Background and history of activities in Nagano Prefecture

The vicinity of the location of these activities has a population of 15,000 people. It is estimated that in 30 years the population will decrease to about 10,000, of whom the percentage aged 65 or older will rise to roughly 30% to 45%. Depopulation and the aging of society are anticipated to make it difficult to maintain the local community. In light of this background, such issues as the degradation of the natural environment centered on rural land, the proliferation of uncared-for bamboo groves, increase in untended farmland, and wildlife damage are growing increasingly severe.

In cooperation with Inazato Iira, an NPO active in the area, through the specified nonprofit organization, NICE, Group employees (FY 2018: 10 employees; FY 2019: 10 employees; FY 2023: 8 employees; FY 2025: 13 employees) took part in these activities to improve uncared-for forests in the town of Iijima, Nagano Prefecture, and neighboring region.