Abstract
This study examines the historical evolution and contemporary influence of forest policies within Japan’s district (gun) system, focusing on the mid-Meiji to Taisho era. Districts, once vital local administrative units during Japan’s modernisation, now serve merely as geographical designations. Historical records from Saitama Prefecture and other regions demonstrate that district offices managed diverse forest-related responsibilities, significantly advancing forestry practices and training forest engineers. Following the district system’s abolition, its forestry policies continued to shape forest management after the Asia-Pacific War through the succession of district-owned forests, the legacy of district schools and forestry research stations, and the contributions of local offices. Future research should prioritise clarifying the origins of district forest management practices, exploring the potential for forest management in former district areas, and analysing their relationships with local communities.
