Name (Title of the Proposed GIAHS Site)
Kunisaki Peninsula Usa Integrated Forestry
Forestry, Agriculture
Agriculture and Fisheries System
Applying Organization
GIAHS Promotion As
Associationsociation of Kunisaki Peninsula Usa Area
Cooperating Organizations
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, United Nations University, Ritsume
Ritsumeikan
ikan Asia
Pacific University, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Oita University, Beppu University,
Nippon Bunri University, Oita Prefectural Government
Country/Area/ Site
Japan,
pan, Oita Prefecture, Kunisaki Peninsula Usa Area
(Bungotakada City , Kitsuki City , Usa City , Kunisaki City , Himeshima Village , HijiTown )The Kunisaki Peninsula Usa Area is located in north
orth asternorth-east
ern Kyushu in south
south-west
west Japan.
Japan Thepeninsula extends
extend into the southern edge of the Seto Inland Sea, and is compr
comprised
ised of 4 cities, 1
town and 11 village
village where
where thethe distinct
distinct geographicalgeographical features,features, ecosystems, andand agricultural
agricultural culture
cultureare preserved.
Access to the Site from Capital City and Other Major Locations
Air travel is the mmain
ain transportation method
method.. Oita Airport is loc
locatedated in the Kunisaki Peninsula.To
Peninsula .To
get there it takes 1 hhour
our 35 minutes
minutes from Tokyo(Haneda
Tokyo(Haneda)
Haneda Airport and about 2 hours
h ours fromTo
Tokyo(
kyo(Narita
Narita Airport.
Narita)Area
1,323.75
Agricultural Ecosystem Zone
Temperateemperate, rice
ice paddies and forest zone

- 1 -Landscape Characteristics
A peninsula with mountain ridges extending radially from the central lava dome, between whichrivers flow rapidly and directly, with level grounds spread out in the north-western area.
Climate Type
Temperate humid climate, Warm
Population
180,572 people, among which 14,842 people are engaged in agriculture, forestry and fisheries
Livelihood Sources
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and manufacturing industries of precision instruments in areas
adjacent to the Oita Airport
Ethnicity, Indigenous Population:
None
Summary Information of Agricultural Heritage System
The proposed GIAHS in the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area is a system where forestry andagricultural production are made possible and are sustain by the connected system of Sawtooth
Oak forests and multiple interlinked irrigation ponds.
Mushrooms have significant nutritional and medicinal values and have the potential to makesignificant contributions to nutritional and livelihood security where arable land is limited.
Mushroom cultivation decomposes biomass and supports nutrient cycling in the ecosystem. Log
wood cultivation of Shiitake mushrooms is a traditional system of agriculture in Japan and remains
an important livelihood for many Japanese farmers. The traditional system depends on sustainable
forestry to produce quality log wood. The proposed GIAHS in the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area
exemplifies the traditional system of Shiitake cultivation using Sawtooth Oak log wood wherearable land is limited. The Sawtooth Oak is planted and managed on a 15 year cycle of sustainable
logging.
The Sawtooth Oaks (or “Kunugi” in Japanese) provide a necessary source of nutrients to thegrowth of Shiitake mushrooms and produces the log wood cultivated Shiitake food product, in
addition to stimulating the forest’s metabolism and recharging the water resources, as well as
maintaining the unique agriculture and forestry industries such as rice paddy agriculture andconserving the various ecosystems.
This area is located in north-eastern Kyushu, and is comprised mainly of the circular shaped
peninsula in the center, extending out to the southern edge of the Seto Inland Sea. Topographically,
the region is characterized by mountain ridges radiating from the central elevation of Mount
Futago, and deep ravines and valleys situated in between the ridges. Many rivers of this area areshort and steep, and the soil is highly porous volcanic soil that absorbs rain water easily, whichmeant that locals struggled with the provision of water from ancient times. Based on the- 2 -above mentioned conditions, llocal
above-mentioned
ocal communities in the regio
regionn have been planting Sawtooth Oak
widely in the S
Satoyama
atoyama (rural areas),
areas because they are an important resour
resource
ce for log woodcultivated Shiitake
cultivatedhiitake and charcoal
charcoal and firewood making, and at the same time conserve water
resources.
Even when cut down, the Sawtooth Oak has the characteristic of shooting from the stump andre--growing
growing in 15 years, and by making use of this excellent property of circulating lumber resource
log wood cultivatedcultivated Shiitake production isis being
being carried
carried out
out actively.
actively. In
In particular,
particular, aa uniqueuniquecharacteristic of this region is the “bright Hoda-ba
Hoda ba””,, where high quality log wood cultivatedShiitake are being produced.
The production of log wood cultivated Shiitake brings forth nutritional food from forest
resources, which contributes to global food security by expanding alternative sources of food andlivelihoods from land unsuitable to arable cultivation . Furthermore, the cycles of the logging andregeneration of the Sawtooth Oak
Oak stimulate thethe metabolism
metabolism ofof thethe Sawtooth
Sawtooth Oak
Oak forests
forests andcontributes to the realization
realization of the common pool resource function which the forest holds.
holds
Furthermore, there are approximately 1,200 small scale irrigation pond constructed in this region
and the Sawtooth Oak forests in the vicinity that recharge the water of the irrigation pond bear aunique scenery that exist
existss throughout the region. In addition, tthe water supplied by the Sawtooth
Oak forests and multiple irrigation ponds is used in the paddy agriculture of rice crops andShichitoui crops.
crops
In this area
area, based on local governments
governments and regional residents focusing on agriculture, forestry
and fishery households, the cyclic system of lumber and water resources is being preserved and thepromotion of agriculture
agriculture and forestry industries is being planned whilst preserving the various
living creatures that exist here.

I Characteristics of the Proposed GIAHS
Global ((Domestic
Domestic) ImportanceDomestic)a. Natural Environment
Environment of the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa
Area and Historical Background
Most regions of Japan fall into a ‘temperate‘temperate zone’
zone withfour clearly defined seasons and have a warm, humid
climate.
In particular, as the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area is locatedin north
north-easterneastern Kyushu of south
south-west
west Japan, on the southernedge of the Seto Inland Sea, the annual mean temperature isaround 16 C, andand thethe coastal areas receive around 1,500
1 500 mm- 3 -Image 1: River View of Oita

of precipitation a year which is much less than the national average of around 1,700mm. In
particular, this area has a characteristic of low rainfall in winter. The peninsula is terrain formed by
the central lava dome that makes up the Futago mountain system, with mountain ridges that
extend out radially from the peaks of the mountain ranges and the deep valleys between them thathas taken form with the distribution of differing volcanic rock, erosion and deposition after the
Miocene epoch . As a result, it can be said that it is a characteristic region with a compact, circularcollection of geological features, geographical features, and differing active structure(central mountainous area, rocky ridge area, sandy beach coastal area, Ria coast area).

terrains

The rivers of this region are short, steep, and with the particular terrain of narrow flat plains, therivers flow rapidly into the sea. In addition, the region is comprised of volcanic soil that absorbs
rainfall easily and poses a challenge for irrigation from rivers in this region (Image. 1).
Historically, the 6 hamlets of Musashi, Kunawa, Kunisaki, Tashibu, Aki and Imi were foundedalong the ravines extending out radially from the Futago mountain system, and came to be known
as the ‘Rokugo’ .
The Kunisaki Peninsula is known as the region where of the formation of Kyushu’s largest manorby the priests and monks of the Usa Hachiman shrine and its associate temple Mirokuji, from which
the Rokugomanzan culture’s syncretic ideal of fusing Shinto and Buddhist philosophies
flourished. This Rokugomanzan culture has been established as a unique religion among the unityof the Kunisaki Peninsula region with the central Futagoji Temple playing a leading role. Moreover,together with historical assets mentioned later on, traditional culture is still being handed down tothis day.
Ancient inhabitants of this landscape tried to open up
farming areas in the peninsula, and with the guidanceof the Usa Hachiman shrine and the Mirokuji Temple
they made use of the natural geographical conditions
and achieved the most sensible formation possible. A
particularly well-preserved site which has retained its
landscape appearance since the 15 th Century can befound at the “Tashibunosho Osaki AgriculturalLandscape” (Fig. 1).

Fig1: Tashibunosho Osaki agricultural landscape,Important National Cultural LandscapeIn the zone of the bases of the mountains surrounding Tashibunosho are the Sawtooth Oak(Quercus acutissima Carr.) forests that support the region’s industry as log wood for Shiitake
Lava dome: dome-shaped terrain formed by the expulsion of highly viscous lava from a volcano
Miocene epoch: a geological age representing the period from approximately 23 million years ago to 5 million years
ago
Active structure: terrain of which activity has been seen in relatively recent ages, such as active faults and active
folds etc.
Irrigation: the use of water that is taken from rivers and puddles around rivers, lakes and marshes
Rokugo were the six ancient administrative areas
Manor: Land owning system of lords, shrines and temples coming into existence in Nara Period which continued toexist until Edo Period.
Syncretization of Shinto with Buddhism: Fusing and harmonizing Shintoism with Buddhism.

- 4 -(Lentinus edodes) cultivation. They are managed appropriately and as a result the recharged water
resources cultivate the agricultural production and livelihood and biodiversity, thus the beautiful
landscape of the Satoyama and agricultural community is formed. Additionally, aided by anabundance of historical background, research institutions and many tourists visit the area.
b. Japan’s Largest Sawtooth Oak Forest and its Multipurpose Role
As previously mentioned, due to a number of special
geographical conditions in this region, the rich forest
environment and agricultural and forestry industries
have a close connection.
The broadleaf forests centering on the Sawtooth Oak
vegetation in the intricately extending ridges growthickly, and the “water” and “log wood” that is suppliedby these forests are cultivating the region’s special
produce and ecosystem.
The total stock volume of Sawtooth Oak (Fig. 2) in

Fig2: Sawtooth Oak forest

Oita ranks as the largest in Japan,with about 22% of the national stock volume found in thisprefecture which is 1.4 times the volume of the next largest: Miyazaki Prefecture. The percentage of
Sawtooth Oak forests in this region is 11.2%, higher than the prefectural average of 10.5%. The
main reason behind the areal extent of the forests is that Sawtooth Oaks were planted widely acrossthe Satoyama landscape due to their usefulness as log wood for Shiitake cultivation and source
for charcoal and firewood. Though its utilization as a charcoal source has diminished, it is still thelargest Sawtooth Oak forest in the country today and sustains the production amount and quality oflog wood cultivated Shiitake which is famous throughout Japan.
Even when cut down the Sawtooth Oak sprouts from the stump and re-grows within 15 years,
meaning that the forestry resource has the excellent property of circulation. Moreover, the fallen
leaves and the discarded logs used in log wood cultivated Shiitake are humified, then become softand swollen and take the form of a water retention layer.
As log beds for cultivating mushrooms (or Hoda-gi in Japanese), Sawtooth Oaks provide anecessary source of nutrients for the production of Shiitake, and are used for log wood cultivatedShiitake production for 3 to 4 years. Sawtooth Oak forests provide the food ‘log wood cultivatedShiitake’. That is to say, the fact that food is produced from forestry resources fulfills an importantrole of increasing food options, and even from the view of contributing to global food security asJapan is the world’s largest producer of Shiitake mushrooms.
Through the production of log wood cultivated Shiitake, logged Sawtooth Oak forests re-grow, theforest’s metabolism is stimulated, and in addition to sustaining the rechargeof water resources.

Log wood: wood used for the inoculation of Shiitake mycelium (Sawtooth Oak is the most used wood in Oita
Prefecture)
Stump: the base of cut Sawtooth Oak trees
Recharge: groundwater (rainwater and river water) is slowly absorbed and becomes underground water.

- 5 -Maintenance of the Sawtooth Oak forests also reinforces the value of the forests as a common pool
resource and contributes to the overall sound environment in the Satoyama landscape.
Downpours of rain in this region absorb into the soil where fallen leaves etc. have accumulated
and become spring water containing organic matter and nutrient salt , sustaining paddy agriculture
and coastal fishing with nutrients for the growth of phytoplankton and seaweed. In addition, sakebreweries using the superior quality ground water have long been developed in this region, with 18
breweries existing at present.
c. Log Wood Cultivated Shiitake
Shiitake is a type of mushroom cultivated mainly in Japan, China and Korea for consumption
worldwide, and can be found as widely spread as the mountainous areas of south-east Asia and New
Zealand.
As Japan has a warm, humid climate suited to Shiitake, these mushrooms have supported the foodculture as a precious ingredient from ancient times. Furthermore, not only does drying increase thepreservative qualities of log wood cultivated Shiitake, but they are an indispensable ingredient incooking and soup bases in Japanese food, used to increase the amount of guanylic acid which serves
as one of the main three taste components of Japanese cuisine. Shiitake are also widely used in thecuisines of other countries such as China, and recently the need for ingredients for Japanese cuisine
has increased in Europe, demonstrating that the food culture of Shiitake usage is also popularizing
and expanding globally.
It is no exaggeration to say that the key to cultivating high quality log wood cultivated Shiitake liesin the Hoda-ba and the water that are used. Although thelog wood cultivated Shiitake Hoda-ba is generally placedin conifer forests like the Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria
japonica) in other parts of Japan, the Kunisaki Usa region
uses “bright Hoda-ba” deciduous broadleaf forests which
provide ample temperatures and sunlight in a region
marked by little rainfall and cold temperatures during
winter to early spring (Fig. 3).
More than half of the large scale Shiitake farmers using

Fig3: ‘Bright Hoda-ba’ in broadleaf forests

deciduous broadleaf forests as Hoda-ba in Oita Prefecture are in the area.
d. Water Supply System with Multiple Interlinked Irrigation Ponds
As farming communities began spreading rice agriculture, the main problem was the securing ofwater resources. As explained above, due to the volcanic soil, swift, short rivers and narrow valleys,

Nutrient salt: the general term for silicate nutrients such as phytoplankton and seaweed,
phosphate, oxalic acid, nitrite salt etc.
Hoda-ba: the place where log wood cultivated Shiitake is grown- 6 -low rainfall and the difficulty of river water utilization, irrigation ponds (or Tameike in Japanese)were imperative to the stable practice of paddy agriculture. In addition, the geographical conditions
prevented the construction of large scale irrigation ponds so that ancient farmers established thetechnique of multiple ‘interlinked’ small irrigation ponds to provide the necessary amount of water.
In this region, on average there are 4 small scale irrigation ponds for every valley and water supply
system interlinking them was constructed in each river, and through the shared operations andmanagement of residents, the necessary water for agricultural use was secured.
For example in the Tsunai area of Kunisaki City there is a system of 6 interlinked irrigation ponds
from the Edo period that are still in operation today (See Appendix d). The furthest upstream
irrigation pond “Takaoike” is installed for water usage in the latter period of wetland rice growing.
During this time, the three mid-stream area irrigation ponds, and the two downstream irrigation
ponds are interlinked and refill one another with water for agricultural use. Furthermore, open water
ways are stretched around the mountainsides that connect the irrigation ponds, and schemes arebeing carried out in order to collect even more rain water in the irrigation ponds.
e. Sawtooth Oak Forests and Multiple Irrigation Ponds, and the Agriculture and Forestry
Industries and Various Creatures that They Nurture
Paddy agriculture such as wetland rice (Oryza sativa) and Shichitoui (Cyperus monophyllus
VAHL.) is cultivated with the previously mentioned irrigation supply system, and the Sawtooth Oak
forests play a large role even here. The fallen leaves and the discarded logs used in log woodcultivated Shiitake are humified then become soft and swollen and take the form of a water
retention layer. As well as recharging the water resources of the irrigation ponds, it produces waterrich in minerals and nutrients. Stored in the irrigation ponds, from the mountainous areas to the
paddy fields downstream, this water creates a nature where a variety of creatures can live.
As large scale paddy agriculture was not developed in this region, it became necessary to cultivate
a commodity that complemented wetland rice. At present the region has a rich diversification ofagricultural livelihood options, including beef cattle, Shironegi or ‘Welsh Onion’ (Allium
fistulosum), Konegi or ‘small Welsh onion’ (Allium fistulosum) and house-mikan or ‘mandarinoranges grown in greenhouses’ (Citrus unshiu Marc.). In the past, farmers used to manage a
combination of rice-agriculture and log wood cultivated Shiitake production.
Previously, Shichitoui was cultivated widely across the prefecture. Shichitoui can be cultivated in
the same fields used for rice paddies as the busy harvesting and cropping seasons are different.
Shichitoui is a durable material used for ‘tatamiomote ’ which used to have a high demand. Today
the number of producers has diminished due to the improvement of ‘tatamiomote’ weaving
machines using Igusa (Juncus effuses var. decipens), but Kunisaki City is famous as the only
producing area in all of Japan. To this day, the biodiversity of the creatures of this area has been
Tameike: artificial irrigation ponds equipped with water drawing capabilities, predominantly for storing water for
agricultural irrigation
Tatamiomote: sheets affixed to tatami used as Japanese style flooring- 7 -preserved relatively well.
Endemic species including plants such as the Kobanoikubigoke ( Diphyscium perminumtum
Takaki), fish such as Akaza (Liobagrus reinii Hilgendorf)
and Kubohaze (Gymnogobius scrobiculatus Takagi) can befound here. The region is also home to the Oosanshouo or‘Japanese Giant Salamander’ (Andrias japonicus) (Fig. 4),
which is listed as a national Special Natural Monument andthe Kabutogani or ‘Horseshoe Crab’(Tachypleus
tridentatus Leach), which is recognized as a ‘living fossil’.
Apart from these, there are traditional products such as

Fig4: The Japanese Giant Salamander(Oosanshouo)

Mitori beans (Vigna sinensis L.) and Oita kabosu
lime (Citrus sphaerocarpa). As in Figure 5, bymeans of adequate maintenance of Sawtooth Oak
forests surrounding the irrigation ponds, a virtuous
cycle of biological resources is created, a system
which permits the continuation of traditional
agriculture and forestry industries such as log woodcultivated Shiitake production is constructed. Thissystem is being conserved to this day (Image 2).

Fig.5: Planted Sawtooth Oak in the upper
reaches of Matusgasako Pond

Image2: Agriculture system sustained by Sawtooth Oak forests and irrigation ponds- 8 -Food and Livelihood Security
a. Agriculture
Paddy agriculture in the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area constitutes
three quarters of the cultivated acreage and occupies 15,034 ha.
However flat plains are scarce and the average cultivated acreage
per farm household is 1.4 ha which is lower than the national
average of 1.8 ha. Local communities have traditionally used log
wood cultivated Shiitake and Shichitoui as well as wetland ricefor crop diversification in this area.
The fraction of households engaged in agriculture (out of thetotal number of households) in this area is 18.2% which is about
twice the prefecture average of 9.1% and nearly 4 times thenational average of 4.7%. Thus, agriculture holds a central place in

Fig6: Oita specialty Kabosu lime

local livelihood. In recent years, vegetables grown inside agricultural facilities in the Kunisaki
Peninsula Usa area such as greenhouses, as well as fruit orchards and flowers have gained
popularity, and farming income of the area accounts for 33% of the total prefectural farming income.
Prominent vegetables grown here include Shironegi and Konegi, and fruit grown here includes
kabosu limes (Fig. 6), house mikan and grapes ( Vitis spp). Among flowers, the Wheel
chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum L. sensu ampl.) and Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.)
Shinners) are popular species.
b. Forestry
The area of forest in Oita Prefecture is 449,862 ha, covering approximately 70% of the total area
and retaining an affluent natural environment. The prefecture’s forestry is generally classified into
lumber production of Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress ( Chamaecyparisobtusa), and Shiitake
production. Of forestry output, Shiitake production accounts for a 37% share, thus Shiitake is an
important commodity of Oita Prefecture.
Furthermore, compared with other regions, this region
clearly has a high share of broadleaf forests. 38,185 ha,or 49% of the forest area is comprised of broadleaf trees,
which in addition to contributing to the conservation of
biodiversity, it also recharges water resources and acts
as a flood defense. It demonstrates multifaceted
functions and supports the livelihood of residents.
The dried log wood cultivated Shiitake , Oita Prefecture

Fig7: Log wood cultivated Shiitake

Cultivated acreage: the area of arable land that agriculture and forestry management bodies operate (rice fields,
vegetable plots, orchards)
Dried log wood cultivated Shiitake: log wood cultivated Shiitake that is dried and preserved to be stored for long
periods of time

- 9 -

local specialty, has more than 40% of the national share. The Sawtooth Oak forests spreading
throughout this region produce 302.6 ton of the dried log wood cultivated Shiitake (Fig. 7). As far
as quality is concerned, Oita Prefecture’s dried log wood cultivated Shiitake have won the title ofbest in Japan at the National Dried Shiitake Competition for 14 consecutive years, thus playing animportant role in dried log wood cultivated Shiitake production.

II. 2 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions
The Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area spreads radially from the peak of Mt. Futago (height of 721 m) at
its center, to the coastal areas rich in variation. In each environment there exists a variety of plants
and animals adapted to that environment. Through the adequate management of Sawtooth Oak
forests and multiple irrigation ponds by the region’s residents’ unified efforts, characteristic
agricultural, forestry and fishery industries such as log wood cultivated Shiitake and Shichitoui etc.
are continually run. NPOs are at the center of the efforts to revive the Hotaru firefly ( Luciola
cruciata) and to plant broadleaf trees (Satoyama
affluent ecosystem.

conservation activities) in order to conserve thea. Agrobiodiversity of the Regioni.
Log Wood Cultivated Shiitake (Lentinus edodes)
Shiitake are edible mushrooms of the Kishimeji group and in
this region which has a large cumulative amount of Sawtooth
Oak forests, Shiitake cultivation using Sawtooth Oak as log
wood is popular.
As the rainfall is low in winter, an ingenious plan of using
Sawtooth Oak to produce log wood cultivated Shiitake in thisregion was devised and the region’s unique cultivation
techniques also evolved over time. In the occurrence ofShiitake, temperature and water control is important, but the
production of log wood cultivated Shiitake is easily influenced
by climate conditions and the shipping amount has a flaw of

Fig8: Dried log wood cultivated Shiitake

being unstable. Because of this, as mentioned later on, irrigation water is secured from irrigation
ponds and is used to promote the sprouting of log wood cultivated Shiitake periods of water
shortage. This is a technique to control the amount of Shiitake which emerge and is unique to theregion. Combined with such favorable conditions, the stable production of high quality log woodcultivated Shiitake is made possible. Furthermore, as they are cultivated in a “bright Hoda-ba”, theNational Dried Shiitake Competition: Competition sponsored by the Japan Shiitake Agricultural Cooperative
Association that judges the quality of domestic dried Shiitake
Satoyama: Forests or mountains adjacent to hamlets and houses, which are conserved and managed
by people.

- 10 -

surface ((‘Kinsan
Kinsan ) of the log wood cultivated Shiitake is dry and cracked. H
Kinsan’High
igh quality dried log
wood cultivated Shiitake
Shiitake,, called “Chabana
Chabana
Chabana--Donko
Donko”
Donko and “Koko“Koko
Koko” with a go
good
od external appearance(Fig. 9) are produced in such bright “Hoda
Hoda ba”.
Hoda-baii.
Shichitoui (Cyperus
Cyperus monophyllus VAHL.)
Shichitoui is a type of grass belonging to the Kayatsuri-gusa
Shichitoui
Kayatsuri gusa
family and is used for weaving tatami sheets
sheets,, or ‘Tatamiomote‘Tatamiomote
Tatamiomote’’.
Shichitoui was introduced to this area in the early Edo period
and w
was
as exported to Kansai as “Bungoomote“Bungoomote”
Bungoomote”, a monopoly
product of the Kitsuki domain, through a sea lane.
lane . At present,
the Kunisaki City
C ity is the only remaining production area of
Shichitoui in Japan.
Japan TheThe grass is known for its durability, moreso than the Igusa
Igusa (soft rushrush)) which is also used for making
tatami mat
mats. Tatami
atami mats made of Shichitoui are also used in

Fig : Shichitoui
Fig9:
Shichito i fromfrom Kunisaki
Kunisak

traditional
raditional cultural assets such as temples (Fig.9(Fig.9).
iii.
Mitori Beans (Vigna
Vigna sinensis L.)
Th
Thee Mitori bean is a variety of the Sasage
Sasageasage,, or ‘cow
cow peapea’(VignaVigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.
Walp.) that has been passed downthsince the 19 century in the Nagasu district of Usa City . The
husk of this bean is not eaten, only the bean (‘(‘mimi’) is eaten
after separation (‘tori
tori’’),), thus giving it the name ‘mi‘mi--tori
tori bean’.
bean’.
Although the Akamitori bean,
bean Kuromitori bean and Shiromitor
Shiromitori
bean are only grown in the limited part of Japan, theKuromitori bean is cultivated as a native species in the Nagasu
district of Usa City. Because the bean does not fall apart whenFig1 Mitori Beans
Fig10:

boiled, and gives off a beautiful violet ccolor,
olor, ‘Mitori
Mitori Okowa’
Mitori-Okowa
Okowa (glutinous rice steamed with Mitori
beans) is cooked for ‘Obon
Obon and distributed throughout the neighborhood. The custom of offering
Obon’
Manju dumplings
dumplings filled
filled with
with bean
bean paste mademade fromfrom Mitori
Mitori beans
beans at
at Buddhist
Buddhist altars
altars still
still remains
remains
today. In
In 2004 the Mitori beans were selected by the Rural Culture Association Japan (Tokyo) as a‘hometown
hometown
hometown’ ingredient to be retained (Fig. 10).
iv.
Oben kaki Pe
P ersirsimmonmon (Diospyros
Diospyros kaki sp.)This is a variety of persimmon (kaki)(kaki) widely grown in thisarea
area. This variety has a deep relation to the Rokugom
Rokugo manzan
anzan
culture, as it is said that the seed was cultivated by the legendarymonk, Ninmonb
Ninmonbosatsu
osatsuosatsu. There is an old tree in Bungotakada City
that is around 230 years old, which is designated by theprefecture as a specially protected tree (Fig. 111)).
Fig1 Oben kaki persimmon
Fig11:
Kinsan: the top part of a Shiitake spread out like an umbrella- 11 -

b. Conserving Biodiversity of Wildlife and Threatened
Speciesi.
PlantsAmong plants, 145 genus and 975 s pecies of vascular plan
plantshave been registered. Among the 57 species that are considered
to be important vegetation spe
species
cies of this region, 27 are listed
in the MoE Red Data List (See Appendix cc-i)i),, including th
theFig12: Iwagirisou (Opithandra
Fig12
Opith ndra primulides
primulides)
Iwagirisou ((Opith
Opithandra
Opithandra primuloides)
primuloides) (Fig.
(Fig 112)..
ii.
Fish, Crustaceans
An extremely wide variety of creatures exist in this region and among the 51 species that arerecognized as representative species of the arearea, as many as 48 of these are listed in the MoE Red

Data List (See Appendix cc-iv).
iv).
In the rivers; tthe
he Japanese Bitterling ((Tanakia
Tanakia lanceolata(Temminck and Schlegel))
Schlegel)), the Japanese endemic species
Akaza (Fig
(Fig. 133), in the mudflats; the Japanese endemic
species Kubohaze, and the Kabutogani, known as a ‘living‘livingfossil’,, are particularly notable.
fossilThe Kabutogani inhabits
inhabits the waters of the Morie Bay ininKitsuki City and is one of the species that characterizes the
Kunisaki Peninsula
Peninsula.. The Kabutogani requires different

Fig13: Akaza (Liobagrus
Fig13
Liobagrus reinii Hilgendorf)

environments depending on its stages of development, suchas sandy beaches
beaches, tidal flats and seaweed beds .This.This demonstrates that the Kitsuki Bay area retains
a good natural and diverse environment that helps this species to breed and gr ow well. The Aogisu,or ‘Small
Small-scale
Smallscale Whiting
Whiting’ (Sillago(Sillago parvisquamis
parvi uamis Gill) is another species of fish that is seen as
parvisendemic to Oita. Sporadic sightings are reported from the coastal areas.
iii.
Reptiles, Amphibians
There are 32 species of reptiles and amphibians registeredin this area including 12 species which are on theEnvironment Ministry’s Red List. The O
Oooita
itasanshouuo
anshouuo or‘Japanese
Japanese Giant Salamander
Salamander’ (Hynobius
Hynobius dunni Tago) (Fig.
144)) is a species of salamander discovered and recorded in
Oita as its name suggests
suggests. Itt is also designated as athreatened species by the International Union forConservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
The Japanese Giant Salamander is designated as a Special

Fig14: O
Fig14
Ooitasansho
itasansho uo (Hynobius
itasanshouuo
Hynobius dunni Tago)Natural Mon
Monument
ument of Japan. Among species of salamander, Usa City,
City which is the only natural
breeding ground in Kyushu, is the southernsouthernmost
most limit of inhabitation in Japan.

Seaweed beds: plant
plant clusters
clusters ofof sunken,
sunken, aqueousaqueous marine
marine plants,
plants, i.e.
i.e. seaweed,
seaweed, spread on thethe coastline.
coastline.

- 12 -

iv.
Birds
259 bird species have been confirmed. Among these, 67 areimportant species to the region and 53 of these are featured
in the MoE Red List (See Appendix c-ii). The main specificspecies is the Koshakushigi (Numenius minutus) (Fig. 19)
among the 53 species.
Overall this region possesses terrain rich in variation, frommountainous areas to coastal areas. Each and every terrain
provides an indispensable environment as suitable breeding
grounds for bird species.

Fig15: Koshakushigi (Numenius minutus)

c. Ecosystem Functions
The Sawtooth Oak forests of this region support a landscape that sustains multifaceted functions.
They sustain the cultivation of log wood cultivated Shiitake as a mainstay of farming livelihood in
the local community. They serve to replenish the forest’s metabolism through cycles of logging,recharging ground water and the prevention of flooding. The fallen leaves and decomposed logs
form layers in Sawtooth Oak forests and Hoda-ba to absorb carbon and conserve soil from erosion,
resulting in mitigation of climate change. Irrigation ponds accommodate rapid climate change by
their water storage function which alleviates risks of drought as well as flood in rainy seasons andtyphoon seasons. Irrigation ponds play an important role in the conservation of paddy agriculture
and ecosystems of the region with limited precipitation.

II. 3. Knowledge Systems and Adapted Techniques
In the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area exists excellent techniques suited to the agriculture andforestry industries such as the circulation of Sawtooth Oak cutting and re-growth, the production oflog wood cultivated Shiitake in broadleaf forests, the water supply system of multiple interlinked
small scale irrigation pond in each valley, and paddy agriculture, which are listed below.
Sawtooth Oak Forest Management and Log Wood Cultivated Shiitake Techniques
The Sawtooth Oak forests of this region have sustained log
wood cultivated Shiitake farming which is a mainstay offarming livelihood in the local community (Fig. 16).
Moreover, as the Sawtooth Oak forests exist in the gentle
mountain sides, they are relatively homogenous and havegood growth. They have the characteristic capability ofeasily operating a series of Sawtooth Oak forest
Fig16: Adequately cared-for Sawtooth Oak forests
management and Shiitake cultivation.
Compared to the Konara plant (Quercus serrata Murray), that is also commonly used in Shiitake- 13 -

production in other prefectures, the Sawtooth Oak plant yields bigger, heavier (thicker) and larger
volumes of Shiitake mushrooms. For this reason the Sawtooth Oak plant has a history of cultivationin the Satoyama regions from around 1880. The Sawtooth Oak forest is maintained around 15 years,
which includes weeding and string cutting etc. After 15 years the trees reach a size that is suitable
for logwood cultivated Shiitake production, for effective occurrence amount and operations. The
logging usually takes place in autumn and the logged wood is pieced into 1-1.2 m fragments. Holes
are then drilled into these pieces and they are inoculated with the ‘Tanegoma ’, a practice called‘Komauchi ’. After this process, the Shiitake mycelium spreads its roots inside the log, during aprocess known as ‘Fusekomi’. The logs are kept in this condition till the following autumn when
the Hoda-gi are transported into appropriate bright Hoda-ba areas. The Shiitake mushrooms canbe harvested twice a year: in spring and in autumn (Image 3).
The cut off Sawtooth Oak trees grow new sprouts the following spring. At this point theundergrowth in the forest is cleared out to guarantee their growth and ensure the availability ofnutrition. The cut off grass creates a barrier for the new grass to grow, and by slowly decomposing
on the forest floor, creates a nutrition source for the growing Sawtooth Oak. Two to three years after
sprouting, organizational work is carried out in order to retain 2 or 3 of the shoots. The Sawtooth
Oak plant re-grows in 15 years and becomes suitable for using as the base for the Shiitake
mushroom crop once again.
While most of the maintenance of the Sawtooth Oak forests is carried out by individuals, theSawtooth Oak forest adjacent to the Matsugasako irrigation pond is jointly managed by the forest
management association made up of 28 farm households. The re-grown Sawtooth Oak trees areused by individual log wood cultivated Shiitake producers. Such a “common land” management
system and utilization systems are carried out as a whole in this area.

Image3: Process of log wood cultivated Shiitake

Tanegoma: chips of wood that have been cultivated with fungal filaments, used in the production of Shiitake andother mushrooms.
Komauchi: the inoculation of Tanegoma into the log wood.
Hoda-gi: log wood that has been inoculated with Shiitake Tanegoma- 14 -

b. Managing the Multiple Interlinked Irrigation Pond System
The water usage system of multiple interlinked small scale irrigation ponds plays an important rolein the conservation of paddy agriculture and the ecosystem. The passing down of knowledge andexperience in the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area for the purpose of continuous management of thewater usage system is a matter worthy of special attention.
At the meetings held once a year to regulate the irrigation water of the district, “Ikemori” selectedfrom amongst all of the farm households is entrusted with all of the operations and management
regarding the irrigation ponds, such as the opening and closing of the pond water drawing points.
This Ikemori levels the supply and demand of the wetland rice water and manages the waterdrawing in order to use the small amount of water more effectively and fairly. If this water
management did not function, it would be a difficult situation for the continuation of paddy
agriculture. As such, the local farm households which possess these facilities cooperate with one
another whilst carrying out the continued management of water supply system, beginning with theirrigation ponds.
With each of the rivers that spread out radially from the Futago mountain system, the managementof the multiple interlinked irrigation ponds is in the hands of the local people, which is acharacteristic of this region’s paddy agriculture.
c. Traditional Agriculture and Forestry Production
i. Dried Log Wood Cultivated Shiitake
Dried log wood cultivated Shiitake are processed from log wood cultivated Shiitake which havebeen dried out in the sun or by a drying machine. Based on the condition and color they are divided
into “Tenpaku Donko”, “Chabana Donko”, “Donko”, “Koko”, and “Koshin”. In this region, bright
Hoda-ba are used for growing the Shiitake, using the broadleaf Sawtooth Oak forest, and whenwater is needed for the sprouting of the Shiitake, the irrigation ponds are utilized. These practices
have contributed in the cultivation of highly prized products such as the Chabana-Donko and Koko
which have won numerous accolades including 11 MAFF Ministers Awards and 39 Forestry
Agency Awards at the National Dried Shiitake Competition.
ii.
Shichitoui
As the Shichitoui plant is weak to low temperature,
the crop’s seed bed is covered to protect from cold
weather in winter. Shichitoui is planted in the
beginning of May in rice paddies and thereafter,
pruning known as ‘Uragiri ’ takes place to ensure thatthe plants are uniform in size and color.
The crop is steadied by nets and protected from rain
and wind. After a passage of 90 days from the planting,

Fig17: Manufacturing process of Shichitoui
tatami-omote(surface of tatami)

Seed bed: the place where young plants are planted to develop, such as in a field or in woods
Uragiri: the work involving cutting the tips to exactly the same length of 1.3 m using a pruning machine- 15 -

the Shichitoui crop is cut in early August. The cutting must take place in the morning or evening
dew and sickles are used to cut the crop. Once cut, the crop is then sliced vertically into two equal
halves and the bundles are laid out to dry for 10 hours. Finally, the Shichitoui weaving is done.
The Shichitoui cutting and processing is a very time-consuming and labor intensive practice (Fig17), however the cutting and processing period does not overlap with the busy period of the ricepaddies. This characteristic of the plant has made it a widely cultivated supplementary crop.

II. 4 Culture, Values and Social Structures
a. Religion, Value System (Water) and Faithi.
Water Resource Management of Tashibunosho Osaki area
In the Tashibunosho Osaki area, rice cultivation using
natural spring water began in the narrow flat plains
adjacent to steep mountain ravines in the 11 th Century.
Historical paddy names such as “Amabiki” (which means“inviting rain” in Japanese): are testament to the deep
relationship the spring waters had with the local temple
and shrines. The Amabiki Shrine was also located in thisarea (Fig 18). The Tougeike irrigation pond wasconstructed in recent times in the upstream part of theOsaki valley, which allowed rice agriculture to spread allover the flat plains in the valley with the help of steadyFig18: The Amabiki Shrine

water supply.
The Tashibunosho Osaki region not only retains the rural landscape with terraced paddy fields as it
was during the 11th Century in adjacent areas of the Usa Hachiman shrine, it is also a great exampleof how local cultures evolved through a harmonious relationship between nature and farming
societies, involving traditional tilling methods, in the mountainous areas of the Kunisaki region.
ii.
The Water philosophy as depicted in the religious practices involving water
The Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area is known for devising many techniques indispensable in waterprocurement, including the plantation of the broadleaf Sawtooth Oak forests that strengthen thewater retention capacity of the groundwater, in addition to the construction of irrigation ponds.
Works requiring knowledge, effort and time have been continued fervently.
These ponds were also used for praying to the water gods. Practices such as grass pruning near theponds, the mud dredging and the practice of “surveying” the environment and potential of water
yield with monks all continue to this day. In some ponds, the practice of worshipping the “Pondkannon” (Buddhist deity) in the pool areas (deep water) can also be seen.

Weaving: making ‘Tatamiomote’ sheets by weaving Shichitoui- 16 -

b. Shinto-Buddhist Syncretic Practices
In the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area there exists the Tendai Temple area which has a deep
connection with the Usa Hachiman shrine and is also related to agriculture. Characteristic religious
festivals still remain today.
i.
Shujo-onie (Important Folk Culture Asset- nationally designated)
The Shujo-onie festival is still observed at the Tennenji (Bungotakada City) and Iwatoji and
Joubutsu-ji temples (Kunisaki City) today (Fig. 19).
The festival offers gratitude for the harvest of theprevious year and prays for prosperity in the year
ahead. Apart from the lighting of giant torches andmemorial services by Buddhist monks, one prominent
attraction is the performance of ‘oni’ or ‘demon’dances by the monks. Ordinary people also
participate in the preparation of the lightings andsupporting roles beside the ‘demons’ and uphold theclose relationship the temples and shrines enjoy with

Fig19: Shujo-onie festival

the local community.
ii.
Otaue festival
The Otaue festival is one of the occasions commemorating the rice planting and praying for abumper crop. Ladies arriving with bentou boxes (lunch boxes containing premade food) symbolize
the rice crop. Aside from the Usa Hachiman shrine, the festival is also held at Morotayama Shrine(Kunisaki City), Nata and Wakamiya Hachiman Shrines (Kitsuki City) among others.
iii.
Doburoku Festival
This festival is held at the Shirahige Shrine in Kitsuki City. It isa festival that celebrates good harvest and pays respect to theguardian deity of this shrine (Fig 20). The parishioner of theshrine belongs to a group of festival organizers called the
Jikangumi who select a location to make rice wine for theoccasion. It is said that the festival commemorates a tradition
that began with the parishioner of this shrine in the year 710.
c. Unique Food Culture
In this region there is a rich tradition of preparing local cuisinewith local farm products or the local fish catch. Aside fromindividual families, groups of farming women take a prominent

Fig20: Doburoku festival

part in the management of local food restaurants. These groups are not only engaged in sustaining
the traditional food culture of the region, but they are also active in devising new menus withtraditional farming items and creating new bridges with customers from urban areas in the process.
Some notable items are described below:- 17 -

Dango-jiru (available throughout the entire area)
This is a food item cherished by farming households from during
the times when rice was expensive. The ‘dango’ is made of wheat,and it is broiled with seasonal vegetables and laced with Miso, theintegral ingredient of Japanese cuisine. It is a food that warms the
body and along with supplying carbohydrates and vegetables
Fig21: Dango-jiru(vitamins) (Fig. 21).
Kenchin-jiru (available throughout the entire area)
This dish uses root vegetables broiled in sea kelp or dried Shiitake
extract and is then laced with Soy sauce or Miso paste. It was
consumed by pilgrims in olden days, and is devoid of meat items
for this reason (Fig. 22).
Imokiri (available in Himeshima Village)
This is a local daily food popular among common people living in

Fig22: Kenchin-jiru

the community near the coastal area which has small paddy fields.
Noodle made of taro powder and wheat powder is served with soup
using dried Shiitake and fresh fish as broth (Fig. 23).
Mitori-okowa (available throughout the entire area)
The Mitori beans are a common local type of ‘sasage’ beans, they
are widely cultivated because they are easier to produce than the

Fig23: Imokiri

azuki variety and they have a greater output (in volume). This typeof bean is a famous local product of the Usa area. Its color is darker
in comparison to the azuki bean (Fig. 24).
Ureshino (available in the Kunisaki Peninsula)
The Sea Bream (Tai) variety of fish was widely available in the
Kitsuki area. This was a favorite food of the feudal lord of the

Fig24: Mitori-okowa

Kitsuki fief (han) and became known as ‘ureshino’ (originatingfrom his word ‘very happy’). This is considered to be a delicacy
today. The fish is seasoned with soy sauce and sesame and laid on
top of rice and served with tea poured over it(Fig. 25).
Fig25:Ureshinod. Social Organizations of Irrigation Pond Management
In order to prevent water backing up that has flown down from upstream, there is a need to build“embankments” for the irrigation ponds. The construction of these embankments took place up until
the 19th century, a period without large machinery, and was carried out by hand by the farmers.
The completed irrigation ponds made it possible to store water in the future, and the region had to
manage these appropriately.
As referred to earlier, the “Ikemori” tradition of managing water usage is practiced in the Tsunai
area of the Kunisaki City by communal leaders chosen by the region. The water for agricultural use- 18 -

is supplied and distributed according to the area of the paddies.
In addition to their primary functions of “water“water supply for agricultural useuse”” and “water
water control
control”,,
irrigation ponds also serve many other functions such as “cultivation“cultivation and purification ofunderground water”,
water “emergency
emergency livelihood water supply”
supply , “water
water-frowaterfront
nt scenery formation ” and“biodiversity
biodiversity conservationconservation””. Thus it is necessary for local farmers to continue this irrigation pond
management
management.

II. 5 Remarkable LandscapeLandscape and Water Resource M
Management
anagement Features
a. LandscapeDue to the volcanic activities of the Futago volcaniczone about 1.5 million
m illion years ago, the Kunisaki
Peninsulaeninsula was created in a near -circular
circular shape around
Mt. Futago. Parts of the Kunisaki Peninsula arerecognized for their excellent visual and natural capitalvalu
value.
e. Furthermore, pparts
arts of the area are registeredunder the ongoing Seto Inland Sea National Park
scheme and Prefectural Nature Reserve of Kunisaki
Peninsula (See( ee Appendix
Appendix e).
Fig26: Landscape
Fig26
Landscape of Tashibunosho
Tashibunosho:: Sawtooth Oak
In the valleys of the mountains that extend to the coast, forests, connected by irrigation ponds, channels andthere are multiple irrigation ponds and in the lower paddy fields
reaches of these valleys, ric
ricee paddies were developed using
irrigation ponds water.
In addition there are stretches of Sawtooth Oak forests thatsustainsustain Shiitake
Shiitake farming, which is practiced in combination
with rice cultivation.
Finally, the ‘Agricultural‘Ag ricultural landscape of Tashibu
Tashibunosho
nosho Osaki
Area’ (FFig..26
6 and 27)2 ) is regarded as a living museum where
the early 14th to 15th century agricultural practices andlandscapes are retained
retained.. This
This area was registered as a
Nationally Important Cultural Landscape in 2010.
Nationallyb. Land and Water Management
Interlinked Irrigation Pond System
Interlinked

Fig
Fig27:
Ancient Map

It is thought
hought that the history of the irrigation ponds in this region goes back to the 11th century
when rice cultivation was developed. The irrigation ponds of this region have the unique- 19 -

characteristic of being “interlinked”, where small canals join these water bodies and distribute waterfrom these ponds on an equitable basis throughout the region, thereby alleviating water shortages.
In addition, the canals also bring water (precipitation) from other catchment areas into the reservoirs,
and maintain a steady water supply.
For effective usage, the limited water resources are distributed systematically to the log woodcultivated Shiitake farmers (for the sprouting of Shiitake from February to April and November toDecember), to the rice farmers (for the rice planting in June), and to the Shichitoui farmers (for the
Shichitoui planting in the beginning of May). (Refer to Image 4 below for water and labor
distribution)

III. Other Social and Cultural Characteristics Pertinent to the Management of theAgricultural System (Optional)
The Usa Hachiman shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. The main pavilion (Fig.28)
is registered as a National Treasure, and the origin of thisshrine is dated back to 571 AD.
The patron Deity, Hachiman, is said to have appeared near apond shaped like a diamond (rhombus) and from this it canbe said that Hachiman has the characteristics of a water
Deity.
We have observed in the proposal that the Kunisaki
Fig28: The main pavilion of the Usa Hachiman
shrine- 20 -

Peninsula Usa area is known for its irrigation pond culture, and as the Hachiman Shrine and its
affiliated temple, the Mirokuji have had a profound effect in shaping the culture of this region, it
can be claimed that the influence of the Hachiman Deity was a motivating factor behind the creationof the water management culture. The resting place of Hachiman is said to have been constructed ina shape of Misumiike by a craftsman who came to Japan in the Asuka Period.
The oldest and most traditional part of the culture associated with the history of the peninsula is
the Rokugomanzan, and the mountains where Hachiman trained were the mountains of the Kunisaki
Rokugo. After this, from the 11 th to the 12th century a new village control system called themanorial system was put in place, and subsequently in Kunisaki’s Rokugo many manors were
established that were possessed by the Usa Hachiman shrine. After this, clear evidence ofagricultural practices associated with the Rokugomanzan in this region emerged.
In the 17th century the Rokugomanzan temple which
had temporarily fallen into decline began to berevitalized and the Futagoji Temple played an importantrole in revitalizing the religious landscape of the area.
The Mineiri ritual (Fig.29) provided an important bridge
to connect priests and ordinary people. It is also thoughtthat the stone carvings of Buddha on the mountainsidesof the land exemplify local animistic beliefs associatedwith the mountains. Mountain worship is a practice thatFig29: The Mineiri ritual

involves worshipping the mountains as gods, but whereas the mountains are tough and unforgiving,
they are actually providers of water and other vitally important resources for life in the flat plains.
The Magaibutsu which is sculpted on the hillside is said to represent the mountain deity in the formof Buddha. The Magaibutsu has close ties with local shrines and symbolizes the blessing of themountain deity which takes the form of water. From the stage of the establishment of
Rokugomanzan in this region, a deep understanding and gratitude toward the cycle of resources hastaken root in this region.

IV. Historical Significancea. History of Paddy Agriculture
It is clear that paddy agriculture has been carried out in the
Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area from ancient times. The
historical ruins of the Ankokuji hamlet (Fig.30) were foundon the right bank of the Tabuka River, a region that is now
covered in rice paddies. In 1992 it was designated as aHistoric Site.
In an investigation carried out in the period between 1949
and 1952, a large amount of pottery and wooden tools such

Fig30: Histrical remains of the Ankokuji
Hamlet- 21 -

as plows and hoes were dug up, which were clearly remnants of a village from the Yayoi Era(400BC-400AD). The establishment of wetland rice crops in the Yayoi period brought about thepermanent settlement of residents and the formation of the communities.
Water is a primary requirement for wetland rice cultivation. Due to the patronage of the Usa
Hachiman shrine established in 571 and its affiliated temple, rice agriculture spread through themanor system in the area. This manor system is a living example of the farming landscape during
the early 14th-15 centuries.
b. History of Sawtooth Oak Forests
Seeds of Sawtooth Oak were found along with pottery and wooden tools from previously
mentioned Ankokuji hamlet historical ruins. It comes to the presumption that Sawtooth Oak forests
extended and nuts of Sawtooth Oak were gathered for human consumption around the ruins in
Yayoi Era (400BC-400AD).
With the establishment of wetland rice agriculture, Sawtooth Oak was used for charcoal andfirewood making. Later Sawtooth Oak was recognized as useful log wood for Shiitake cultivation
and was planted from the end of 19 th century. Especially in Oita prefecture, Japan’s largest
Sawtooth Oak forests was formulated because of the support by Oita Prefectural Government, suchas subsidies for Sawtooth Oak planting aimed at promoting log wood cultivated Shiitake as a cash
crop.
c. History of Multiple Irrigation Ponds
Securing water has been a challenge in this region since ancient times. Irrigation ponds areconstructed to address this challenge, and many are seen in the Kunisaki Peninsula today. Irrigation
ponds were small in size and built in plain field near hamlet before 17 th century. Some irrigation
ponds were built in valley like present-day dam and on mountain ridges with gradual slope after
17th century. As new paddy fields were developed around existing paddy fields in 19 th century, amore complex system of multiple interlinked irrigation ponds system was devised and built in afull-fledged manner.
d. History of Log Wood Cultivated Shiitake Production
Shiitake cultivation in Japan started in the Saiki City area of Oita during the early 17 th century
when Natameshiki cultivation method using Nara (Quercus L.) or Sawtooth Oak was established.
This technique was brought to the Kunisaki area in 1885 when a farmer from Tsukumi specializingin Shiitake cultivation settled in Mt. Futago. Shiitake cultivation entered a phase of rapid growthwith the discovery of ‘plug spawn’ made by Kisaku Mori in 1942. As Kunisaki offered aparticularly good environment for cultivation due to the presence of Sawtooth Oak forests, theregion eventually became the main production area for log wood cultivated Shiitake production in
Natameshiki: Cultivation method: Shiitake cultivation method that spore of Shiitake naturally attaches to log woodnicked by suing sickle.

- 22 -

the country.
People in the area still observe the custom to eat Botamochi

praying for good harvest when they

drill plug spawn into log wood. Since Botamochi means “good luck” and “many fruits (mycelia)”,
this practice to wish for mycelia attachment to log wood is the traditional custom originated in the
period when Shiitake cultivation was not stable unlike today.
e. History of Shichitoui Cultivation
Shichitoui cultivation in Oita began about 350 years ago,
when, it is said, Goroemon Hashimoto took seedlings
back home with him to the Kunisaki area where it spread.
Records show that 3 million bundles were exported to
Kansai area in the 1700s, under a protection andpromotion policy of the local ruler. This export was
known as ‘Bungoomote’.
Shichitoui became an important indigenous farming
practice in Kunisaki where the total area of farmland wassmall, and brought large profits to the region.
Nagatsune Okura, who is known as one of the three

Fig31: Shichitoui cultivation

great experts of agriculture during the Edo Period,
is known to have raised Shichitoui as an example ofcommunity profit making, and argued for reform of
agricultural management practices to cope withadvances made in trade and industry led economy.
Thus, we know that the Shichitoui had a significant
influence on the traditional agriculture of Japan(Fig. 31 and 32).

Fig32: Judo hall equipped with tatami mat covered
with Shichitoui sheet

Strong and high quality Shichitoui is selected asparental strain and inherited to next generation because it is propagated by division of undergroundstem. It is interesting and charming fact that even currently cultivated Shichitoui is an inheritancefrom the parental strain selected in Edo period.

V. Contemporary SignificanceIn the modern world, more urbanized and increased populations are contributing to increased
carbon dioxide in the air and loss of forest resources, manifesting global warming. On the other
hand, an improper use of pesticides and agricultural chemicals and mislabeling food are growing
unrest on food safety.

Botamochi: Rice dumpling covered with bean paste.

- 23 -

a. Climate Change
In Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area, fallen leaves and discarded logs form layers in Sawtooth Oak
forests and Hoda-ba to absorb carbon and conserve soil, resulting in mitigation of climate change.
Irrigation pond accommodate rapid climate change by its water storage function which alleviate
risks of drought as well as flood in rainy and typhoon seasons.
b. Biodiversity Conservation
The Oita Japanese Giant Salamander and the Horseshoe crab are found in this area. These are bothrare species and they cannot survive without clean water. Due to the Sawtooth Oak forests andIrrigation Ponds in the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area, a stable waterfront environment has beencreated, preserving the abundant nature which retains many biodiversity hotspots providing habitats
for a range of species. A part of these hotspots are maintained by conserved areas such as nationalparks, but a large number of these zones are also managed directly by local communities throughinitiatives such as the Aigamo Agricultural Practice , farming by sex pheromones (instead ofpesticides) in pest control measures for Shironegi cultivation, and Sawtooth Oak forest and
Irrigation Pond management across generations.
c. Multi-stakeholder Process for Conservation of Traditional Agriculture
In recent years, children are encouraged to experience these environments, giving them more
knowledge about primary industries and food production in addition to helping them develop theirinterpersonal skills, independence, self-sufficiency, manners and moral and mental fortitude. Efforts
to popularize rural experiences with children are being implemented widely. Green tourism
initiative in the region increases city dwellers’ interest in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, andplays a large role in the revitalization of the region.
d. Food security and safety
Shiitake cultivation is expanding worldwide and isproviding an alternative source of nutritional food andlivelihoods in many areas where arable land isconstrained. The ‘Oita Dried Shiitake Traceability
System’ is a pioneering concept that has used in Oita
from 2006. This system allows complete tracking of the
package from the production location, to selling andshipment points. This is deemed useful for maintaining
the production quality and volume of the largest dried
Shiitake in Japan (Fig. 33).

Fig33: Oita Shiitake Logo

Aigamo Agricultural Practice: Practice that Aigamo duck is released to eat weed and pests in ricepaddies after harvesting. The duck supply oxidant into paddies by stirring water and mud too.

- 24 -

VI. Threats and Challenges
a. Threats
Depopulation and aging are two major threats for the sustainable development of the agriculturalcommunity of the Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area. The total population of this area fell from 186,246
in 2000 to 177,433 in 2010, and the number of farming households fell from 18,009 in 2000 to
13,691 in 2010. In addition, about 70% of the people who engage in farming as their main source of
livelihood are over 65 years of age. If these trends persist, abandonment of farmlands will increase,the management of the satoyama including Sawtooth Oak forests will collapse, biodiversity will
decrease and invasive species will disturb the ecosystem due to reduced biodiversity.
Until the early 20th century, the Shichitoui was a major side-profession for farmers. However,mechanical cutting could not be developed due to the toughness of the plant, and due to the fact thatit requires intense manual labor, coupled with the scenario that young people migrated to urban
areas during the high economic growth, and the number of houses with Japanese style rooms
declined, the production took a severe hit. The scenario is no difference in Kunisaki City which is
the only remaining production area. The total area of plantations at the peak was 1,711 ha in 1,925,
but it dwindled to a mere 1ha in 2011. The farmers engaged in this practice are steadily growing
older, making the continuation of this profession a grave challenge.
b. Challenges
Countermeasures connecting national and regional organizations conformed to ‘The Basic Plan for
Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas(2010)’ drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries are being carried out. Measures such as establishing farming schools to recruit people into
farming, reforming empty houses to take in people from cities, environmental policies of thosemountain villages and measures of combining software and hardware to keep out deer and wildboar are being actively pursued. Efforts such as conservation measures for Satoyama (rurallandscape), protection and management of wildlife, infrastructure building to sustain biodiversity
are being made based on ‘Oita Prefecture Strategy for Biodiversity (Mar. 2011)’.

. Practical Considerations
a. Sustained Efforts for GIAHS Promotioni.
Log Wood Cultivated Shiitake
For maintaining the agri-heritage of the Kunisaki Usa it is imperative to maintain the Sawtooth
Oak forests of this area in an optimum condition. There are numerous grant schemes for upgrading
Shiitake production efficacy and the Oita Shiitake Genbei School for young farmers, providingthem with incentives and leadership training.
ii.
Shichitoui cultivation
The Shichitoui production area was nominated as a ‘Furusato Cultural Asset Forest’ by the Agency
for Cultural Affairs in 2010, and became a sustainable source for use in repairing cultural artifacts.

- 25 -

In the same year the ‘Kunisaki Shichitoui Promotion Association’ was established by farmers,
sellers, and government organizations. This association is creating ways for preserving andrevitalizing this practice as a traditional industry. Furthermore, the Kunisaki city and Oita National
College of Technology signed a joint agreement for labor saving on the fiber weaving looms, andOita Prefecture is attempting to support production growth by improving the weaving looms anddrawing up circulation and sales strategies in the year 2013.
iii.
Makomo Wild Rice Cultivation
There are efforts to popularize the Makomo production in the Osaki Region of Tashibunosho,
which is deeply related to Usa Hachiman shrine, and the provision of Makomotake wild ricecooking during stays in local farming households, model harvesting sessions and workshops, todeepen interaction with visitors from inside and outside the prefecture.
iv.
Organic Farming, Pesticide Reduction
In the area, there are active efforts to ensure environmentally friendly agriculture. Rice andvegetable products conform to the JAS standard, and 46 farming households, comprising around
two thirds of the JAS accredited farming households of Oita, are from this region. There are also
efforts to minimize pesticide use and chemical fertilizer use and the region is steadily becoming oneof the popular area of organic, pesticide reduction farming.
v.
Farmland/Water Environment Conservation
Volunteer groups and others are tackling the maintenance/management activity of water supply
system such as multiple irrigation ponds and seaweed bed/tidal flats environment conservation
project by utilizing schemes such as Farmland/Water Environment Conservation and Improvement
Project of The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Environment/Eco System
Conservation Project of Fisheries Agency.
b. Interaction between cities, mountain villages and fishing hamlets
A pioneering effort to popularize green tourism is found in the Ajimu Town of Usa City, where
guests are allowed to stay in farming households to experience the farmers’ lives as if they werefamily or relatives of the farmers. This area is known in Japan as the leader of Green Tourism andthe origin of private residence farm stay. Oita Prefecture
relaxed rules to allow tourists to stay in local households.
Bungotakada and Kunisaki City areas are also witnessing
similar types of activities. A total of 12,889 people wereallowed to stay in farming houses between April 2011 toMarch 2012, and this initiative has a big influence on
facilitating interaction between urban and rural units(Fig.34).

Fig34: Agricultural experiencec. Prospect of managing the GIAHS in a sustainable manner
The number of new entrants in the log wood cultivated Shiitake industry rose by 44 people, 5- 26 -

companies during 2008-2011. Furthermore, the voluntary research groups and production units in
the Kunisaki Usa area are working actively.
In recent years there is a trend for appreciation of rustic and natural products and the need for
Shichitoui mats in Kyoto’s temples and prefectural Japanese style inns, for example, is definitely
increasing. Two new trainees have been incorporated into the profession and numerous otherinitiatives to strengthen the profession are ongoing.
GIAHS accreditation to this site will not only increase the motivation for the agriculture, forestry
and fishery industries of the region, but will also increase tourist people and add value to local
products through tourism, and will contribute to both the revitalization of the primary industry’s
local livelihoods and the increase of the people’s involvement in these professions.
Traffic access is a vital point for sustaining this type of good stimulus for the local society.
Fortunately the region has an airport, 1 hour 35 minutes flight from Tokyo’s Haneda airport andabout a 2 hour flight from Narita airport.
d. Expected Social and Ecological Benefits of the GIAHS
There are three main influences that can be expected from the site becoming registered as a
GIAHS.
The first influence is the feasibility of managing traditional cultural capital in the region. It is
expected that with the efforts to manage the Sawtooth Oak forests and Irrigation Pond sustainably,
there will be a continuous system of managing associated agricultural systems into the future,
resulting in the revitalization of agricultural practices and ecosystem maintenance. And repeating
the Sawtooth Oak cutting and regeneration facilitates the metabolism of the Sawtooth Oak forestsand fulfill the multifunctional role of the forests. It is also expected to contribute to the world’s foodsecurity that log wood cultivated Shiitake produces food from forest resources.
The second expectation is that more interaction between urban and rural units will be madepossible. An increase of tourists will increase the potential of green tourism. With increased
interaction between urban and rural areas, understanding about agriculture, forestry and fisheries
will increase. It is also expected that with the progress of keeping the successors to respond to theincrease of farmers’ houses’ staying and exploiting I/J/U turnforestry and fisheries will activate.

returnee’s knowledge, agriculture,

The third expected result is the strengthening of local branding. The GIAHS accreditation gives a
global identity to a region and in this case it will help the region make its presence be felt in an
increased manner, with the dried log wood cultivated Shiitake and Shichitoui that is only producedin Kunisaki City. It is expected that the more local farmers, foresters and fishermen will be a part ofI turn: to get a job at or migrate to a place that is not his or her hometown
J turn: people from rural area work at urban area one time and then migrate to other rural area (not his or her
hometown) and work there
U turn: people from rural area work at urban area one time and then return to his or her hometown and work there- 27 -

a sixth industrialization and positive stimulus will be available for not only local agricultural
production, but also for regional revitalization in general.
e. Motivation for Stakeholders in the National and Local Organs and Other Unitsi.
Local Society
The GIAHS Promotion Association comprising 4 cities, 1 town and 1 village in the Kunisaki-Usa
area is the mother organization for efforts to get GIAHS status to this region and also for managing
this region as a GIAHS.
These efforts will help conserve the traditional agriculture, culture and landscapes of the area aswell as revitalize primary industries and local lifestyle. Residents of the region will also be involvedin surveys and kick-off meetings for GIAHS as well as numerous other follow-up measures.
In addition to the Tashibunosho Osaki area already being registered as an Important Cultural
Property, there are committees such as the Manor Promotion Committee which is working towards
revitalizing the region through the utilization of this landscape and the committee striving to have
Usa Hachiman shrine and Kunisaki Peninsula designated as World Heritage Sites.
ii.
Regional Stakeholders
Oita Prefecture is managing the concept of ‘The Oita’ brand with dried log wood cultivatedShiitake and kabosu limes at its center. At present the initiative is being strengthened with
Shiroshitakarei (flatfish), Shironegi and House mikan.
In order to manage the good quality of the Shiitake, the Traceability System is used to trackcustomer satisfaction. Shichitoui is also promoted as a traditional product of Oita and with thesupport for activities of and market openings for the “Kunisaki Shichitoui Promotion Association”,
a new branding initiative has been taken to promote it as a regional product. Other products will
also be brought in under the 6 th industrialization scheme and be strengthened as brands.
The region is also pushing for more tourists with the slogan “Oita: Japan’s best hot spring hot spot.
Full of flavors”. Numerous efforts such as making tourist products based on culture, utilizing thehistoric nostalgia associated with the Himeshima village and the 1000 year old syncretic tradition of
the Usa Hachiman shrine are trying to bring these elements together to make a ‘1000 year old
historical zone’ with this region at the center.
iii.
National Level
The national government is participating in efforts to create more agricultural production basedindustries through its ‘Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas (2010)’.
The national government is also committed to maintaining the production platform for agricultural
products and environmental conservation in rice paddies and Satoyama (rural landscape) regions inaccordance with local land management systems.
Sixth industry: the term is derived by multiplying the industrial sectors as follows. First(primary)
second (secondary)
third (tertiary) to come up with the “sixth industry.” The sixth
industry is expected to synergistically create a new added value through effective use of
agricultural, forestry and fishery products, as well as land, water and other resources in farming,
mountains and fishing villages, by integrating production, processing and distribution activities.

- 28 -

The ‘Basic Tourism Promotion Plan (2012)’ is a step towards strengthening local brands associatedwith culture and agricultural lifestyles—which are seen as important tourism capitals, especially forthe promotion of green tourism.
f. Historical and Archeological Explanation
The Kunisaki Peninsula is characterized by steep and dissected mountains, with deep ravines
radiating outwards. The dissected, steep mountains were beyond the grasp of human thinking forthe ancient societies and thus formed places of worship. The priests of Mirokuji Temple of the Usa
Hachiman shrine pursued the Kunisaki Peninsula as a training center.
Kunisaki Peninsula is an area of mountain worship and based on the fact that it was a place ofdiscipline for the monks of the Mirokuji Temple the Rokugomanzan were created during the 12 th
Century.
From before the establishment of the hamlets, the downstream areas of the rivers and the basin
areas that make up the base points of these hamlets, forestry and agricultural works were carried out,
and the Ankokuji village remains which are remnants from the Yayoi Period (300BC-400AD) tell ofsuch an agricultural state in the river’s downstream areas.
The place of discipline and the temple in the river’s middle- and upper stream areas brought about
the development of farming in the valleys between the mountains and a bird’s eye view of thepeninsula would show that the middle- and upper stream areas were Rokugomanzan and thedownstream areas and coastal areas formed the manors and associated lands of Usa Hachiman
shrine and Mirokuji.
Under these historical backgrounds, this area nurtures agriculture, forestry, fisheries diversity.
Outline of the Dynamic Conservation Plan
The GIAHS Promotion Association, comprised by cities and others, will actively tackle theconservation and succession of the system, ecosystem and culture of the site accredited by GIAHS
and expect good results by developing the following activities.
And the association will monitor and evaluate these activities along with managing the progress.
a. Promotion of Agricultural Production and Biodiversity Conservationi.
Log Wood Cultivated Shiitake
As the log wood cultivated Shiitake production mostly involves small scale farmers, steps tostabilize their business, strengthen production bases, improve quality, cut costs, divide labor andimprove circulation will be taken.
Efforts will be made to maintain the traditional Shiitake cultivation techniques, through small
group of Shiitake growers and research groups on forestry practices formed in the villages andtowns.
The Efforts to gain the JAS accreditation will also be made.

- 29 -

ii.
Shichitoui
In the year 2010, the Shichitoui production landscape of the Kunisaki area was recognized as a
‘Furusato Cultural Asset Forest’ for its stable supply of materials for cultural artifacts conservation.
In 2012 the Kunisaki City and Oita National College of Technology signed a joint agreement forlabor saving on the fiber weaving looms.
From 2013, the Shichitoui Production Promotion Platform will be managed as a regional task,
involving improvement of the weaving looms (machines) in addition to improvement of production,
quality, circulation and sales strategies.
iii.
Conservation and Rehabilitation of Sustainable Biodiversity
As this region’s marine products are nurtured by the characteristic geographical conditions of thewater and coastal areas brought about by the forests, research institutions are advancing research
regarding the relationship between the organic matter and nutrient salt originating from the forests,
and the ecology of the oceans.
Furthermore, research by the various main constituents such as NPOs, research institutions andlocal governments regarding the inhabitation and growth environment of will continue to be put into
execution. Based on this research, public awareness activities and environmental conservation andrevitalization activities such as irrigation pond and paddy field creature observation will be carriedout.
b. Traditional Land Use and Cultural Continuityi.
Dried Log Wood Cultivated Shiitake
Numerous initiatives are being taken to improve production and employment in log woodcultivated Shiitake farming such as: the Oita Shiitake Genbei School, Shiitake Production Research
Units aiming to attract new farmers.
ii.
Shichitoui
In the year 2010, the Kunisaki Shichitoui Promotion Association was set up by farmers, sellers,and government organizations to maintain this cultural tradition of Oita and also to revitalize theregional industry. The effort brings these stakeholders together for reviving Shichitoui.
In 2012 the Kunisaki City signed a joint agreement with Oita National College of Technology forlabor saving on the fiber weaving looms.
iii.
Irrigation Ponds
It is planned so that the main managing bodies of these reservoirs, the land reform commissions
and the management groups will involve non-farming local residents to create an extensive platformof irrigation ponds management across the whole region.
iv.
Sawtooth Oak Forest
Oita Prefectural Government’s Forest Improvement Project contains a Preservation Plan for the
Sawtooth Oak forests aimed at circulatory usage of Sawtooth Oaks as log wood for Shiitake
cultivation. Appropriate maintenance and conservation will be conducted based on this plan.

- 30 -

c. Complementary Initiatives at National and International Levelsi.
Interaction between Urban and Rural Areas
Various schemes centering on tourism are being planned including the strategic utilization of local
tourist attractions, such as nature, hot springs, culture, local produce, and food. Need based tourism
product development, volunteer guide development and regional tourist routes using the Kyushu
Bullet Trains are some other notable examples.
ii.
Interaction with other GIAHS sites
Attractive programs will be formulated by promoting interaction with other GIAHS sites.
Appendiciesa) Mapb) Diverse list of agricultural productsc) List displaying biodiversityd) Interlinked multiple irrigation pondse) Designation status of nature parks- 31 -

○

Appendiciesａ） MapKyushuSuo-nada

Seto Inland Sea

Kunisaki Peninsula-Usa Area

Beppu Bay

Oita Prefecture- 32 -

Iyo-nadab）Diverse list of agricultural products
Category
Rice

Wheat
varieties

ArticleScientific nameRice

Oryza sativa

Rice for brew

Oryza sativa

Ancient rice

Oryza sativa

BarleyHordeum vulgare

Wheat

Triticum aestivum

Naked barley

Hordeum vulgare var.nudum

MilletBuckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum sp.

PulsesSoybeanGlycine max

PeanutArachis hypogaea sp.

Cow pea

Vigna sinensis L.

Vegetables Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.

Welsh onion

Allium fistulosum

Welsh onion

Allium fistulosum

Strawberry

Fragaria × ananassa

Cucumber

Cucumis sativus L.

Egg plant

Solanum melongena L.

Cabbage

Brassica oleracea L. var.capitata sp.

Chinese cabbage

Brassica rapa var.nipposinica sp.

Japanese radish

Raphanus sativus L.

Onion

Allium cepa L.

Taro

Colocasia esculenta Schott

Pea

Pisum sativum L. sp.

Rope

Brassica campestris ver.campestris

GarlicAllium sativum L.

Rape blossom

Fruit

Flowers

Water dropwort

Oenanthe javanica

Shepherd's Purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.

CudweedGnaphalium affine

Chickweed

Stellaria neglecta

Nipplewort

Lapsana apogonoides

TurnipBrassica rapa L.

RadishRaphanus sativus L.

Bamboo shootPhyllostachys pubescens

Manchurian wild rice

Zizania latifolia

Satsuma mandarin

Citrus unshiu Marc.

Kiwifruit

Actinidia chinensis Planch.var.deliciosa

Yuzu

Citrus junos

KabosuCitrus sphaerocarpa

Grape

Vitis spp

Japanese pear

Pyrus pyrifolia ver.culta

Japanese persimmon

Diospyros kaki Thund

GinkgoGinkgo biloba

Olive

Olea europaea

Florist's chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum L. sensu ampl.

Prairie gentian

Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners

Sweet pea

Lathyrus odoratus L.

Aster

Aster hispidus Thunb. var. hispidus

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus L.

- 33 -

Notes

StockMatthiola incana (L.) R.Br.

Chinese lantern plant

Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii

Rose

Rosa .LLivestock Japanese BlackBos tauras

Forestry
products

Holstein

Bos tauras

Pig

Sus scrofa domesuticus

Broiler

Gallus gallus domesuticus

LayersGallus gallus domesuticus

Ceder

Cryptomeria japonica

Japanese cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa

Moso bamboo

Phyllostachys edulis
Phyllostachys reticulata

Fungi

Marineproducts

Fresh
water

ShitakeLentinus edodes

Red sea bream

Pagrus major

Hairtail

Trichiurus japonicus

Pike conger

Muraenesox cinereus

Marbled sole

Pleuronectes yokohamae

Japanese anchovy

Engraulis japonica

Common Octopus

Octopus valguris

Kuruma Prawn

Marsupenaeus japonicus

Whiskered Velvet Shrimp

Metapenaeopsis barbata

Swimming crab

Portunus trituberculatus

Pacific oyster

Crassostrea gigas

Japanese littleneck

Ruditapes philippinarum

Razor clam

Solen strictus

Nori

Porphyra yezoensis

Hiziki

Hizikia fusiformis

Soft-shelled turtle

Pelodiscus sinensis

Oriental weather loach

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus- 34 -

c) List displaying biodiversity(i) Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area's vascular plants
Red list№

1

English nameScientific namePsilotum nudum

Whisk fern

2

Mecodium wrightii
Wright's filmy fern
Asplenium oligophlebium
3
Asplenium oligophlebium
Baker
4

Arachniodes standishii

Environment
Ministry

Oita
Prefecture

Near threatened

Near threatened
Near threatened
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category IB

Woodsia macrochlaena

5－

Woodsia polystichoides

Near threatened

6－

Loxogramme salicifolia

Near threatened

Juniperus rigida

Near threatened

Heterotropa asaroides

Near threatened

Saururus chinensis

Threatened species
category II

Arisaema thunbergii

Near threatened

7

Juniper－

8
9Lizard's tail
－

10
11

Ottelia alismoides
－

12
13

Horned pondweed
－

14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Briza maxima

Ottelia japonica
Potamogeton octandrus var. miduhikimo
Zannichellia palustris var. indica
Bulbophyllum drymoglossum
Bulbophyllum inconspicuum
Calanthe discolor

Calanthea
Gold brocade
Dendrobium
Rattlesnake plantain
Iris rossii Baker－
Carex kobomugi Ohwi
Kishunakiri Sedge－

Cephalanthera falcata
Dendrobium moniliforme
Goodyera velutina
Iris rossii
Sparganium stenophyllum

Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category IB
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category IB
Threatened species
Near threatened
category II
Threatened species
Near threatened
category II
Threatened species
Near threatened
category IB
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category IB
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category II

Carex kobomugi

Near threatened

Carex nachiana

Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category IB

Fimbristylis sericea

Near threatened- 35 -

Red list№

English name25－

Ischaemum anthephoroides

26－

Ischaemum aristatum var. glaucum

27－

Clematis patens

28－

Meterostachys sikokianus

29－

Orostachys japonicus

Near threatened

Near threatened

30－

Sedum polytrichoides

Threatened species
category II

Near threatened

31－

Sedum yabeanum

32－

Ribes fasciculatum

33－

Euphorbia jolkinii

34－

Paliurus ramosissimus

35－

Querucus variabilis

36
37Japanese alder
Korean hornbeam

Scientific name

Environment
Ministry

Oita
Prefecture

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
Near threatened
category IB
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category IB

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Near threatened
Threatened species Threatened Species
category II
Category IA
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II

Alnus japonica
Carpinus turczaninovii

38－

Daphne pseudo-mezereum

39－

Hibiscus hamabo

40－

Persicaria erecto-minor

41－

Rumex dentatus subsp. nipponicus

42－

Suaeda maritima

Near threatened

43－

Lithospermum zollingeri

Threatened species
category IB

Swertia japonica

Near threatened
Near threatened

44

Japanese green gentian

Near threatened
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category II

45－

Stephanotis lutchuensis

46－

Vincetoxicum pycnostelma

Near threatened

47－

Ophithandra primuloides

Threatened species Threatened Species
category II
Category IA, ＊48－

Veronica undulata

Near threatened

49
50

－

Mosla japonica

51－

Scutellaria guilielmii

Near threatened

Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category IB
Threatened species
Near threatened
category II
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category II

Leonurus macranthus

Motherwort

Near threatened- 36 -

Red list№

52

English name

Russian wormwood

Scientific name

Environment
Ministry

Oita
Prefecture

Threatened species
category II

Artemisia iwayomogi

53－

Dendranthema occidentali-japonense var.
ashizuriense

54－

Heteropappus hispidus ssp. arenairus

Near threatened
Near threatened

Near threatened

Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category IB
Threatened species
56
Xanthium strumarium
category II
Cocklebur
Threatened species
57
Limonium tetragonum
Near threatened
category II
Marsh rosemary＊Regulations concerning the protection of Oita Prefecture's rare wild plants and animalsdesignated rare wild plants and animals
55－

Ixeris chinensis subsp. strigosa

Reference: Setoya Koji, Shunro Akamine, Mikihiro Seguchi, Masanori Arakane. 2009. The Vascular Plants of Kunisaki Peninsula
Prefectural Nature Parks. pp73-92.
Kunisaki Peninsula Prefectural Nature Parks Natural Environment Science Investigation Report. Oita Prefecture Planning
Promotion Department Scenery and Nature Office.
Environment Ministry. 2012. The 4th Red List.
Oita Prefecture. 2011. Red Data Book Oita 2011. Oita Prefecture.

- 37 -

(ii) Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area's bird varieties
№
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35

English name

Copper Pheasant
Swan Goose
Taiga Bean Goose
Greater White-fronted Goose
Lesser White-fronted Goose

Brant Goose
Common Shelduck
Ruddy Shelduck
Mandarin Duck
Baikal Teal
Oriental Stork
Eurasian Spoonbill
Black-faced Spoonbill
Eurasian Bittern
Yellow Bittern
Japanese Night Heron
Intermediate Egret
Pacific Reef Heron
Chinese Egret
Pelagic CormorantWestern Osprey
Crested Honey Buzzard
Eastern Marsh Harrier
Hen Harrier
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Northern Goshawk
Grey-faced Buzzard
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
Ruddy-breasted Crake
White-naped Crane
Common Crane
Hooded Crane
Black-winged Stilt
Grey-headed Lapwing
Little Ringed Plover

Scientific nameSyrmaticus soemmerringii (Temminck, 1830)

Red list
Environment Ministry

Oita Prefecture

Near threatened

Near threatened

Anser cygnoides (Linnaeus, 1758)

Lack of information

Anser fabalis (Latham, 1787)

Threatened species
category II

Lack of information

Anser albifrons (Scopoli, 1769)

Near threatened

Lack of information

Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB

Anser erythropus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Branta bernicla (Linnaeus, 1758)
Tadorna tadorna (Linnaeus, 1758)
Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas, 1764)

Lack of information Lack of information

Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Lack of information

Anas formosa Georgi, 1775
Ciconia boyciana Swinhoe, 1873
Platalea leucorodia Linnaeus, 1758
Platalea minor Temminck & Schlegel, 1849
Botaurus stellaris (Linnaeus, 1758)

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IA

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Lack of information

Lack of information Lack of information
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category IB

Threatened species
category IA
Lack of information

Ixobrychus sinensis (Gmelin, JF, 1789)

Near threatened

Gorsachius goisagi (Temminck, 1836)

Threatened species
category II

Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category IB

Egretta intermedia (Wagler, 1829)

Near threatened

Near threatened
Near threatened

Egretta sacra (Gmelin, JF, 1789)
Egretta eulophotes (Swinhoe, 1860)

Near threatened

Lack of information

Phalacrocorax pelagicus Pallas, 1811

Threatened species
category IB

Threatened species
category IB

Pandion haliaetus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Near threatened

Near threatened

Pernis ptilorhynchus (Temminck, 1821)

Near threatened

Near threatened

Circus spilonotus Kaup, 1847

Threatened species
category IB

Threatened species
category IB
Near threatened

Circus cyaneus (Linnaeus, 1766)
Accipiter nisus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Near threatened

Accipiter gentilis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Near threatened

Butastur indicus (Gmelin, JF, 1788)
Nisaetus nipalensis Hodgson, 1836

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB

Porzana fusca (Linnaeus, 1766)

Near threatened

Grus vipio Pallas, 1811

Threatened species
category II

Grus grus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Lack of information

Grus monacha Temminck, 1835
Himantopus himantopus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Vanellus cinereus (Blyth, 1842)
Charadrius dubius Scopoli, 1786

- 38 -

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II

Near threatened
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB

Lack of information
Near threatened

№
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59

English nameKentish Plover
Greater Painted-snipe
Latham's Snipe
Bar-tailed Godwit
Little Curlew
Eastern Curlew
Spotted Redshank
Common Redshank
Nordmann's Greenshank
DunlinSpoon-billed Sandpiper
Oriental Pratincole
Saunders's Gull
Greater Crested Tern
Little Tern
Ancient Murrelet
Eurasian Scops Owl
Ural Owl
Short-eared Owl
Grey Nightjar
Pacific Swift
Ruddy Kingfisher
Peregrine Falcon
Fairy Pitta

60

Ashy Minivet
Japanese Paradise
61
Flycatcher
62
63
64
65
66
67

Japanese Leaf Warbler
Japanese Robin
Siberian Blue Robin
Narcissus Flycatcher
Chestnut-eared Bunting
Yellow Bunting

Scientific nameCharadrius alexandrinus Linnaeus, 1758
Rostratula benghalensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Gallinago hardwickii (Gray, JE, 1831)
Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Numenius minutus Gould, 1841
Numenius madagascariensis (Linnaeus, 1766)
Tringa erythropus (Pallas, 1764)
Tringa totanus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Tringa guttifer (Nordmann, 1835)
Calidris alpina (Linnaeus, 1758)
Eurynorhynchus pygmeus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Glareola maldivarum Forster, JR, 1795
Chroicocephalus saundersi Swinhoe, 1871
Thalasseus bergii (Lichtenstein, 1823)
Sternula albifrons (Pallas, 1764)
Synthliboramphus antiquus (Gmelin, JF, 1789)

Red list
Environment Ministry

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Near threatened
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IA

Threatened species
category IA
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IA

Strix uralensis Pallas, 1771
Asio flammeus (Pontoppidan, 1763)
Near threatened

Halcyon coromanda (Latham, 1790)

Pitta nympha Temminck & Schlegel, 1850
Pericrocotus divaricatus (Raffles, 1822)

Near threatened
Threatened species
category II

Lack of information
Threatened species
category II

Threatened species
category II
Lack of information

Lack of information
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB

Threatened species
category IA
Lack of information
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB
Near threatened

Apus pacificus (Latham, 1802)

Falco peregrinus Tunstall, 1771

Near threatened

Near threatened

Otus scops (Linnaeus, 1758)

Caprimulgus jotaka Temminck & Schlegel, 1845

Oita Prefecture

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category II

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category II
Near threatened

Terpsiphone atrocaudata (Eyton, 1839)

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II

Phylloscopus xanthodryas (Swinhoe, 1863)
Erithacus akahige (Temminck, 1835)
Luscinia cyane (Pallas, 1776)
Ficedula narcissina (Temminck, 1836)

Near threatened

Emberiza fucata Pallas, 1776

Near threatened

Emberiza sulphurata Temminck & Schlegel, 1848

Near threatened

Reference: Nobuyoshi Gouji, Nobuaki Takeishi. 2009. Kunisaki Peninsula Prefectural Nature Park's Bird Varieties. pp147158.Kunisaki Peninsula Prefectural Nature Parks Natural Environment Science Investigation Report. Oita Prefecture Planning
Promotion Department Scenery and Nature Office.
Wild Bird Society of Japan Oita Chapter. ~2012. Independent Investigation Results (as yet unannounced).
Environment Ministry. 2012. The 4th Red List.
Oita Prefecture. 2011. Red Data Book Oita 2011. Oita Prefecture.

- 39 -

(iii) Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area's reptiles and amphibians№

English nameScientific name

1 Japanese gecko

Gekko japonicus (Dume'ril et Bibron,1836)

2 Tawa gecko

Gekko tawaensis Okada,1956

3 Japanese five-lined skink

Plestiodon japonicus (Peters,1864)

4 Japanese grass lizard

Takydromus tachydromoides (Schlegel,1838)

5 Oriental odd-tooth snake

Dinodon orientale (Hilgendorf,1880)

6 Japanese ratsnake

Elaphe climacophora (Boie,1826)

7 Japanese four-lined snake

Elaphe quadrivirgata (Boie,1826)

8 Burrowing ratsnake

Elaphe conspicillata (Boie,1826)

9 Japanese keelback

Amphiesma vibakari (Boie,1826)

10 Tiger keelback

Rhabdophis tigrinus (Boie,1826)

11 Japanese mamushi

Gloydius blomhoffii (Boie,1826)

12 Reeves' pond turtle

Chinemys reevesii (Glay,1831)

13 Japanese pond turtle

Mauremys japonica (Temminck et Schlegel,1833)

14 Chinese softshell turtle

Pelodiscus sinensis japonicus

15 Green turtle

Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus,1758)

16 Hawksbill turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus,1758)

17 Loggerhead turtle

Caretta caretta (Linnaeus,1758)

18 Clouded salamander

Hynobius nebulosus (Schlegel,1838)

19 Oita salamander

Hynobius dunni Tago,1931

20 Spotted salamander

Hynobius naevius Dunn,1923

21 Japanese giant salamander

Megalobatrachus japonicus (Temminck,1837)

22 Japanese fire-bellied newt

Cynops pyrrhogaster (Boie,1826)

Red list
Environment Ministry
Oita Prefecture

Near threatened

Threatened species
category II

Near threatened

Hyla japonica Gunther,1858

25 Tago's brown frog

Rana tagoi Okada,1928

26 Japanese brown frog

Rana japonica japonica Gunther,1858

27 Montane brown frog

Rana ornativentris Werner,1904

28 Black-spotted pond frog

Rana nigromaculata Hallowell,1860

29 Indian rice frog

Rana limnocharis Wiegmann,1835

30 Wrinkled frog

Rana rugosa Schlegel,1838

31 Schlegel's green tree frog

Rhacophorus schlegelii (Gunther,1858)

32 Kajika Frog

Rhacophorus buergeri (Schlegel,1838)

Near threatened

Lack of information Lack of information
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Near threatened

Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category IA
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category II
Near threatened

Threatened species
category II
Near threatened

Threatened species
category IA

23 Westtern-Japanese common toad
Bufo japonicus Schlegel,1838
24 Japanese tree frog

Threatened species
category II

Near threatened

Near threatened

Threatened species
category II

References: Yusuke Morita, Takayuki Adachi. 2009. Kunisaki Peninsula Prefectural Nature Park's Reptiles. Kunisaki Peninsula
Prefectural Nature Parks Natural Environment Science Investigation Report. pp.143-146. Oita Prefecture.
Hideki Tsutsumi, Yusuke Morita. 2009. Kunisaki Peninsula Prefectural Nature Park's Amphibians. Kunisaki Peninsula
Prefectural Nature Parks Natural Environment Science Investigation Report.pp.133-136. Oita Prefecture.
Environment Ministry. 2012. The 4th Red List.
Oita Prefecture. 2011. Red Data Book Oita 2011. Oita Prefecture.

- 40 -

(iv) Kunisaki Peninsula Usa area's aquatic life№

English name

1 Japanese eel－

23 Japanese chub

Scientific nameAnguilla japonica Temminck andSchlegel,1846
Tanakia lanceolata (Temmincke andSchlegel,1846)
Zacco sieboldii (Temminck andSchlegel,1846)

4 Oriental weather loach

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cantor,1842)

5

Cobitis sp. 'Yamato' species complex (typeB)

6

Yamato spined loach

Liobagrus reini Hilgendorf,1878

Goosefoot7 South japanese rice fishOryzias latipes (Temminck andSchlegel,1846)

8 Japanese fluvial sculpin

Cottus reinii Hilgendorf,1879

9 Aucha perch

Coreperca kawamebari (Temminck andSchlegel,1843)

10 Small-scale whiting

Sillago parvisquqmis Gill－

11
12 Mudskipper

Periphthalmus modestus Cantor－

13

Apocryptodon punctatus Tomiyama

14 Ice goby

Taenioides cirratus (Blyth)Leucopsarion petersii Hilgendorf,1880

Red list
Environment Ministry

Oita Prefecture

Association of Benthology

Threatened species
category IB
Near threatened

Near threatened
Near threatened

Lack ofinformation
Threatened species
Near threatened
category II
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category II
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
Lack ofcategory IB
information
Threatened species
Near threatened
category IB
Threatened species Threatened species
category IA
category IB
Threatened species
Lack ofcategory II
information
Near threatened

Near threatened

Threatened species Threatened species
category IB
category II
Threatened species
Near threatened
category II

15－

Luciogobius pallidus Regan,1940

Near threatened

16－

Eutaeniichthys gilli Jordan and Snyder

Near threatened

17－

Gymnogobius cylindricus (Tomiyama)

18

－

19

－

20

－

21

－

22

－

Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
Gymnogobius scrobiculatus (Takagi)
category IB
Threatened species
Gymnogobius macrognathos Bleeker,1860category II
Threatened species
Gymnogobius uchidai (Takagi)
category II
Threatened species
Pseudogobius masago (Tomiyama)
category II

Near threatened

Threatened species
category IA
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category IA
Threatened species
category IB

Lack ofinformation
Threatened species Threatened species
category II
category IB

Silhouettea dotui (Takagi)

Near threatened

23 Far eastern brook lamprey

Lethenteron sp. 2

24

Sesarmops intermedia (de Haan, 1835)

Threatened species
category II

Macrophthalmus abbreviatus Manning etHolthuis, 1981

Near threatened

Benkeigani Crab25－

26 horseshoe crab

Tachypleus tridentatus (Leach,1819)

27 Ivory Shell

Tegillarca granosa (Linnaeus,1758)

28 densely lamellated oyster

Ostrea denselamellosa Lischke,1869

Threatened species Threatened species
category I
category IA,＊
Threatened species
category II
Threatened species
category I
Threatened species
Near threatened
category II

Threatened species
category IA
Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category IB

29－

Inversiunio yanagawensis (Kondo,1982)

30－

Macoma (Macoma) contabulata(Deshayes,1855)

Near threatened

Near threatened

31 Cherry Shell

Nitidotellina hokkaidoensis (Habe,1961)

Near threatened

Near threatened

32 Boeddinghaus Sanguin

Soletellina boeddinghausi Lischke,1870

Threatened species
category I
Lack ofinformation
Threatened species
category I

Threatened species
category IB

33－

Soletellina petalina (Deshayes)

34－

Semele cordiformis (Holten,1802)- 41 -

Lack of information
Threatened species
category IB

English name35－

Trapezium liratum (Reeve,1843)

Near threatened

36－

Corbicula leana Prime,1864

Threatened species
category II

37 Chinese Anapella Clam

Coecella chinensis Deshayes,1855

Near threatened

38 Script Venus

Circe (Circe) scripta (Linnaeus,1758)

Near threatened－

39
40 rattle－

41
42 Glosbe

Scientific nameRed list№

Environment Ministry

Threatened species
category I
Lack of
Arthritica reikoae (Suzuki & Kosuge,2010)
information
Dosinia (Asa) biscocta (Reeve,1850)

Oita Prefecture

Association of Benthology

Near threatened
Threatened species
category IA
Lack of information

Umbonium moniliferum (Lamarck,1822)

Near threatened

Near threatened

Batillaria multiformis (Lischke,1869)

Near threatened

Near threatened

Near threatened

Near threatened

Near threatened

Near threatened

Cerithidea (Cerithidea) rhizophorarum A.
Adams,1855
Angustassiminea castanea(Westerlund,1883)

43

－

44

－

45

－

Assiminea sp. E

Threatened species
category II

Threatened species
category II

46－

Cryptonatica adamsiana (Dunker,1860)

Near threatened

Near threatened

47－

Niotha livescens (Philippi,1849)

Near threatened

Near threatened

48

－

49

－

Threatened species
category I
Threatened species
category I

Threatened species
category IB
Threatened species
category IB

50－

Tomura himeshima Fukuda &Yamashita,1997
Leucotina dianae (A. Adams in H.
Adams,1854)
Turbonilla kuraenohamana Hori et
H.Fukuda,1999

Near threatened

Near threatened

Threatened species
category I＊Regulations concerning the protection of Oita Prefecture's rare wild plants and animalsdesignated rare wild plants and animals

Threatened species
category IA

51 Uzumushi horeseshoe crab

Ectoplana limuli (Ijima et Kaburaki,1916)

References: Kazuo Hoshino, Toshio Matsuo. 2009. Kunisaki Peninsula's Freshwater Fish Varieties and Coastal Fish Varieties. Kunisaki Peninsula
Prefectural Nature Parks Natural Environment Science Investigation Report. pp.121-126. Oita Prefecture.
Tamotsu Hamada, Shigehiko Mashiba, Toshio Matsuo, Fumika Matsuoka. 2009. Kunisaki Peninsula's Small Marine Animals. Kunisaki
Peninsula Prefectural Nature Parks Natural Environment Science Investigation Report. pp.115-120. Oita Prefecture Planning Promotion Department
Scenery and Nature Office.
Japanese Association of Benthology. 2012. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Threatened Species of Animals on Tidal Flats Coastal Benthos Red Data
Book. Tokai University Press.
Environment Ministry. 2012. The 4th Red List.
Oita Prefecture. 2011. Red Data Book Oita 2011. Oita Prefecture.

- 42 -

- 43 -

Furuike direct【Old reservoir (Furuike)】・Refills water of Misakoike.

Takaoike

１

４

10ha
Sakoike indirect３

Misakoike direct

４．Other information
・Japanese sake "Nishi-no-seki" (Kayashima Brewery ) is produce in Tsunai area. In
bon dance festival, People sings "renowend Nishi-no-seki for water from Takaoike".

Legend 1：irrigation system①：Direct water supply from tameike to rice paddy②：Water refill from upperstream tameike to down stream③：Water refill from further upperstream to downstream
tameike④： Most upstream tmeike is in preparation for watersupply in august【Misakoike】
・Together with Takaoike, this is an important water
resource for the area.
・Predominently receive water refill from Takaoike
・Refills water of Hiraoike and Sakoike.

Koshinike

Koshin ike
direct catchment

Misakoike

１

１

30ha

30ha

enlarged catchment basin by channel
connecting upperstream tameike withdownstream tameikedirect catchment basin of each tameike

Legemd 2：explanation about map
Rice Paddy
Tameike

Sakoike

２

Sako direct２

Hiraoike【Koushinike】
・Refills the water in Hiraoike and Sakoike

Hiraoike direct【New reservoir (Shinike) downstream】
・The irrigation channel connecting Takaoike and Misakoike【Old reservoir (Furuike) downstream】
・Irrigation channel connecting Furuike and Misakoike

FuruikeMisakoike indirect catchment basin

unit:㎡
Hiraoike
4,950 Misakoike
48,000
Sakoike
3,950 Furuike
35,100
Koshinike
630 Takaoike
63,000２．Management: Tsunai Irrigation Association
・5 warter keepers, one water keeper per tameike except for Koujin tameike
３．History
・Takao Ike was completed in around 1850, establishing muutiple tameike linkage
system・Catchment basin is enlarged by channel connecting multiple tameike・Higher priority put on effective water use design than location of houses and tombs
when connecting channel was installed

１．Effective storage capacity

Takaoike direct【Takaoike】
・The most important tameike in the Tsunai area
・In an average year it is not used until August 10 and is maintained
as the area's final water source
・In this time a scheme is being devised to to allow water to flow
into the irrigation channel between Takaoike and Misakoike toeffectively use the water that flows over the spillway.

(Tunai Area, Kunisaki -machi Kunisaki City)

Water Supply System Llnking Multiple Irrigation Ponds Reservoir

ｅ）Designation status of nature parks（ⅰ）Nature parks designation territory (territories relating to the proposed site)Park characteristics

Name

Location

Area（ha）

Seto Inland Sea National
Park

Bungo
Takada City
Kunisaki City
Himeshima
Village

All sorts of geographical and geological features including
obsidian cliffs, folds, faults etc. can be seen in Himeshima
2,496 Village, the Futago/Monju region as a spot for appreciating
Buddhist cultural heritage, and a good lookout spot to the Seto
Inland Sea.

Kunisaki Peninsula
Prefectural Natural Park

Bungo
Takada City
Kitsuki City
Usa City
Kunisaki City

Including a large amount of cultural assets which are connected to the
Rokugoumanzansuch as the national treasure Fukiji, Makioudou, the Kumano
magaibutsu and Kunisaki-tou, the beautiful southern coast of Kunisaki
19,691 Peninsula's inland areas and reefs and coastal beauty of the white sand andgreen pines forested with the Yabakei scenery.In this park,there are a varietyof recreation facilities including an ancient culture park, and a place forpeople to relax. Swimming, camping and fishing can be enjoyed at every turn.

（ⅱ）Nature park environment conservation region designation status
Name

Location

Oita Prefecture Taketazu
Kunisaki City
Nature Conservation Area

Area（ha）

3.3

Date ofdesignation

Natural environment characteristics

In the Taketazusha grounds forests, the natural
1976.12.7 evergreen broad-leaf tree Sudaji koji make for arare and wonderful forest.

（ⅲ）Designation status of natural coastline preservation areas
Area nameTomikuura Nature
Beachside Conservation
Area

Location

Coastline
extension(m)Kunisaki City

(approx.)1,000

Designation
date

Usage model

1982.8.3 Shellfish Gathering- 44 -