Empowering Next-Generation Forest Management: A Look at Oji Group's Innovative Holding Forestry Project

Shaping the Future of Forest Management

In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, the Oji Group, a leader in forest management, is redefining forestry practices with its groundbreaking initiative called ‘Holding Forestry’. This new approach emphasizes not only the production of timber but also the conservation and nurturing of ecosystems. The project is spearheaded by Shin Mirai Inc., whose mission is to promote ‘Sustainable Forest’ practices.

Mission and Objectives of Shin Mirai Inc.

Founded in Toranomon, Tokyo, Shin Mirai Inc. under the leadership of Junpei Asano, has embarked on a mission to spread awareness about sustainable forestry through its collaboration with Oji Holdings, which oversees a staggering 640,000 hectares of forest across Japan and beyond. This expansive size makes Oji Holdings one of the largest private forest entities in the country. Their initiatives aim to convey that maintaining forests offers multiple values that go well beyond mere environmental conservation.

The Purpose Behind the Video

The launch of a PR video serves as a pivotal aspect of Oji Holdings' commitment to promote Holding Forestry. This video illustrates their dedication to effective timber production while integrating it with biodiversity conservation. By leveraging video content, they are not just informing but also inspiring conversations around forest management.

The film opens with a dialogue featuring the Vice President of Oji Holdings, who details the company’s roots and ongoing endeavors to enhance forest values. Further insights are provided through interviews with diverse stakeholders, including forestry professionals, researchers, and timber users, shedding light on various perspectives surrounding the industry.

Capturing the Essence of the Forest

The visuals within the video are captivating, featuring footage gathered from Oji Holdings' forests during autumn and winter at crucial logging times. With the help of advanced technologies such as drones, the team successfully captured not only forestry practices but also the native avian species of Hokkaido, providing viewers with a holistic view of the forest ecosystem.

Understanding Holding Forestry

What sets Holding Forestry apart is its unique approach to logging. Rather than clear-cutting, this method retains certain tree species crucial to biodiversity, including mixed species within coniferous plantations. This innovative approach speaks to a broader commitment to sustaining both ecological and economic values.

For over a decade, partnerships with Hokkaido University and other local ecological institutions have fostered research to advance this model. Oji Holdings stands out as the first private company to adopt Holding Forestry in such a significant manner, marking a substantial shift in the industry.

Goals of Holding Forestry

The overarching aim of Holding Forestry is twofold:
1. Economic Value: To maintain a healthy timber production cycle while ensuring sustainable use of forest resources.
2. Environmental Value: To secure habitats and food chains for birds, insects, and microorganisms, thus preserving the delicate processes within ecosystems.

Upcoming Talk Event

In celebration of the PR video release, Oji Holdings is hosting a talk event, featuring prominent speakers such as Hiroko Yamamoto and Yuya Toyoshima from the OMO Group Marketing Division, as well as Kazuyoshi Kawamura from the Forest Research Institute. The event will delve deeper into the themes of next-generation forest management and the dual goals of biodiversity and timber production.

Event Details:

- Title: Forest Future Conference vol.27 - Next Generation Forestry by Oji Group
- Date: April 24, 2026
- Time: 18:00 - 20:00 (online access opens at 18:15)
- Format: Online Webinar
- In-Person Location: Oji Holdings, Tokyo
- Capacity: 200 online participants and 30 in-person attendees (first-come-first-served)