Shirakami-Sanchi

Thanks to the abundant blessings of nature, we are here today.
Although we tend to easily forget this fact since we are so used to our convenient lifestyles in the cities, people have been wonderfully coexisting with nature since ancient times here at Shirakami.
After the end of World War II, a construction project was proposed to build a forest road to connect Aomori and Akita by dividing the Shirakami-Sanchi. However, the local residents worked hard to put a stop to this plan and that is why this forest of beech trees, truly valuable even on a global scale, is still preserved in such a beautiful natural state.
Fallen leaves that have accumulated in many layers have turned into thick, soft, sponge-like leaf mold. Together with the tree roots deep in the ground, they indeed work as a natural dam to keep the earth and rainwater from washing away.
Try pressing the fallen leaves lightly with your fingers. You will see the moisture they have absorbed starting to seep out slowly.
The carpet of fallen leaves with air between each of them also serves as a water jar of the forest.
The forest of beech trees is not to be used for lumber since each tree itself is our valuable natural asset. Indeed, this is a fact we are gradually but surely beginning to understand.