Abstract
Five stages of the wood industry in Japan excluding Hokkaido are summarized. 1. The discovery of what woods are available, 2. community resources between local groups, 3. the use of wood for fuel, construction and tools, 4. the introduction of coniferous wood for construction and tools, 5. the increase of wood consumption and the introduction of afforestation accompanied by economic growth. These are linked with Japanese history from the perspective of economic activities.
