Copy of Mountain Economic Cycle

Grandpa mows the lawn, Grandma does the laundry,
The Japan Herbology Research Institute is on a treasure hunt

Kusakiken has its own network of mountain owners across the country called the "Partner Mountain System."

This system makes it possible to harvest delicious plants each season.

The people at Aiboyama are forestry workers who normally make a living by cutting building materials in the forest.

In forestry, plants that can be used as building materials, such as cedar and cypress, have long been a money-maker.

On the contrary, the Kusakiken is focusing on plants that have no value in forestry.

We are challenging ourselves to set original prices and create added value.

This is because building material prices are currently sluggish and Japan's forestry market has shrunk to one-third of its peak.

Forestry is largely divided into two markets: the lumber market, which is shrinking rapidly;

The other is the mushroom production market, which has remained flat for 50 years.

So can we create a third market there?

This is what the Kusakiken focuses on.

In the forestry industry, we aim to create a new market by procuring raw materials for food and daily necessities.

The forestry workforce is declining, but due to this sense of crisis

There is also a growing number of enterprising young mountain owners and workers.

The people at "Aibouyama" are also curious every day about new ways to utilize mountains.

And in the food and beverage industry,

From the trend of gastronomy and sustainability

There seems to be a trend towards utilizing domestic ingredients.

We find hope in these areas,

We will begin creating new jobs and businesses in the forestry industry, which has not yet been mass-produced.