In this study, the changes in natural utilization in the forest area of Sumiyo Town and the changes in residents’ awareness of nature are clarified. In the center of the Sumiyo Town, the Takabachi Mountains line, which forms the boundary between the two parts of the town, is located. And there are seven roads around the line. The roads are used for human traffic, forestry, and management of facilities built by Sumiyo Town. The natural environment around the roads was a part of the common living environment for the residents. Although the forest area was familiar to the residents, it had no use value except for the period when it was used for forestry. The awareness of nature among the residents of Sumiyo Town has changed due to the promotion of the registration of the Amami Islands as a World Natural Heritage site and the fact that the town became a target of tourism. The residents of Sumiyo Town recognize nature through the externally given value of World Natural Heritage. Then, with the development of the night tour, they have become aware of the preciousness of nature through the Amami rabbit. From here, the residents of Sumiyo Town have two views of nature: one given to them by the outside world, and the other mediated by the Amami rabbit. The former was not acquired by themselves, and the latter was not the result of direct experience with nature. In other words, both are based on indirect recognition. This dual indirectness is a major characteristic of Sumiyo residents’ view of nature.
