Kochi Prefecture is the most forested prefecture in Japan, with 84% of its land area covered by forests. The forests, which grow in a hot, rainy, and humid climate, nurture pure water and are the source of the Shimanto River, Niyodo River, Yoshino River, and other clear streams well known throughout the country.
High-quality cedar and cypress grown in these rich forests have been famous throughout Japan since the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and have been widely used for ordinary houses, shrines, and temples.
The long hours of sunlight and warm and rainy climate are ideal for the growth of cedar and cypress, which are the representative timbers of Kochi, and they were offered as official timbers for the construction of Osaka Castle, Nijo Castle, and Edo Castle in ancient times.
In Kochi Prefecture as a whole, various forests have been formed due to changes in distribution by elevation. Currently, the forests of Kochi Prefecture have grown to the point where they can be used as timber from the plantations that were planted after World War II.
The use of timber produced from these mature forests creates a cycle of "plant, grow, use grown trees, plant trees," resulting in the cultivation of well-maintained, good forests (65% of Kochi Prefecture's 84% forest area is planted with populated cedar trees).
Good forests perform various functions such as improving water quality, preventing landslides, and preventing global warming, supporting the safe and secure lives of many people, as well as producing timber to support the lives of people living in mountain villages. Wood is an environmentally friendly and renewable resource, as well as a safe and secure material that is friendly to the people who use it.
Even today, Kochi cedar and Japanese cypress are used for restoration of historical buildings throughout Japan, and they also play an important role in "protecting" the environment.
When most people think of Kochi Prefecture, Ryoma Sakamoto probably comes to mind. In fact, Kochi Prefecture has produced many great people besides Ryoma Sakamoto, including Yataro Iwasaki, who laid the foundation for the Mitsubishi zaibatsu, Taisuke Itagaki, who advocated the liberal civil rights movement, and Motochika Nagasogabe, a feudal lord in Tosa Province.
It is also a region of rich forests and beautiful rivers. The harmony of this blessed natural environment has created a rich and varied climate. The area is characterized by its northern border with Ehime and Tokushima prefectures in the Shikoku Mountains, and its southern border with the Pacific Ocean, which protrudes in a fan shape. With an area of approximately 7,104 square kilometers, it is the largest of the four Shikoku prefectures and the 18th largest in Japan.
The Reinan area in particular has a lot of rich nature, with 88% of its area covered by forests. Sasao Mountain Range, Koseki Mountain, Shiraga Mountain, and Kibisu Mountain are recommended for mountain climbing and hiking. Beautiful rivers, valleys, and waterfalls are also found in the area, making it a very beautiful natural spot. Other popular spots include Akadake (Mt. Akadake), and the Sukimigawa River Valley. The Yoshino River, which runs through the center of the city, is the site of the Shikoku Canoeing Championships, and there are many other events that are unique to nature in this area.
Please consider commemorative gifts using“Japanese Cedar”.
We accept a variety of requests,
including letterhead sets and Japanese paper accessories,
as well as items such as the souvenir example.
In 1815, a wealthy merchant in Kochi City, Mutou Mune-taka and Hiramichi, wrote in their book "Nanroshi" about the history of Tosa, that Tosa cedar was the best timber, and that it was the first choice of Toyotomi Hideyoshi when he collected good timber from all over Japan to build the Great Buddha Hall at Rakuyo Higashiyama Bukkoji Temple. When Toyotomi Hideyoshi built the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) at Rakuyohigashi Mountain Bukko-ji Temple, he selected the best lumber from all over Japan, first from Tosa, second from Kyushu, and third from Kiso and Kumano in Shinshu, Kishu, and so on.
After that, Tosa lumber was used for the construction of Osaka Castle and Fushimi Castle in the early Edo period (1603-1867), and also for the reconstruction of Osaka city, which was involved in a major war. In this way, Tosa wood has been widely used throughout the country since ancient times.
In addition, Tosa lumber has a history of being presented to the Shogunate as official timber for the feudal domain, including Japanese cypress from Shiragayama in the upper reaches of the Yoshino River and cedar from Yanase in eastern Kochi Prefecture.
The first lumber market in Japan was opened in Osaka, contributing to the financial relief of the Tosa Clan. The names of places that remain in Osaka today, such as "Tosa-dori" and "Shiragabashi Bridge," are said to be vestiges of this history.
Please consider commemorative gifts using“Japanese Cedar”.
We accept a variety of requests,
including letterhead sets and Japanese paper accessories,
as well as items such as the souvenir example.