What I Can Do for the Future

You might have noticed, but my name is Hibiki because I live my life "surrounded by trees" (hibi-ki) every day.

My job is behind the scenes in the forestry industry. Forestry is work that involves cutting down trees deep in the mountains, so those of you living on flat land might not be able to imagine it. Since I work behind the scenes, my main job is site management, and I don't handle chainsaws, but it is cool nonetheless.

The intensity is incredible. When you watch a tree being felled up close, the chainsaw roars (similar to a motorcycle), and then the tree is brought down to the ground with a thunderous sound. You cannot experience this intensity unless you see it in person. It is difficult because it involves danger, but I want more people to see forestry sites.

Some people might think that cutting down trees is environmental destruction. I thought so too at first. However, that is not the case. When trees get old, like grandfathers and grandmothers, the amount of oxygen they produce through photosynthesis decreases. Therefore, trees that have fully grown are harvested (main harvesting), and new trees are planted (planting).

The planted saplings are carefully nurtured for five years by weeding (undergrowth clearing). Undergrowth clearing is done in the summer when weeds grow, and it involves endlessly cutting down weeds in the sweltering heat. I truly take my hat off to the people on-site.

Once the trees grow to a certain size, they are thinned out (thinning). When sunlight enters the forest, the trees grow big and healthy. Whether it is trees or people, let's watch over their growth with love.

Global warming is a major concern, but I believe forests hold the key. Forests turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, and wood can also be used as fuel. On top of that, they have a positive influence on humans. I have been extremely healthy since I started this job. I rarely even catch a cold. Being in the forest makes me feel truly alive.

If forests and the forestry industry become more familiar, the future might change little by little. Believing in that, I head out to the mountains every day. Why don't you try visiting a forest too?