#Japan #Kengo Kuma #Miyakonojo #more trees

Kengo Kuma Signs Forestry Agreement with Miyakonojo City

In a landmark event set for October 14, 2025, Kengo Kuma, the renowned architect and representative director of the non-profit organization more trees, will officially sign a forestry agreement with Miyakonojo City of Miyazaki Prefecture. This signing marks a crucial milestone in efforts to connect urban areas with forest conservation initiatives. Kuma, who took over the reins of more trees from the iconic musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, is stepping into his first official agreement ceremony, underscoring his commitment to promoting a harmonious relationship between urban environments and nature.

Overview of the Agreement Ceremony

The formal signing ceremony will begin at 11:30 AM at the Miyakonojo City Hall in the conference room located on the fourth floor. Significant attendees include Mayor Yoshinobu Ikeda of Miyakonojo, along with key officials from the Environmental and Forestry Department. The agenda is as follows:

1. Opening Announcement
2. Introduction of Attendees
3. Explanation of Agreement Content
4. Signing Ceremony
5. Mayor Ikeda's Address
6. Kengo Kuma's Address
7. Closing Remarks
8. Commemorative Photography
9. Q&A Session

Key Principles of the Agreement

The agreement will encompass five essential elements focused on sustainable development and collaboration:
1. Strategies for creating diverse forests.
2. Promotion of timber and forest product production and utilization.
3. Conservation of forest resources, alongside sustainable production and usage.
4. Training and exchanges centered around forest education.
5. Any additional cooperative matters agreed upon following the signing.

Initiatives Under the Agreement

One of the primary projects includes the nurturing of seeds from the indigenous Ichiigashi species (acorns). More trees will organize workshops involving community participation, aimed at planting these seeds in city-owned forests. This approach is rooted in collaboration between the public and private sectors, promoting biodiversity and sustainable forestry practices.

Diversity in Forest Management

Kengo Kuma’s more trees organization approaches forest management, labeled as “creating diverse forests,” with a dual focus: biological diversity—including tree species and native fauna—and diverse methodologies tailored to local environments. Notably, successful forest creation often requires unique strategies that account for each specific area’s natural conditions, climate, social context, and challenges. By leveraging the forestry knowledge of local communities and integrating expertise from specialists, more trees aspires to cultivate forests that align with regional needs while ensuring the economic viability of local lifestyles.

About Miyakonojo City

Miyakonojo is the second largest city in Miyazaki Prefecture, situated at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range. With a population of approximately 160,000, it is celebrated as a haven for high-quality meat and shochu production, leading Japan in outputs of cattle, pigs, and chickens. The region is also famous for agriculture, producing sweet potatoes and rice, supported by its fertile groundwater and favorable climate. Covering approximately 60% of its area with rich forests, Miyakonojo promotes sustainable use of forest resources and timber production. The city’s remarkable local products consistently rank highly in Japan's furusato (hometown) tax donations, combined with its rich natural setting and robust childcare support, rendering it an attractive place for residents.

City Hall Address: 6-21 Himejicho, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture
Mayor: Yoshinobu Ikeda
Website: Miyakonojo City Official Site

About more trees

Founded by the late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, more trees is a non-profit organization dedicated to forest conservation, led by Kengo Kuma. More trees engages in active conservation efforts in over 25 locations across Japan and abroad, focusing on strategic uses of domestically produced timber, public outreach, and initiatives aimed at connecting urban environments with forest ecosystems.
Headquarters: 201 H&K Akasaka Residence, 4-7-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052
* Website: more trees Official Website