The MOKUTEI Project: Urban Regeneration through Forest Restoration
In an innovative step towards environmental sustainability, Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. has teamed up with Livness to launch the "MOKUTEI Project" in Tokyo. This initiative symbolizes the first phase of their "Regenerative City Demonstration" project, aimed at transforming urban spaces and enhancing the well-being of city dwellers.
The core concept of the MOKUTEI project is encapsulated in the phrase "From forests for the city, to cities for the forest." This initiative seeks to create a regenerative environment where urban residents can contribute to forest revival through hands-on activities. By utilizing repurposed materials, participants will cultivate saplings that align with nature's own processes, mirroring the ecological phenomenon of fallen trees promoting new growth, known as "tōboku-kōshin". In doing so, not only the natural environment will be restored, but also the overall well-being of the community will see improvements.
The project will incorporate unique wood characteristics—like pieces split by lightning or pairs of trees fused together—that typically don't get valued in conventional lumber markets. The saplings and vegetation used will originate from Hinode Village in Tokyo's Nishitama District, striving to replicate the local ecosystem. As workers and visitors to the MOKUTEI site tend to the seedlings by watering them, these young plants will grow and will eventually be planted back into their natural habitats in Hinode Village after one to two years. Thus, this initiative fosters a cycle between the urban environment and natural ecosystems, encouraging city residents to engage with nature in a meaningful way.
The MOKUTEI project aims to expand its presence to various locations including the piloti areas, open spaces, and commercial atriums throughout the Tokyo Tatemono Yaesu Building. This expansion underscores a commitment to integrate urban life more closely with nature, offering people a unique opportunity to contribute to forest restoration and biodiversity conservation.
The Importance of Regeneration
In recent years, the challenges surrounding global and social environments have become increasingly severe. Climate change, in particular, has become a pressing issue. In light of this reality, the concept of "regeneration" is gaining traction internationally. This idea goes beyond sustainability, aiming to reconstitute both natural and social structures, ultimately fostering a future of enhanced living conditions.
Responding to this global trend, Tokyo Tatemono unveiled its vision for "Regenerative City Tokyo" in November 2024, with the ambitious goal of establishing Tokyo as a new role model for sustainable cities globally by 2027. The vision promises the co-creation of ten or more innovations that exemplify regenerative practices.
The Path to Implementing Regenerative Ideas
The MOKUTEI project operates as part of this larger initiative to materialize regenerative concepts in practical terms. Collaborations with startup ventures in deep tech and other sectors will help produce products and services relevant to this innovation, particularly focusing on the Yaesu, Nihonbashi, and Kyobashi areas. This approach aims to create new value within the community, blending urban development with ecological endeavors.
About Tokyo Tatemono
Tokyo Tatemono has a long history, established in 1896, and is recognized as one of Japan's most comprehensive real estate companies. Their overarching vision is to achieve the balance of addressing social issues while fostering corporate growth, aspiring to be a company that positively impacts all stakeholders involved.
Learn more about their endeavors on the
official website.
About Livness
Livness is a collective of researchers with a vision focused on advancing scientific technology for global benefit. They promote the growth of research-driven startups through initiatives like TECH PLANTER and the Livness University program, collaborating with global partners to initiate impactful projects.
Discover more about their initiatives on the
official Livness website.