The Bridge Between People and the Forest

Hinohara, a mountainous region on the outskirts of Tokyo, is home to some of Japan's most iconic forests; dense groves of towering cedar and cypress that have shaped the landscape for centuries. In these forests, Ryosuke Aoki is rethinking the future of Japan’s forestry practices. He is not just a forester; he is a bridge between Japan’s past and future, ensuring that its forests, many of them planted by human hands, are responsibly managed and preserved for generations to come. 

Aoki’s journey into forestry wasn’t an obvious one. Born in Osaka, he spent his childhood by the coast, but nature always called to him. In university, he climbed mountains, explored caves, and traveled rivers. When he learned that Japan’s forests were being neglected due to an aging workforce, he saw an opportunity. In 2006, he founded Tokyo Chainsaw, a company focused not just on forestry but on reconnecting people with the land. 

Bringing forests to life 

Hinohara’s forests, which are working forests, are FSC certified. Aoki and his team follow strict guidelines to ensure the forest's natural growth is never exceeded by harvesting. But his vision goes beyond timber. He wants forests to be seen, walked through, and understood. His team has created "Ohashi-style" work paths - narrow, minimally invasive trails that allow people to experience the forest up close, creating connections that have long been missing. 

For Aoki, it’s not just about preservation; it’s about breathing life into the forest through new connections. One of his most innovative projects is a partnership with Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, a historic maker of Japanese taiko drums. Traditionally, these instruments required rare old-growth trees, but now, they are crafted from FSC-certified wood from Hinohara.

It’s a new way of thinking, Aoki says. We’re proving that sustainability and tradition can coexist.

Navigating the reality of forest management 

Aoki’s work is not without its difficulties. Deer populations in Hinohara have risen dramatically, causing damage to young trees by eating them. Additionally, FSC certification places strict limits on how much timber can be harvested each year, which means Aoki and his team must carefully manage thinning efforts to maintain the health of the forest. 

While these obstacles are real, Aoki views FSC certification as a crucial tool that provides them with the guidelines they need to manage the forest responsibly and maintain balance. "It’s a powerful signal that we’re committed to sustainability, which resonates strongly and aligns with the larger global movement toward sustainability”. 

Looking ahead, Aoki remains mindful of the future of forestry in Japan. Young people are hesitant to join forestry; it’s tough, dangerous, and often overlooked. But Tokyo Chainsaw is changing that narrative. Through social media and community engagement, they’re making forestry visible and appealing to young people eager to try something new and make a difference. With a youthful, passionate team behind him, Aoki is confident that the future of forestry is in good hands. 

For Aoki, forests are a living, breathing part of Japan’s culture and identity.

Forests are not separate from us, he says. They shape our rivers, our cities, our air. They are part of who we are.

As long as there are people like Aoki listening to the trees, their story will continue to grow. 

You can learn more about Ryosuku Aoki’s work by reading our story: Nature’s rhythms: the evolution of the Japanese taiko.

Click on the image below to meet more passionate individuals working in FSC-certified forests, and discover how they’re helping shape a more resilient future for forests and communities alike.