Japan’s Forests Account for 67% of the Country’s Total Land Area
Japan, known for its technological advancements and urban landscapes, is also home to vast forested areas that play a crucial role in the country’s climate change mitigation efforts. This Post examines the current state of Japan’s forests, their impact on carbon sequestration, and their challenges in climate change.
Japan boasts an impressive forest cover, with approximately 25 million hectares of forested land, accounting for about 67% of the country’s total land area (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries [MAFF], 2021). This makes Japan one of the most forested countries among developed nations. It ranks 23rd among all countries.
Japan’s forests are diverse, combining natural and planted forests. Natural forests, primarily consisting of broadleaf trees such as beech and oak, cover about 54% of the forested area. The remaining 46% are planted forests, dominated by coniferous species like Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtuse) (Forestry Agency, 2021). These trees are responsible for Japan’s carbon sink.
Japan’s forests serve as a significant carbon sink, sequestering an estimated 15 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) annually (Ministry of the Environment [MOE], 2022). This sequestration capacity is vital in offsetting the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to its climate change mitigation efforts, especially because it aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Forest monitoring and protection initiative by the University of Tsukuba
Despite their importance, Japan’s forests face various challenges. Over the past decade, the country has experienced a slight decrease in forest cover due to urbanization, infrastructure development, and farming. According to the Forestry Agency (2021), approximately 20,000 hectares of forestland were converted to other uses between 2010 and 2020.
Kawakami, Minamisaku-Gun, Nagano, 2019
Fortunately, wildfires have not been a significant threat to Japan’s forests compared to other countries. Japan’s average annual area affected by forest fires is relatively tiny, at around 1,000 hectares yearly (Fire and Disaster Management Agency, 2022). However, climate change-induced extreme weather events pose an increasing risk to forest ecosystems.
How is Japan’s forest cover reflected in its nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement? Japan’s updated NDC, submitted in 2021, recognizes the importance of forests in achieving its climate goals. The country aims to maintain and enhance its forests’ carbon sink capacity through sustainable forest management practices. The NDC includes a target to increase the annual carbon sequestration from forests to approximately 38 million tons of CO2e by 2030 (Government of Japan, 2021). To this end, Japan has implemented various policies to protect and expand its forest coverage. The Forest and Forestry Basic Act, revised in 2016, emphasizes forests’ multifunctional roles, including their contribution to climate change mitigation (MAFF, 2016). The government has also introduced initiatives to promote reforestation and sustainable forest management practices.
However, challenges remain in balancing forest conservation with economic development. The aging and declining rural population has led to the abandonment of some forest areas, potentially reducing their carbon sequestration capacity (Yamada & Fujimori, 2020).
It is important to note that Japan’s extensive forest cover is valuable in its fight against climate change. While challenges such as urbanization and demographic shifts persist, the government’s recognition of forests in its NDC and ongoing policy efforts provide a foundation for sustainable forest management. Continued research, innovative policies, and public engagement will be crucial in maximizing the potential of Japan’s forests as a natural climate solution.
This Post was submitted by the Climate Scorecard Japan Country Manager Delmaria Richards
Learn More References
- Fire and Disaster Management Agency. (2022). Annual Report on Forest Fires.
- Forestry Agency. (2021). Annual Report on Forest and Forestry in Japan.
Government of Japan. (2021). Submission of Japan’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). - Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. (2016). Forest and Forestry Basic Act.
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. (2021). Annual Report on Forest and Forestry in Japan.
- Ministry of the Environment. (2022). Japan’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report.
- Yamada, Y., & Fujimori, S. (2020). Future projection of abandoned farmland and forest resources in Japan. Sustainability Science, 15(4), 1049-1061.
Primary Influencer
SAKAMOTO Tetsushi
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (農林水産大臣, Nourin-Suisan Daijin)
Director-General, Forestry Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Email: https://www.contactus.maff.go.jp/j/form/kanbo/koho/160807.html