Yayoi Takada，Natsuko Shigehara and Shozo Shibata: Current status of Kitayama cedar forestry as seen from the forest land situation. Ap.for.Sci.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Traditional forest management of Kitayama-sugi (Cryptomeria japonica)　has been conducted in the Kitayama area of Kita Ward in Kyoto, Japan, to produce Taruki Maruta (small-diameter rafters) and Migaki Maruta (high-quality polished logs for medium-diameter columns and beams) by frequent branch cutting, creating a unique forestry landscape associated with traditional local culture. This forestry system was evaluated by researchers and awarded Forestry Heritage certification by the Japanese Forest Society in 2017. Despite being the main local industry, at present, the Kitayama forestry is affected by the decline of forestry in general, creating significant issues with maintenance of the traditional unique landscape. To elucidate the distinctive characteristics of the forestry and the landscape, the authors researched present and recent transition of land utilization in forest stands owned by 13 households in Nakagawa , central Kitayama. The results showed gradual but clear changes in management by labor reduction and an increased ratio of abandonment of forest stand. Although ownership and management of maintained stands with traditional subdivisions remain intact, conditions vary among households. Specifically, although some stands exhibited small young-stage areas, old/over-mature areas of over 20% due to abandonment were shown. Against this background, reconsideration and political support are necessary to recover Kitayama’s forestry and to maintain the traditional local landscape.