Japan Society for the Promotion of Science:Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
Date (from‐to) : 2018/04 -2020/03
Author : Yamaguchi Asuka
This study reviewed the process and mechanism of the deforestation caused by development of various industries in modern Japan. In previous the extent of the deforestation been assessed only on the basis of each industry’s timber consumption. This study investigated the afforestation, timber saving, and the use of imported timber, all of which mitigated the deforestation. This study found the followings: the deforestation caused by the development of various industries was not necessarily proportional to each industry’s timber consumption; the construction industry was not as important factor of the deforestation as previous studies proposed; the deforestation was prevented more in prewar times than in wartime because in prewar Japan the market function worked more effectively in promoting the afforestation, timber saving, and the use of imported timber. In conclusion, the deforestation was mitigated and the devastation of the forest was avoided in prewar Japan.