Yakushima and Yakusugi
About 14 million years ago, magma pushed up the ocean floor plate, causing it to rise up, creating Yakushima.
The highly humid air from the Kuroshio Current collides with Yakushima's 2,000m-class mountains, creating strong winds and rain.
Cedar trees, which live in the unique natural environment of Yakushima, grow slowly over a long period of time.
The tree grows strong with dense annual rings and retains a lot of resin to prevent decay.
Individual trees with exceptionally long life spans are called "Yakusugi."
At an altitude of over 800m on Yakushima, cedar trees over 1000 years old grow naturally.
Rare value
Logging of Yakusugi trees, which began around 1560, ended in 2001.
The last Yakusugi cedar auction at the Kagoshima Prefecture Fine Wood Market was held on March 5, 2019.
Currently, there are many trees left behind after felling, and trees that have fallen due to typhoons and snowstorms.
"Wood buried in the earth"
About 100 m3 of fallen trees, called "trees," are removed each year.
Specific businesses, such as local processing associations, enter into voluntary contracts.
From the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Forestry Agency, Kyushu Regional Forest Office, Yakushima Regional Forest Office
You can purchase it.