Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
## Chapter III Japan’s Forest and International Cooperation

### 1. Basic Policy for Forest Management and Conservation

Forest management and conservation are promoted according to the “Forest and Forestry Basic Plan” based on the “Forest and Forestry Basic Law” as well as the “National Forest Plan”, “Prefectural Forest Plans,” and “Municipality Forest Plans” based on the “Forest Law.”

The government’s “Plan to Create Dynamism through Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and Local Communities” calls for the transformation of forestry into a growth industry, the promotion of forest sink activities through forest management and conservation, and the handing down of beautiful and traditional rural mountain communities to future generations by improving multiple functional roles.

### 2. Forest Management

#### 2.1. Promotion of Forest Management

In FY2012, afforestation (tree planting) was conducted on 30,000 hectares, treatment on 270,000 hectares, and thinning on 490,000 hectares. Cooperation of private and National Forests within each river basin is promoted. In some private forests where proper management activity is needed, forest management activities are conducted by public bodies to maintain the multiple functional roles of forests.

In order to obtain information on forest owners, a mandatory notification system for new forest owners to local municipalities was introduced. The Forestry Agency is also conducting a survey on forest acquisition by foreigners and eight cases (totaling 16 hectares) were reported in 2012.

To improve the efficiency of forest planting and treatment, growing seedlings in a container and development of second-generation elite trees are being in progress. Development and planting of low-pollen Japanese cedar variations are also being practiced.

Left: Multi-cavity container

Right: Seedling raised in a container

#### 2.2. People's Participation in Forest Management

In recent years, the scope of forest management and conservation activities being undertaken by volunteers and private companies has been expanding. Interest in forest and forestry is also growing in economic circles.

Donations for forest management are brought in through the “Green Fundraising Campaign” (approximately 2.5 billion in 2012). As of FY2013, 33 of 47 prefectures had introduced their own forest tax systems with the objective of supporting forest management activities (estimated total income in 2013: 26.8 billion yen).

#### 2.3. Research and Development

In September 2012, the new “National Research and Development Strategy in Forest, Forestry, and Wood Products Industry” was introduced. Under this strategy, the national government, the Forest
and Forest Products Research Institute, and prefectural governments are cooperatively conducting research and development into new technologies to provide solutions for current policy challenges. (Example: Experimental study on low-cost reforestation)

The Forestry Agency is developing technical experts with considerable knowledge and expertise in forest and forestry (“Foresters”). These Foresters are expected to support the policy administration of local governments.

### 3. Forest Conservation

#### 3.1. Conservation Forests

Forests providing particularly important public benefits, including securing water resources and preventing disasters, are designated as “conservation forests.” As of 2012, the total area of conservation forests was 12.09 million hectares, or 48% of the total forest area and 32% of the total land area in Japan.

#### 3.2. Disaster Control

In response to natural disasters in the mountainous area, the Forestry Agency dispatched technical staff to the damaged areas soon after the disaster to conduct recovery work.

The Forestry Agency also conducts “forest conservation projects” to install disaster control facilities and replant forests for the stabilization of mountain slopes and restoration of devastated mountain streams. It also promotes the development of coastal forests.

#### 3.3. Conservation of Forest Biodiversity

The Forestry Agency is promoting appropriate thinning, development of diversified forests, and conservation of primitive forest ecosystems based on the “National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2012-2020,” which was adopted by GOJ in September 2012.

The Forestry Agency is also promoting conservation of those forests identified as being World Heritage sites. The Japanese National Commission for UNESCO also decided to submit applications for “Tadami”, and “Minami-Alps” and an extension application of “Shiga Highlands” to the “Biosphere Reserves.”

#### 3.4. Wildlife and Pest Control

In FY2012, approximately 9,000 hectares of forests were damaged by wild animals, 70% of which was caused by deer (Fig. III-1).

For the control of wild animals, comprehensive approaches through “control of wildlife population,” “prevention of damages” with protective fences, and “proper management of habitats” is important. New methods for capturing wildlife are

Fig. III-1: Changes in wildlife damage area
also being developed.

In FY2012, the volume of pine trees damaged by the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) was 640 thousand $ m^{3} $ , approximately one-fourth of its peak year of 1979, but such damage is still the worst among all forest pests and diseases in Japan. The volume of damage to Quercus spp. trees caused by the oak platypodid beetle (Platypus quercivorus) in FY2012 was 80 thousand $ m^{3} $ , one-fourth of its recently peak year, FY2010. The Forestry Agency is implementing preventive measures through the application of chemicals and combating measures through logging and fumigation of affected trees.

### 4. International Cooperation

#### 4.1. Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management

As of 2010, the world forest area was 4.03 billion hectares, or 31% of total land area. Between 2000 and 2010, the world's forest area declined by 5.21 million hectares annually. In Africa and South America, 3.00 million hectares of forests were lost annually, while in Asia, the forest area increased by 2.24 million hectares annually (Fig. III-2).

The preparation of international “criteria and indicators” for sustainable forest management is underway. Japan is a participant in the “Montreal Process,” which is an undertaking of Pacific Rim countries.

Fig. III-2: Changes in worldwide forest area (by region)

Illegal logging hinders the efforts of sustainable forest management. The GOJ is promoting international efforts to combat illegal logging.

In the area of forest certification, the international “FSC,” Japan’s own “SGEC,” and others exist as mechanisms that promote the purchase of wood that has been certified based on sustainability standards. The percentage of Japan’s certified forests ranks low compared to the European countries and the United States.

#### 4.2. Global Warming Countermeasures and Forests

Measures against global warming are being promoted under such international frameworks as the “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.”

At COP19 held in 2013, Japan announced its expectation to reach its goal of a 6% emission reduction for the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol and its goal for 2020, which is a 3.8% emission reduction compared to 2005. Additionally, technical guidelines for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forest and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+) were approved.
#### 4.3. International Discussion of Biodiversity

It is estimated that at least 80% of the Earth’s remaining terrestrial biodiversity is found in forests. As of December 2013, The Convention on Biological Diversity has been signed by 192 countries and the European Union (EU).

#### 4.4. Japan's Cooperation

Japan is promoting international cooperation for the promotion of sustainable forest management in developing countries through bilateral and multilateral schemes that include the provision of technical and financial assistance.
### 1. Forestry

#### 1.1. Forestry Production

The value of gross forestry production has been declining since the peak year in 1980. In 2012, the value of gross forestry production was 391.7 billion yen, a 6% decline from the previous year. Among the value of gross forestry production, wood production and mushroom production each account for half of the total (Fig. IV-1).

The volume of domestic wood production bottomed out at roughly 15 million $ m^{3} $ in 2002; it stood at roughly 18 million $ m^{3} $ in 2012. By tree species, the volume of sugi production was 9.96 million $ m^{3} $ (54%), that of karamatsu (larch) was 2.25 million $ m^{3} $ (12%), and that of hinoki was 2.17 million $ m^{3} $ (12%). By region, those with large production amounts were Tohoku (24%), Kyushu (24%), and Hokkaido (17%).

The price of roundwood has been falling over the long term and the stumpage price of timber is 10 to 20% of its peak.

Fig. IV-1: Changes in forestry production

#### 1.2. Forestry Management

In Japan, most private forests are owned by a large number of small scale forest owners. Additionally, the area of forests whose owners live away from their forests has been increasing and the age of forest owners is also rising.

Most forest owners depend on income derived from activities other than forestry. Generally, small-scale forest owners are reluctant to engage in forestry practices. In some regions, groups of small-scale forest owners cooperatively conduct thinning operations and transport the thinned wood to sell to chip mills or woody biomass energy plants.

The Forest Owners' Cooperatives are major forest management bodies, conducting more than half of forestry activities, including planting, weeding, and thinning. Private forestry contractors are major wood production bodies, conducting approximately 70% of harvesting. Recently, the share of large-scale forestry management bodies in roundwood production is becoming high.
#### 1.3. Improvement of Forestry Productivity

To improve forestry productivity, it is necessary to coordinate and consolidate forest practices of multiple forest owners. For this purpose, the Forestry Agency is training “Forest Management Planners,” implementing the forest management plan system with flexibility, supporting surveys and consensus-building needed for coordination, and promoting identification of forest owners and their boundaries.

The Forestry Agency is accelerating the development of the forestry road system based on a combination of three types of forest roads: the “forest road” for general vehicles, “the forestry exclusive road” for trucks with ten ton loads, and the “forestry operation road” for forestry machinery. It is also training technical experts in the planning and construction of forestry road systems.

The Forestry Agency is promoting the development and improvement of advanced forestry machines, and promoting the spread of low-cost and high-efficiency work systems.

To improve the efficiency of forest planting and treatment, new technologies such as growing seedlings in containers, simplification of weeding practices, and planting with fewer seedlings, are being evaluated on an experimental basis.

#### 1.4. Forestry Workforce

In recent years, there have been signs that the decrease in the size of forestry workforce is bottoming out (approximately 51,000 in 2010). Although the share of the aged workforce (aged 65 or older) is 21%, the ratio of the young workforce (aged 35 or younger) has begun to rise (Fig. IV-2).

The Forestry Agency has been implementing a “Green Employment Program,” which teaches introductory skills and basic forestry knowledge to the new workers since FY2003. Thanks to the Program, the number of new forestry workers has shown a significant increase (Fig. IV-3).

The forestry industry’s occupational accident rate remains high, and therefore the development of safe working environments is important.

The Forestry Agency is promoting the staged and systematic development of forestry workers having advanced knowledge and skills.

Fig. IV-2: Changes in number of forestry workers
Fig. IV-3: Changes in the number of new entrants to forestry workforce

### 2. Non-Wood Forest Products

In 2012, the total value of non-wood forest products production was 250.8 billion yen, 80% of which was derived from mushroom production. Mushroom production has been increasing since 2000 (production in 2012 amounted to 460,000 tons, which represented a 3% decrease from the previous year). The number of mushroom-producing households has been decreasing, particularly in the area of shiitake mushrooms.

In 2013, the price of dried shiitake mushrooms declined due to decreased consumption and other factors. The Forestry Agency is supporting initiatives to expand consumption and ensure stable supply of shiitake and other mushrooms.

Production of charcoal has been declining over the long term and it amounted to 30,000 tons in 2012. Production of bamboo material (raw material for bamboo paper, etc.) has been increasing since 2010. Production of firewood has been increasing since 2008 (although it decreased in 2012). Other products here include lacquer and medicinal herbs.

An initiative to expand mushroom consumption: Inclusion in school lunch menus

### 3. Rural Mountain Communities

#### 3.1. Conditions surrounding Rural Mountain Communities

In Japan, rural mountain communities cover 50% of the total land area, or 60% of the total forest area. In these areas, the population continues to decline and become older with more and more forests left untreated.
Urban residents have a high degree of interest in rural mountain communities for their rich forest and water resources, beautiful landscapes, and traditions and cultures. They also receive international appreciation for their traditional recycling-oriented agriculture and forestry. For example, shiitake mushroom growing in the Usa region on the Kunisaki Peninsula (Oita Prefecture) was certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the FAO in May 2013.

#### 3.2. Revitalization of Rural Mountain Communities

The Forestry Agency promotes development of regional forestry and wood products industries in order to secure and create diverse and attractive employment opportunities. It also supports the creation of new businesses that utilize unused resources, such as woody biomass fuel.

Further, the Forestry Agency supports initiatives by local residents to conserve and revitalize satoyama forests. It also promotes effective communication between rural mountain communities and urban areas through hands-on activities in the agriculture, forestry, and fishery industries; use of forests for therapeutic activities; and forest environmental education.
# Chapter V Wood Demand/Supply and the Wood Products Industry

### 1. Wood Demand and Supply

#### 1.1. World Wood Demand and Supply

The total volume of wood consumption in the world is increasing. Sawn softwood consumption is recovering in North America but continues to remain stagnant in Europe. In Russia, exports of industrial roundwood are decreasing, while exports of sawn softwood are increasing. China is seeing increasing imports of industrial roundwood as well as increasing exports of plywood.

#### 1.2. Wood Demand and Supply in Japan

The volume of demand for lumber has been on a decreasing trend due to the decline in the number of domestic housing starts. In 2012, it decreased by 2.9% from the previous year, being 70.63 million m $ ^{3} $ (roundwood equivalent).

The size of domestic wood supply has been increasing since bottoming out in 2002. In 2012, it increased by 1.6%, reaching 19.69 million m $ ^{3} $ (RW eq.).

The volume of imported wood has been decreasing since peaking in 1996. In 2012, it decreased by 4.5%, being 50.95 million m $ ^{3} $ (RW eq.).

The self-sufficiency rate for wood has been recovering since bottoming out in 2002. In 2012, it was 27.9%, up 1.3% from 2011 (Fig. V-1).

Fig. V-1: Changes in wood supply/demand and the self-sufficiency rate for wood

#### 1.3. Wood Prices

The price for domestic roundwood has been declining for a long period; however, it showed a recovery in 2013 on the back of favorable demand from the housing sector (Fig. V-2).

The price of domestically produced woodchips has been declining since 2010 due to decreasing paper demand.
Fig. V-2: Changes in wood product prices

#### 1.4. Countermeasures against Illegal Logging

The GOJ promotes the use of appropriately produced wood products based on a basic philosophy of “not using wood products from illegal logging.”

Based on “Basic Guidelines for Green Purchasing,” it uses wood products with certified legality and sustainability in government procurements. It is also engaging in publicity activities that encourage private companies and general consumers to use legal wood products.

#### 1.5. Wood Exports

In 2013, the volume of wood exports was 12.3 billion yen, which represented a 32% year-on-year increase. Exports of roundwood showed particular growth.

The export of wood products to China and Korea is being promoted, through the exhibition of Japanese wooden housing materials in these countries and the provision of technical support in the revision of China’s “Wooden Structure Design Standard” to ensure that Japan’s domestic wood species are included in the Standard.

MAFF sets a target of increasing forest product exports from 12.3 billion yen in 2012 (of which wood products accounted for 9.3 billion yen) to 25.0 billion yen by 2020.
### 2. Wood Products Industry

The gross value of wood products production has been on the decline for a long period. The “Plan to Create Dynamism through Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and Local Communities” of December 2013 states that forestry will be made a growth industry through the creation of new wood demand and building of a stable and efficient supply scheme.

As for lumber production, shipments are on a downward trend. The share of domestic wood in the raw material inputs for lumber mills is 70% (Fig. V-3). Large scale lumber mills are becoming dominant in terms of their share of total lumber production. Acquisition of JAS certification by sawmills and response to demand for kiln-dried lumber for pre-cut timber is needed.

Fig. V-3: Material inputs for lumber production

As for glulam production, the volume of production has been increasing since 2010. The share of domestic wood in the material input for domestic glulam mills was 22% in 2012.

As for plywood production, the supply of domestic wood used for plywood production is increasing, reaching 68% in 2012. However, the share of domestic wood in the total wood demand for plywood production, including imported plywood, was 25% in 2012.

As for wood chip production, the volume of production has been increasing since 2010. The share of domestic wood chips in wood chip consumption was 34%.

Looking at new products and technologies, in addition to CLT (cross laminated timber), fire-resistant glulam was developed for wooden fire-resistant structures in the field of building. And in the field of civil engineering, wooden guardrails and plywood made of domestic softwood for concrete forming are under development.

Human resources for wooden construction, such as designers and carpenters, also need to be developed.
### 3. Wood Use

#### 3.1. The Significance of Wood Use

The use of wood materials does more than help create comfortable and healthy living environments. It also contributes to the prevention of global warming, sustainable provision of forests' multiple functional roles, and vitalization of regional economies.

The Forestry Agency is promoting the “Kizukai” (attention to wood use) initiative to educate ordinary consumers on the significance of wood use as well as the “Mokuiku” (wood use education) initiative to give children and adults an opportunity to gain familiarity with wood and learn about wood culture. There are also other initiatives for wood use, such as woodworking contests.

#### 3.2. Housing Sector

Approximately 40% of Japan’s wood demand and the majority of domestic wood demand are used for building construction. Approximately half of new housing starts in Japan are wooden constructions. Use of pre-cut timber is expanding at construction sites.

A supply system that suits the needs of housing manufacturers needs to be developed. Local housing projects are also promoted by supporting cooperation among forest owners, log producers, lumber producers, and local home builders.

#### 3.3. Wooden Public Buildings

All 22 governmental ministries, all 47 prefectures, and 1,384 municipalities (out of 1,742) have developed their own policies to increase the use of wood in public buildings as of the end of March 2014, based on the “Act for Promotion of Use of Wood in Public Buildings” of 2010.

During FY2012, the GOJ constructed 42 low-rise public buildings with a wooden structure, and renovated 258 public buildings with wooden exterior/interiors.

The design criteria for wooden government facilities and school buildings were developed. The fire tests and other verifications toward establishing building standards for three-story wooden school buildings were also conducted.

Three-story wooden municipal government building (Kamiamakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture)

M-WAVE, a skating rink with a wooden roof used in the 1998 Nagano Olympics
#### 3.4. Energy Use of Woody Biomass

The “Forest and Forestry Basic Plan,” adopted in July 2011, set a target of wood use for pulp/chip production including fuel use at six million m $ ^{3} $ by 2020. Among the variety of woody biomass, most of the “mill residue wood” and “construction refuse wood” is already almost fully utilized. Thus, use of “unused thinned wood” (produced at an estimated rate of 20 million m $ ^{3} $ annually) is indispensable for the promotion of energy production using woody biomass.

In recent years, more wood pellet boilers are being introduced into public facilities and ordinary homes, and therefore production of wood pellets is increasing. Use of firewood with the popularization of wood-burning stoves is also gathering attention.

As of January 2014, 37 woody biomass power plants are taking advantage of the “Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Scheme for Renewable Energy” (introduced in July 2012) to sell power. Amid expectations that woody biomass will contribute to regional economies, there is a need to engage in preliminary study concerning the efficient and stable supply of woody biomass resources.