Aobagumi and more trees to restore fire damaged forests in Ofunato

Forestry specialist Aobagumi and the forest conservation organisation “more trees” have launched a partnership to restore forest land in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture. This comes after the massive wildfire that occurred in February 2025. Site preparation and planting activities commenced in February 2026, marking exactly one year since the disaster.

The 2025 wildfire was the largest in the region since the start of the Heisei era in 1989. It destroyed approximately 3,370 hectares of land, representing roughly 9% of the total city area. This disaster came after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, placing a double burden of recovery on the local community. While government-led disaster recovery projects are underway, certain areas remain ineligible for official subsidies. These excluded zones face significant challenges regarding funding and the availability of skilled personnel for replanting.

The project shifts the focus from traditional monoculture plantations to ecological diversity. Forests in coastal Iwate have historically consisted of single species such as cedar and pine, which are highly vulnerable to fire and offer limited biodiversity. The loss of these forests also threatens the nutrient cycle that supports the local marine environment. To counter this, the partnership focuses on planting native broadleaf trees, including Konara oak. The strategy employs selective undergrowth clearing to allow seeds from surrounding trees to take root, eventually creating a resilient and diverse ecosystem.

Aobagumi established a local base in Ofunato in August 2025 to facilitate these efforts. The company has consolidated over 110 hectares of forest land through discussions with local owners. Employees have relocated to the area to manage the restoration in collaboration with local businesses and government bodies. Meanwhile, more trees, founded by the late musician Ryuichi Sakamoto and led by architect Kengo Kuma, serves as the bridge between urban centres and the forest. The organisation channels donations from individuals and corporations directly into the field to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

In the future, the partnership intends to expand its restoration activities across Ofunato, specifically targeting areas that fall outside the scope of national disaster recovery systems.