Restore 100 Hectares of the Miyagi Coastal Forest

It has been fifteen years since the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster and fifteen years since we started this project. In the first phase (from 2011 to 2020), we raised and planted a total of 370,000 black-pine saplings. Now, in the second phase, we are focusing on post-planting maintenance – digging water drainage channels, weeding invasive vegetation (such as kudzu vines), and thinning out the trees. With the tremendous help of forest workers and volunteers working hard on site maintenance, more than 95% of the trees have survived and are growing strong, sturdy trunks.

We owe it to you that this project has come this far, growing a strong, resilient forest that will help protect people’s lives. We are always heartly grateful for your kindness and generosity.

At the same time, the project site is facing some challenges, in particular, a pine wilt disease. Spread around neighboring localities for the past few years, the disease recently reached Natori city – our project base. The disease is caused by pine wilt nematode, a microscopic, worm-like creature carried by the Japanese pine sawyer beetle. As the nematode affects tree’s water-conducting tissues, it ultimately causes pines to die. Once the area is infested, the disease spreads rapidly, resulting in the loss of many pine trees. While there is still no complete method to prevent it, watchful eyes of local communities can make a huge difference. If volunteers and locals notice that “something seems off” with the pines’ usual appearance and respond at an early stage, they can become a powerful force in protecting the forest. Through various activities such as seminars, we try to spread awareness and cultivate a sense of ownership towards the importance of coastal forest in local communities.

Cooperation with forestry professionals is also indispensable. Responding to the spread of disease requires specialized knowledge and skills, such as pesticide spraying and preventive trunk injections, as well as removal and proper disposal of dead pine trees. It is thanks to your generosity and continued support that these efforts can be sustained. Empowering the volunteers and specialists working on the ground, your contributions are the driving force which moves the project forward.

We are committed to advancing The Coastal Forest Restoration Project as a sustainable, long-term initiative, helping protect local communities and nurture forest for future generations. We sincerely hope you will continue to stand with us in this endeavor. 

Once again, we take this opportunity to heartfully thank you for your generosity, hoping for continued support.

As always, we remain deeply thankful to all supporters here on GlobalGiving. This quarter, your contributions mobilized more than 600 volunteers (including local residents, young people and returning volunteers) and cleared several hectares of kudzu-covered areas. This was achieved despite the temporary suspension of operations from mid-July to August due to extreme heat.  

Your support continues to make a visible difference. We are honored to share that OISCA’s work in Miyagi has been recognized with the “Distinguished Service in Greening Activities Award” from the Miyagi Prefectural Government. This award stands as yet another milestone made possible through your generosity.

The award was presented during the 48th National Tree Care Festival, a nationally significant event attended by nearly 4,000 participants and graced by Their Imperial Highnesses, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan. The Festival is held annually all across Japan to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and nurturing forests. 

This year, the Festival was held in Miyagi prefecture. During the main ceremony, OISCA’s work was introduced with aerial footage, showing the transformation of Miyagi forest – from immediately post-disaster to its current restored state. At the event, OISCA was represented by the Chairperson Ms. Nakano, Vice Chairperson Mr. Hirose, Natori Branch Director Mr. Sasaki, Global Sustainability Mission (GSM) Department Director Mr. Yoshida, Overseas Project International Cooperation Division Director Ms.Hayashi, and GSM Department Chief Ms. Asano. 

Soon after, our team was given the exceptional honor of presenting our progress directly to Their Imperial Highnesses, Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino during their visit to the Miyagi Prefectural Forestry Technology Center. At the meeting, our staff provided explanations regarding tree thinning, removal of invasive vegetation such as kudzu vines and black locust, as well as the work of our volunteers. Following the meeting, our team members also spoke with the press to share the results. 

We take this recognition as an encouragement to further strengthen our restoration and environmental education activities. These honors are not only recognition of OISCA’s work, but also a celebration of what we have achieved together. As we move forward, we remain deeply grateful for your trust and partnership, and we are committed to continuing this journey of coastal forest restoration with you by our side.