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Supporting the AKAYA Project in Japan


Full view of the Akaya Forest

Akaya Forest, a 10,000-hectare government-owned forest in the northern part of Minakami-machi, Gunma Prefecture, is home to a variety of endangered species including golden eagles, mountain hawk eagles, and Asiatic black bears.
The forest is richly endowed with nature and known as one of the most popular treasure houses of biodiversity in eastern Japan. Located upstream of the Tone River, the Akaya Forest supplies water to the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as to surrounding areas.

Nikon has been supporting the AKAYA Project* since 2005 through the Nature Conservation Society of Japan.

  • *Officially called the "Biodiversity Restoration Program for Mikuni Mountains and Akaya River." The Program is commonly known as the "AKAYA Project" because its activities are conducted in the areas around Tone River tributaries and upstream of the Akaya River.

Conserving and Regenerating Biodiversity

The AKAYA Project is a biodiversity conservation project implemented through cooperation between the Nature Conservation Society of Japan, local residents' associations and the Kanto Regional Forest Office of the Forestry Agency. The project aims to regenerate biodiversity and to ensure the sustainability of the local community.

Through the project, research into species living in the Akaya Forest, forestry conservation and environmental education are undertaken in a comprehensive manner. Species in Akaya Forest are regularly monitored for research. A conservation model is being built aided by the demolition of a local dam. Studies are conducted to find the best ways to log trees in manmade forests.
Environmental education aims to nurture the younger generation for the future and to develop future leaders.


A Japanese Judas tree, symbol of the project

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Nikon Equipment Used in the Research Activities

A lot of Nikon equipment is used in the research activities of the AKAYA Project. Nikon field scopes and binoculars are used to watch and monitor birds of prey, while Nikon cameras are used for taking photos. Photos taken by project members and volunteers are used for environmental education and to promote the beauty of the area.

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Nikon Environment Education for Employees

Nikon holds special lectures by experts in various fields for its employees every year. In June 2011, Nikon invited Mr. Seiichi Dejima, a member of the Nature Conservation Society of Japan, to give a lecture titled "Biodiversity and the Blessings of Nature in Japanese Forests: Akaya Forest." 60 employees attended the lecture to learn about the richness and importance of biodiversity.

In October 2012, Nikon held an eco-tourism event called "Nature Tour in Akaya Forest". Nikon Group employees and their families, 37 people in total, joined the tour. A biodiesel fuel bus called "Tempura Bus" was used for the tour. Edible oil waste was recycled to produce the biodiesel fuel. Participants enjoyed a three-hour walk in AKAYA Forest, getting close to nature and learning from the tour guide about the biodiversity of the forest.

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Support of Environmental Education and Environmental Events

The Nikon Group holds environmental education and environmental events on the theme of Akaya Forest. Although the major target of these events is children, Nikon hopes that both children and adults will learn about environment problems.