Japaulownia Inc. (Head Office: Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Munehiro Kamiya) has signed a “Partnership Agreement for Regional Development through the Utilization of Japaulownia” with Komatsu City (Mayor: Syouei Miyahashi) on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Under this agreement, Komatsu City becomes the first municipality in Japan to launch a model project that comprehensively promotes the planting, cultivation, and utilization of Japaulownia (Sōsei-giri). The initiative brings together the public sector, private enterprises, and local communities in a unified effort.
The project has drawn national attention as a new GX (Green Transformation) model that simultaneously addresses multiple social issues, including climate change mitigation, effective use of abandoned farmland, promotion of local economic circulation, and enhancement of environmental education.
On the following day, Saturday, October 4, a tree-planting ceremony was held at a field in Bodaimachi, where the mayor, city council members, local associations, youth environmental groups, and residents participated to mark the first step of this community-wide initiative.
Purpose and Background of the Agreement
This agreement aims to utilize the unique characteristics of Japaulownia to achieve both effective use of regional resources and realization of a decarbonized society.
Japaulownia grows remarkably faster than ordinary trees, reaching maturity in just four to five years. After harvesting, it can regenerate four to six times, making it a highly sustainable and circular tree species. Its CO₂ absorption capacity is estimated to be about five times that of cedar, drawing attention both in Japan and abroad as a new carbon removal material.
By leveraging these characteristics, Komatsu City seeks to contribute to decarbonization through a project that revitalizes abandoned farmland, promotes carbon offsetting, and enhances environmental education.
The city also plans to establish a carbon-credit model in collaboration with local companies, and to provide environmental education programs in elementary and junior high schools. Through these programs, students will learn about the ecological features and CO₂ absorption capacity of Japaulownia, fostering awareness and action toward sustainability.
Scope of the Agreement
The partnership sets out comprehensive collaboration in the following seven areas:
- Promotion of GX (Green Transformation)
- Advancement of Carbon Neutrality
- Research on Utilization Methods and Development of New Materials
- Use of Biomass for Renewable Energy
- Environmental Education and Citizen Participation
- Regional Collaboration
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Prevention of Forest and Farmland Degradation
Japan’s First Municipality-Led Commercialization of Japaulownia
Komatsu City has developed a municipality-led business model that integrates environment, economy, and education with Japaulownia at its core.
In the first year, 100 trees were planted mainly in Bodaimachi, where the local “Bodai Japaulownia Association” and elementary school environmental clubs will continuously observe and record the trees’ growth.
Based on the data from these pilot projects, the city plans to scientifically calculate CO₂ absorption levels and aims to generate carbon credits — the first such initiative by a Japanese municipality.
In addition to timber utilization, experimental studies are also underway on the use of Japaulownia as activated carbon and biochar materials, with the goal of establishing a “local production, local use” model for decarbonization.
Future Plans
- 2026: Expand experimental plantations under the official “Japaulownia Plantation Project.”
- 2027: Begin CO₂ absorption monitoring.
- Mid-Term: Strengthen collaboration with regional companies and other municipalities, and promote nationwide dissemination of the model.
Comments
“For the first time, Komatsu City has taken the initiative to commercialize the use of Japaulownia under a municipality-led framework. We aim to achieve both environmental conservation and regional revitalization, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring degraded land while building a sustainable community model together with our citizens.” — Syouei Miyahashi, Mayor of Komatsu City
“It is our mission to maximize the potential of Japaulownia and expand GX-oriented regional circular models across Japan in collaboration with local governments. We are confident that Komatsu City’s initiative will become the nation’s first successful example of harmonizing environmental and economic goals.” — Munehiro Kamiya, President & CEO, Japaulownia Inc.
Contact Information
Japaulownia Inc. (Contact: Kosugi)
YANMAR TOKYO 12F, 2-1-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0028, Japan
TEL: +81-3-6664-9324
Email: kosugi@japaulownia.inc
Web: https://www.japaulownia.inc