Six Organizations Collaborate for Forest Conservation in Takacho, Hyogo
On June 15, 2026, six entities signed an agreement to establish the "Water and Earth Forest Conservation Project" in Takacho, Hyogo Prefecture. This collaboration includes Invox Inc., Smart Forest Co., North Harima Forestry Union, Hyogo Forest and Forestry Cooperative Federation, Japan Offset Design Co., and the National Federation of Forestry Cooperatives. The goal is to utilize the J-Credit system to promote forest resource conservation and contribute towards a carbon-neutral society.
Overview of the Initiative
The main aim of this agreement is to manage forest areas in the Kamikuki district of Takacho. The North Harima Forestry Union will generate J-Credits from three forest locations which they manage. Invox Inc. will purchase the entire amount of generated J-Credits. These credits will be sold through "invox Carbon Accounting", a service operated by Invox Inc., to companies committed to carbon offsetting. The North Harima Forestry Union will designate these forests as "Invox’s Forest" and will use the funds acquired from credit sales to enhance forest management and conservation activities.
Moreover, the Hyogo Forest and Forestry Cooperative Federation, Japan Offset Design Co., and the National Federation of Forestry Cooperatives will provide comprehensive support for the creation and sale of J-Credits through their platform "FC BASE". Smart Forest Co. will assist Invox in creating and selling credits, ensuring the smooth operation of Invox’s Forest.
By combining efforts, these organizations aim to contribute to the preservation of local forest resources and the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Understanding J-Credits
The J-Credit system is designed to certify the amount of CO2 absorbed through forest management as a "credit" recognized by the government. This approach provides a financial incentive for preserving forests while actively working towards reducing carbon emissions.
Project Scope Brief
- - Location: Three specific forest areas in Takacho, Hyogo, covering approximately 420 hectares.
- Shimizu West Forest Conservation Area
- Shimizu East Forest Conservation Area
- Kamikuki South Forest Conservation Area
- - Project Registration Year: Expected to register in 2026.
- - Certification Period: From 2026 to 2035, spanning ten years.
- - Estimated J-Credits to be Created: 12,422 tons, based on current predictions.
Overview of Participating Organizations
1. Invox Inc.
- - CEO: Akira Yokoi
- - Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
- - Primary Operation: Development and operation of the Invox series.
2. Smart Forest Co.
- - CEO: Takafumi Sato
- - Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo
- - Primary Operation: Supporting decarbonization initiatives and consulting services.
3. North Harima Forestry Union
- - Director: Yasuyuki Furue
- - Location: Takacho, Hyogo
- - Primary Operation: Forest maintenance, timber sales.
4. Hyogo Forest and Forestry Cooperative Federation
- - Chairman: Fumio Nioka
- - Location: Kobe, Hyogo
- - Primary Operation: Supporting member activities, purchasing and sales.
5. Japan Offset Design Co.
- - CEO: Naoki Urakami
- - Location: Kobe, Hyogo
- - Primary Operation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through forests and environmental protection initiatives.
6. National Federation of Forestry Cooperatives
- - Chairman: Kazuhisa Nakazaki
- - Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo
- - Primary Operation: Guiding members, overseeing activities.
For inquiries regarding J-Credits and Invox’s Forest, please reach out to the respective contacts provided by each organization. Together, let's work toward sustainable forest management and carbon neutrality in the Takacho area.