Host: The Association of Japanese Geographers
The purpose of this study is pointing out the characteristics of the past charcoal production in the hilly areas of Japan from a geomorphological viewpoint, for evaluating the significance of microlandform on forest use. Distribution of the remnants of past charcoal production in the hills in several areas shows that most of the abandoned kilns are located on concave breaks of slope. Kiln entrances are facing downhill without exception. These characteristics indicate that the kilns were made in consideration of microlandform for satisfying various requirements from working processes of charcoal production.
