Creating Forests with Less Pollen: Toward a Comfortable Tokyo 100 Years from Now

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is promoting 'Tokyo Green Biz,' a green project looking 100 years into the future, with the goal of realizing a 'sustainable city in harmony with nature.' Additionally, the Metropolitan Government is working on the 'Creation of Forests with Less Pollen' to reduce the pollen that causes hay fever, promote forest circulation, ensure a stable supply of timber, and revitalize the forestry industry. During this season, when many Tokyo residents suffer from hay fever, we would like to share information about this initiative.

[Creating Forests with Less Pollen] Let's advance the creation of forests with less pollen for future generations 1. What is the 'Creation of Forests with Less Pollen'? ~Toward a Tokyo 100 years from now, replanting with low-pollen cedar and cypress~ As part of its countermeasures against hay fever, which troubles many Tokyo residents, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is promoting the 'Creation of Forests with Less Pollen' in the forests of the Tama region. With the estimated prevalence of cedar hay fever in Tokyo reaching approximately 48.8%, we are working toward a fundamental solution by logging artificial forests of cedar and cypress that scatter large amounts of pollen and replanting them with low-pollen varieties. Low-pollen cedar is expected to reduce pollen counts to about 1/100th of conventional cedar. This activity is not just a pollen countermeasure; it is an important baton passed to the next generation, as rejuvenating the forests enhances carbon dioxide absorption, contributes to the prevention of global warming, and preserves biodiversity.

2. Forest Creation Support Club ~Bringing forests closer, joining the circle of support through events and experiences~ The 'Forest Creation Support Club' is an organization where individuals and corporations that support Tokyo's pollen source countermeasures become members, deepening their understanding of the Tama forests while supporting the 'Creation of Forests with Less Pollen' activities. Members receive benefits such as commemorative wooden goods made from 'Tokyo Wood' and discount coupons for various facilities, aimed at encouraging them to visit the Tama forests and experience their diverse charms. In addition to providing information through newsletters and email magazines, we regularly hold 'Forest Creation Events,' including tree-planting experiences, to develop outreach and awareness activities that allow people to feel a connection to the forest.

3. Corporate Forests ~Future forests created with companies and organizations. Forest conservation through public-private partnerships~ 'Corporate Forests' is a project that powerfully promotes the creation of forests with less pollen through the sponsorship of companies and organizations. The forest...