred in many areas, making the land and forests unsustainable. In Mie Prefecture, a torrential rainstorm caused by a rainy season front centered in the San'in region in 1988 brought 443 mm of rainfall to the urban area of Komono Town, causing extensive damage to many areas. The "fuel revolution" has caused people to move away from forests, and the bright forests that used to be used by people have been replaced by dark forests densely covered with aging trees, rust and bamboo, and global warming. In understanding forests, it is important to understand their multifaceted functions. Forests have many public functions, one of which is the function of preventing landslides and preserving the soil. In order to fulfill these functions, forests must be managed so that they remain healthy. In particular, if man-made forests such as cedar and cypress are not properly managed, they will deteriorate and cease to fulfill their functions for the public good. In order to enhance biodiversity conservation, it is essential that secondary forests and man-made forests be properly managed on a sustainable basis. Plant communities include: red pine - azalea community, cedar - cypress community, vertebrate - sakaki community (common in shrine and temple forests), evergreen coniferous forest, evergreen broad-leaved forest, and evergreen evergreen broad-leaved forest. In addition, moss communities and wetland vegetation can also be seen. Up to an elevation of 850 m in the Suzuka Mountains Oak trees such as Japanese cypress, tabunoki, Japanese white oak, yew oak, Japanese red oak, red oak, and white oak; evergreen trees such as black bai, Japanese umbrella pine, and blackberry; and shrubs on the forest floor such as yabutsubaki, dogwood, asebi, sakaki, and holly. The shrub layer on the forest floor is composed of camellia japonica, dogwood, asebi, sakaki, holly, and other shrubs. The vegetation in the mountains near Komono today is dominated by Quercus serrata, which has accumulated a large amount of collapsed soil and is rich in humus, and Abemaki, sawtooth oak, and other trees. It is believed that once a forest has been maintained by human intervention, it will basically return to the potential natural vegetation of the area if it is not cared for afterwards. However, human-created forests often do not return to good forests if they are simply left alone. In this regard, since erosion control forests lack a rich diversity of vegetation and become overgrown with grasses, it is desirable to plant forests that include both tall trees and shrubs. Tree planting is a profession that contributes to the conservation of land and water resources. Many trees are planted in many countries, reducing soil erosion and raising groundwater levels. It also absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. In fact, tree planting is considered one of the most effective ways to combat climate change because it absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere and at the same time protects against floods and droughts that can destroy crops and cause famine. Plants associated with Komono, Komono has a long history as a place where people used to come from all over to search for medicinal herbs as a main herb study. Komonogiku Flowering July September Native to Komono Inamori-so May June Japanese silver cherry April May Choujigiku August September Fuchu-ohsou August September Paph. suzukazami Sept. Nov. Kinkoka July-August In 1980, the National Tree Planting Festival was held in the Mie Prefectural Forest in the presence of the Emperor and Empress Showa. Among the plants on display were akayashio, benidodan, shiroyashio, sarasa dodan, rhododendron, kometsutsuji, inamorisou, iwazakura, kinkojika, and komonogiku. This time we planted autumn leaves and cherry trees, but we would like to consider planting various combinations of trees to maintain diversity.

  • Biotope Creature Observation Event in Mie

    We went to Daiwa House Mie Plant to assist in a nature observation of living creatures in the biotope. Biotope is a term used to describe a habitat space that includes climate, soil type, water quality, and the presence of other organisms. From the survey of aquatic insects, there are ways to learn about the water quality of rivers and predict pollution. During this observation session, we were able to collect tamoroko, ibis, oikawa, mudjow, sujebi yago, and gibbon. The children were too excited in the morning to start when they were still waiting for more. All children were able to capture fish and aquatic insects with nets. Biotopes are often used for environmental restoration, nature conservation, and recreational activities. A biotope is sometimes considered to be a species, and at other times it is considered to include a wide variety of living organisms. All living things in the natural world do not exist independently of each other, but are incorporated into the food chain as both eaters and receivers. mutually influencing each other to maintain the balance of the natural world. I felt that it was a very meaningful time for me to feel the nature and study it, even if only a part of it.

  • garden maintenance in Komono-cho, Mie

    The garden is an important element of any home. A well-maintained garden adds to the beauty, value, and character of the property. However, keeping a garden beautiful requires regular maintenance such as pruning trees, weeding flower beds, and removing weeds around trees and plants, as well as disinfecting and fertilizing. Regular garden maintenance is essential for a healthy and beautiful garden. Pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and disinfecting your garden will help to maintain it. Trees and ornamental plants should be pruned regularly. Pruning helps control growth as well as shape. Weeds grow faster than any other plant in the garden, and if they are not removed from time to time, they can quickly overtake the garden. In Japan, weeds have a long history. During the Edo period (1603–1868), farmers grew and cultivated several types of flowers in their gardens to beautify them. However, they did not understand the difference between these flowers and weeds, so they called all kinds of wildflowers "weeds." Weeds can be a problem for farmers, gardeners, and other people who work with plants. They are often thought of as unwanted plants that grow where they are not wanted. Some weeds have been introduced into an area by accident while others have been brought intentionally to be used as food or medicine. There is no doubt that weeds can cause problems if left unchecked but there are also some benefits such as providing food sources for birds and insects which will help keep their numbers high in times when other food sources may not be available during winter months or drought periods Fertilizing your garden is an important part of regular garden management. It is the addition of nutrients to the soil to promote plant growth and health. There are two types of fertilizers: organic and inorganic (synthetic). Organic fertilizers are derived from plants and animals, while inorganic fertilizers are manufactured in laboratories. The three main components of fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is responsible for the greening of leaves, stems, and flowers, phosphorus for flowering and fruiting, and potassium for strong roots. That's all I have to say about garden management in Komono Town. We hope you will find it useful and enjoy gardening even more than you do now.

  • The New Mountain Culture of the Forest

    Introduction The Japanese people have traditionally revered the forest. As a result, Japan has one of the largest amounts of forest land in the world. However, as more people move to cities and become more accustomed to living in concrete jungles, many worry about what will happen to this precious resource. Fortunately for lovers of green spaces everywhere, there are signs that things are changing among the younger generation: they're starting to see how valuable forests are, both environmentally and spiritually! A new mountain culture The mountains and forests of Japan are a part of its culture. The Japanese people’s love for nature and the natural environment is deeply rooted in their history; it has been said that this is because they live on an island where many natural resources are scarce, so they have always tried to use what little resources they have as efficiently as possible. The Japanese government has also promoted a “mountain culture” for many years, recognizing that mountain forests play an important role in preserving water sources and preventing soil erosion. In addition, because the government was concerned about the effects of deforestation on climate change, it invested heavily in protecting forests over the past decade. As a result, there has been an increase in public awareness regarding forest conservation issues among citizens across Japan—even urban residents who previously had little knowledge about ecological issues became more interested in learning more about them! The Japanese love for nature has led to a strong appreciation for aesthetics and design in all aspects of their lives. This can be seen in their architecture, gardens, ceramics and interior design: traditional Japanese homes are built with natural materials such as wood or stone, and they have small windows so that the residents can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape while remaining inside. Treasuring the forests Forests are important for a variety of reasons. They help to protect biodiversity and they also play an important role in climate change. Forests can be used as places for tourism, as well as providing people with the health benefits that come from walking in nature. Forest preservation is considered a good investment because it enriches people's lives and helps the environment at the same time. A forest that is preserved does not only provide the opportunity for recreational activities; it also provides a sense of peace and tranquility, which can improve mental health. Additionally, forests help maintain clean air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere into their roots and branches (which then becomes part of their tissues). The plants within these ecosystems then release oxygen back into our atmosphere through photosynthesis! Trees and tree-planting Trees are important to the environment. We all know they provide us with oxygen and shade, but their roles in an ecosystem go far beyond that. Trees also provide habitat for wildlife, protect soil from erosion, shade our homes and businesses, produce fruit and nuts (especially in orchard trees), and act as windbreaks to reduce the impacts of storms. Trees help create ecosystems in urban areas as well as rural ones; however, they can be particularly beneficial to cities because they clean air pollution from the atmosphere while also mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide—the leading cause of global warming—and producing oxygen at the same time! Planting trees is one way we can help make our communities healthier for both people and wildlife alike. People are starting to see the benefits of preserving forest spaces. You may not realize it, but forest spaces are an important part of the ecosystem. Trees help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, provide oxygen and prevent erosion. Forest areas are also home to many species of wildlife that depend on trees for food, shelter and protection from predators. Even more important than all of these benefits is the fact that forest space provides a source of medicine for people around the world who may not be able to afford prescription drugs or even basic medical care. For instance, people who live near forests use medicinal plants like yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica) or pungent-flavored huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) every day to treat ailments ranging from colds to cancer. Conclusion The more we understand how important trees are to our lives as humans, the more we’ll want to protect them. The forests of Japan have always been a source of great inspiration and beauty. Now they’re also leading the way in showing us how to live sustainably.

  • Example of Green Space Management for Apartment Buildings

    Introduction The green space outside the house is covered with autumn leaves in fall and cherry blossoms in spring. We can feel the breeze while looking at them. However, while it is of course important to see the green space, it is also important to manage and operate the green space. Here are some examples of green space management work at condominiums. Case Details Case Details Green space management work is aimed at improving the soil and vegetation of green spaces. The advantage of green space management work is that it can be carried out in a natural way without the use of herbicides or chemicals as much as possible. Case Details 1 This case study shows the details of planned pruning work We, who are responsible for the management, pruning, and other yard work, create a natural growing environment by taking care of the trees in our green spaces. The benefits of this case study may include the following Pruning maintains and enriches urban green spaces. Continuing this type of maintenance is important for the sustainability of the city. Volunteers and schools participating in these tasks can provide excellent educational opportunities. Pruning is the process of cutting branches in order to maintain the shape of a tree and renew it with new branches. The term pruning is used primarily for trees. Pruning a garden tree to keep it in good shape year after year is also called pruning, but it can also mean many different things, such as pruning a fruit tree to make it bear fruit. Pruning garden trees is also a very complicated process, with various techniques such as "small watermark pruning" and "large watermark pruning. Recently, more and more trees are being taken from the mountains and planted in their natural state, and there are many different pruning methods that can be used to achieve a natural and beautiful appearance. There are many different types of pruning tools on the market today, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, there are tools with long handles that require less bending at the waist, tools that can be used both indoors and outdoors, tools with small blades that are easy to use for children and elderly people with limited strength, and tools designed for left-handed people. In conclusion, maintaining green space is very rewarding for both the owner and the community. This work is not difficult, but it does require a certain amount of preparedness on the part of those who manage gardens and green spaces. We have to deal with many things based on our knowledge, skills, and experience.。

bottom of page