Ina City unveils “Living with the Forest” brand for a sustainable city

Ina City announced a new brand slogan for the city: “Living with the Forest, Ina City.” It’s a guide to strengthen its regional identity in its path to connect the city with the natural environment for a sustainable future for its residents.

With modern challenges such as climate change, economic disparity and population decline, the slogan represents a declaration by the city to re-evaluate the meaning of prosperity and build a future rooted in its vast forests that cover approximately 80% of its land area. The concept uses the forest as a metaphor for a diverse and interconnected community where citizens support one another.

“For Ina City, ‘Living with the Forest’ is a step towards connecting the history and culture we have walked with our forests to the future. It is about refining our local resources and nurturing a town where citizens can have confidence,” Takashi Shiratori, the Mayor of Ina commented. “Just as a forest nurtures diverse life, we will promote community building where people support each other, share the ‘Ina-ness,’ and live fulfilling lives.”

The city has outlined a four-part action plan to achieve its vision. The first stage focuses on raising awareness of the slogan both locally and nationally through media and a dedicated website. Subsequent stages will create opportunities for dialogue among residents, encourage citizen-led projects and learning, and embed the new philosophy within the city’s own administrative functions.

Located between the Central and Southern Alps, Ina City has already established itself as a model for sustainable living and regional innovation. It leads the nation in the uptake of pellet stoves and has the highest number of small-scale hydroelectric power plants in Nagano Prefecture.

The city has also gained national recognition for its unique educational environment, including its “yamahoiku” nature-based childcare programme. This has led to it being ranked number one in Japan for “education-motivated migration” for three consecutive years. The new branding will help Ina City build on these achievements, and create a resilient community for generations to come.