This paper investigates the state and transformation of Rikugien Garden during the Bunka era of the Edo period (1804-1819), a phase often overlooked in existing scholarship. The primary source for this study is “Yureki-Zakki”, a detailed travel record authored by Jippoan Keijun, who visited Rikugien Garden in 1813. Through close textual analysis of this document, the research reconstructs the garden’s physical and cultural characteristics during the Bunka era. Supplementary sources, including “Enyu-Nikki” (1773-1784) and archival materials held by Rikugien, are employed to compare the garden’s condition during three key phases: its initial construction, the Bunka era, and the present day. Particular attention is paid to changes in landscape features and place names, revealing gradual modifications over time. Moreover, this study sheds light on the little-documented era between the mid-Edo period and the garden’s acquisition by the Iwasaki family in the Meiji era, a time marked by neglect and decline. The findings contribute to filling a critical historical gap and offer a refined understanding of Rikugien Garden’s evolution. This research further provides essential insights for the future conservation and restoration of the garden, underscoring its historical and cultural significance.

In Kumogahata, which is a mountain village near the ancient capital of Kyoto, forest products have been produced and used by taking advantage of its location and abundant natural resources for a long time. This research aims to clarify the transition of land cover and natural resource use since the Meiji era based on the relationship with the city of Kyoto. In Kumogahata, various natural resources have been supplied such as firewood, charcoal, wild vegetables, and materials used for buildings in the Imperial Palace by making use of the connection with the ancient capital of Kyoto. Also, Kitayama-maruta timber and timber for utility poles were produced to meet demands from the modernizing city nearby. Until around 1945, natural resource use has continued by taking advantage of the connection between Kyoto and Kumogahata’s characteristic as a relay point in a trade route. Recently however, the connection between Kumogahata and Kyoto has become weaker, and use of those resources have come to decline. Based on this change, the area of broad-leaved forests greatly decreased, and that of conifer forests have become more than three times as large as that in the Meiji era.

This study discusses the accumulation of scholarly findings on the authenticity of the location of Tatsuta, an ‘Utamakura,’ in early modern times in relation to local preservation activities. Tatsuta is a famous sight associated with maple , but its location had become unknown by the early modern period.The accumulation of scholarly findings was primarily accumulated through debates among ‘Kokugaku’ scholars. While various locations in the Kinki region were proposed as the site of Tatsuta, the debate converged on two locations: Ikaruga town and Sango town with Sango town ultimately becoming the established view. This led to regional preservation activities in the modern age. These debates initially unfolded within discussions on ‘Waka’ annotation, but later progressed while being influenced by preservation activities in Ikaruga town and Sango town. The final two debaters who established the accepted theory each had connections to the Ikaruga town or Sango town.This study demonstrates that, in the context of ‘Utamakura,’ scholarly findings concerning the authenticity of locations are not neutral; they are inseparable from local preservation activities.When evaluating and preserving ‘Utamakura,’ it is crucial to assess not only authenticity but also the activities of the local communities.

This study examines the preservation of the Mozu Kofun Group within the context of urban development and heritage conservation in Sakai City, Osaka. Analyzing forty-four extant tumuli, it addresses three dimensions: urban development driving loss or survival, district-level designations providing indirect protection, and historic site designations offering direct protection. Based on literature and topographic maps, the study shows that postwar land readjustment projects led to the disappearance of not only small tumuli but also several large keyhole-shaped mounds. Tumuli designated as cultural properties or integrated into parks are largely surrounded by low-rise residential areas, while those without such measures are often embedded in mid-to-high-rise residential zones. These findings indicate that preservation, whether through formal protection or development avoidance, has shaped both the survival of the tumuli and the character of their surrounding environments.

Fire festivals are among the most widespread and distinctive forms of ritual practice across Japan. This study examines 156 cases of fire festivals in the Kinki region that draw on local plant resources, with the aim of clarifying their spatial distribution and cultural characteristics. Drawing on existing literature and online sources, the survey identified the locations and spatial settings of the festivals, their associated beliefs, the forms of fire presentation, and the status of cultural property designation. The results show that fire festivals are especially concentrated in the eastern part of Shiga Prefecture and the mountainous northern area of Kyoto City, while they are relatively scarce in the southern Kinki region and major urban centers. The spatial contexts in which these festivals take place display considerable diversity, and their timing is concentrated in April and August. In total, 32 types of associated beliefs were identified, including Ujigami worship, Spring worship, and Atago worship. Significant differences were also observed in the institutional structures of cultural property designation at the prefectural and municipal levels, with many festivals remaining undesignated. Taken together, these findings underscore the need to investigate fire festivals from a broader regional perspective, while also highlighting the importance of developing initiatives that build on the distinctive cultural features of each festival.

In recent years, park management increasingly focuses on enhancing park appeal. In this study, we linked park users’ perceptions of the attractiveness of forests in hilly parks to their awareness of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) and Ecosystem Disservices (EDS). The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of park users’ awareness of CES and EDS in relation to forests in three parks located in hilly areas. In this study, we verified differences in park users’ awareness of CES and EDS through statistical analysis of questionnaire survey. As a result, it became clear that park users relatively felt a sense of peace of mind, danger of injury or illness, and economic burden for conservation, but did not relatively feel its functions of cultural tradition and community creation with regard to the forests. In addition, it was found that awareness of CES and EDS varies depending on user attributes such as gender, age, frequency of visits, purpose of visits, experience of civic activities, awareness of exhibits and signs, and preferences regarding the forests.

In recent years, the involvement of various stakeholders in park management has increased, as has the attention given to the role of parks in children’s education. This study investigated the impact of joint farm management by park administrators and adjacent elementary schools on the relationship between park management and elementary school students, as well as its effect on the students themselves. To this end, interviews and questionnaires were conducted among managers of Sarue Onshi Park in Tokyo, as well as to personnel from elementary schools that conduct farm activities within the park and those that do not. The results revealed that elementary school students who participated in farming activities within the park developed a deeper attachment to its rich natural environment and increased interest in the park itself. Furthermore, the schools were able to expand their activities in the park, and the administrators reduced management costs, benefiting both sides. However, challenges regarding the sustainability of the co-management system were also identified.

This study examines spatial factors influencing pruning management and growth conditions of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) and zelkova (Zelkova serrata) in open spaces (koukai-kuuchi) of Fukuoka City. Among 166 approved sites, 58 containing 134 camphor and 248 zelkova trees were surveyed through field observations, 3D scanning, and classification of tree forms. Results indicate that camphor trees often exhibited poor growth and heavy pruning, particularly in narrow sites or dense plantings, with 43% showing strong pruning or decline. In contrast, zelkova trees demonstrated higher adaptability to restricted spaces, maintaining better form under artificial shaping. Analysis revealed that securing sufficient planting space is critical: at least a 7 m radius for camphor and 5 m for zelkova to achieve natural crowns. Camphor is better suited for solitary planting in wide areas, whereas zelkova can thrive under various planting patterns including rows and clusters. The findings suggest that camphor is often unsuitable for limited open spaces, while zelkova provides greater flexibility for urban greening. Proper spatial planning and pre-construction surveys are essential to prevent excessive pruning and growth failure, thereby enhancing landscape quality and the ecological function of open spaces in Fukuoka.

This study aims to clarify local businesses’ attitudes toward participating in park management, along with the conditions that increase their willingness to get involved, by focusing on financial contribution and involvement in regional cities. To do this, a questionnaire survey was conducted among local businesses in Muroran City. The collected data was then analyzed using methods such as factor and correlation analysis. Additionally, interviews were conducted with companies in Muroran that have made financial contributions through naming rights. The main findings are as follows: 1）About 70% of local businesses are interested in "involvement in park management with a focus on financial contribution and involvement." 2)The analysis revealed three distinct approaches for local businesses’ "involvement in park management with a focus on financial contribution and involvement." These are: "Direction 1: business development through community problem-solving and partial park operation," "Direction 2: proactive and permanent business development through park operation," and "Direction 3: volunteer-based business development through park maintenance." 3)Companies with the mindset of "Direction 1" view the park environment as a key condition for participation and expect benefits not only for community problem-solving but also for their own company. 4）For companies with the mindsets of "Direction 2" and "Direction 3," the conditions for participation and expected benefits vary depending on each company.

While the effectiveness of mutual support through loose networks has recently gained attention, the influence of local goat-keeping networks on the spread of goat weeding has not yet been adequately investigated. This study analyzed activity and support effectiveness by conducting interviews with seven network operators and distributing a questionnaire to five network participants. The results revealed two activity formats: face-to-face and online. In both formats, training sessions and exchange meetings leveraging human networks among keepers with diverse experience were found to be effective support measures and platforms for disseminating information. These facilitated the acquisition of practical knowledge and skills, as well as fostering flexible problem-solving abilities tailored to on-site conditions. However, the online format did not fully meet the needs of all participants. Based on these findings, we propose a hybrid approach that combines the two formats as an effective model for mutual support through networks.

In recent years, agricultural activities among urban residents have been expanding. Consequently, urban parks are increasingly being utilized as venues for such activities, potentially leading to new patterns of park utilization. This study, therefore, focuses on parks with allotment gardens in Yokohama City. Using the line transect method for behavioral observation, we identified user characteristics and types of use to clarify the utilization features of these agricultural activity spaces. Furthermore, by comparing these results with data from other areas within the same parks and from adjacent parks to understand differences in user attributes and activities, we examined the impact of these designated agricultural activity spaces on park use and considered their potential to contribute to the overall utilization of urban parks. The results indicated that the establishment of agricultural activity spaces within urban parks: 1) promotes park use among older adults; 2) may contribute to the functional specialization of parks by providing targeted health promotion and recreational functions for the elderly; and 3) increases visitors’ length of stay.

Permitted activities in urban parks can promote community interaction and contribute to community revitalization by enabling utilization that involves residents, such as festivals and community events. This study aimed to clarify some psychological and behavioral burdens that residents face when implementing in such activities and to evaluate the effectiveness of a workshop (WS) in alleviating these burdens. Using a WS in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, as a case study, this study analyzed the degree to which participants perceived these burdens and the effectiveness of the WS through questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews with WS participants and organizers. The results showed that the most significant burden was the "opaqueness of the application procedures." Participation in WS did not contribute to understanding the application procedures. However, it did help reduce the psychological distance between WS participants and the administration. Furthermore, it promoted team formation among WS participants, thereby helping to resolve the burden, “establishing an implementing team.” Results indicated that the formation of teams among WS participants and relationships between WS participants and the administration through WS enabled citizens to transition from the preparation to the implementation stage for permitted activities.

This study examines the contributions of the Igarashi family, sericultural seed farmers active since the late Edo period, to the local community of Kami-Hasunuma in Toyouke Village, Sawa District, Gunma Prefecture, an area that has received little scholarly attention. Using diaries and archival documents from the Meiji period, the study analyzes the multiple roles of mulberry sapling production and sales. The findings show that the Igarashi family supported the expansion of mulberry fields through large-scale production and the provision of low-cost, lower-grade saplings, fundamentally shaping the local landscape. The study further demonstrates that the mulberry sapling business functioned as a complex management system tied to financing and land leasing, fostering both economic returns and strong social ties with tenant farmers. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it not only fills a gap in historical sericulture and landscape studies but also provides a valuable case study of how agricultural practices shaped the rural economy, society, and landscape.

Against the background of various problems faced by waterscape spaces whose installation needs are increasing, this study was conducted to take up water shading as an important element that brings some effect or added value to currently installed waterscape spaces, and to analyze this phenomenon and discuss its development potential based on a survey of its actual conditions. As a result of the survey, it was seen that although this phenomenon is recognized, the term "mizukage" is not widely known. We also found that the conditions for its occurrence are water, light, and a structure that serves as a screen, and that the appearance of water shadows changes depending on their positional relationship and the way water moves, as well as the weather and time of day. The added value of water shadows was considered to be that they bring about changeability due to changes in weather and time of day, and that they make people feel water in the space where the water shadow has fallen. Then, by conducting occurrence experiments and questionnaire surveys, water shadows will be established as an important element that brings some effect or added value to the waterscape space, and a new option of water shadows will be created in the design of waterscape space.

Walkable cities are expected to improve residential appeal and prevent diseases. It is necessary not only to make the city easy to walk but also to create an environment that is enjoyable to walk in. This study therefore aimed to identified the factors that make a city enjoyable to walk in, based on the relationship between the physical environment of walking spaces and the enjoyment experienced while walking. Using three walking courses from the Sakai City Higashi Ward Walking Map, we identified street characteristics and landscape characteristics as physical environments and additionally conducted a walking experience survey, Participants photographed locations they found enjoyable and provided overall impressions of each section. Sequence diagrams of the walking environment were then created, integrating these physical characteristics. The results indicate that factors contributing to the enjoyment of walking through the city included not only scene landscapes, such as the appearance of historical resources, but also sequence landscapes. These sequence landscapes encompassed changes in the planar and three-dimensional street space, such as variations in sky visibility ratio creating a sense of openness or enclosure, and changes in width and gradient generating anticipation of what lies ahead. It is considered that the sequential unfolding of these elements during walking contributes to the evaluation of enjoyment.

This paper aims to clarify the characteristics of glamping facilities through a typological analysis of camping facilities in national parks, based on their location, spatial structure, and promotional information. To do this, camping facilities are classified into seven types based on their co-located facilities:I: glamping, II: glamping/lodging(like cottage etc.), III: glamping/camping, IV: glamping/camping/lodging, V: camping, VI: camping/lodging, and VII: lodging. The study targeted camping facilities located within Japanese national parks, investigating their location, spatial components, and the words used to convey their appeal on websites. These data were analyzed by simple tabulation, cross-tabulation, Hayashi’s quantification methods typeIII, ANOVA, and multiple comparison tests. The results showed that glamping actively utilizes the nature within national parks, providing private facilities with a high sense of luxury and comfort aimed at adults. Glamping focuses more on the luxurious accommodation experience in nature rather than on activities within nature itself. Regarding the words used to promote their appeal, the study suggested that glamping is perceived as appealing for its location in untouched wilderness. It promotes a high-quality, private accommodation experience, with an emphasis on the connection with nature and the wonderful scenery as key attractions.

Rohu Miki served as a literature instructor at the Tobetsu Trappist Monastery from 1920 to 1924. This paper investigates literary works he wrote about the monastery, aiming to clarify his perspective on the landscape and the focus of his interest through the sound environment of the 1920s. First, quantitative text analysis of the Trappist Songbook revealed that bird songs and wind sounds were frequently heard. Rohu Miki particularly felt a kinship with bird songs and could distinguish between various bird calls. Next, to understand the specific content of the sound environment, passages describing it from the Trappist Songbook, Monastery Miscellany, and Monastery Life were extracted and examined, categorized into “Sounds from Living Creatures,” “Sounds from Natural Phenomena,” and “Sounds from Daily Life and Culture.” Analysis revealed a focus on the sound environment of “silence” brought about by monastic life. Multiple passages contrasted the sound of the monastery bell when describing this stillness. The stillness at Tobetsu Trappist Monastery, where animal sounds like birdsong and the monastery bell overlap, contributes to recognizing a rich ambient soundscape. It can be said that the interaction between monastic life and the natural environment shaped the region’s soundscape.

Both Biosphere Reserves (BR) and UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are expected to add value to their regions. Because the two systems share many features, their complementarity is hard to discern where they overlap, and operating both can impose coordination burdens. This study examines the Hakusan region—the only site in Japan where a BR and a UGGp overlap—to clarify how the overlap was established, the coordination mechanisms between the two systems, and their complementary functions. We interviewed four practitioners involved in operating the two systems. Although overlap was not an explicit aim in Hakusan, co-locating the administrative offices established routines that mitigated resource conflicts and enabled collaboration. Complementarity was observed to arise from differences in personnel networks engaged by each system and from the distinct value framings of Hakusan within each designation. However, because the two designations only partially coincide in territory and mandate, coordination challenges remain.

This study classified changes in green environments from a fluctuational perspective, with a focus on the walking behavior of new town residents. The study aimed to propose a method for modeling walking route landscapes and examine green environment characteristics that generate appropriate levels of change. We organized the occurrence patterns of green environments along 19 walking routes. These routes could be classified into three groups, confirming the existence of green environments that generate sequence landscapes with fluctuation, combining moderate unexpectedness and predictability in green visibility rates. It became clear that urban greenery, such as that found in detached houses, apartment complexes, and on roads, does not guarantee the same volume of greenery as park green spaces. However, as the viewpoint changes, the appearance and disappearance of diverse greenery creates changes in the form of green emergence, thereby introducing variation into the sequence. Additionally, park greenery maintains a high visibility rate due to the presence of tall trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. However, its continuous nature contributes to the formation of monotonous sequences.

Since the World Heritage Convention came into effect, the number of World Heritage Sites has increased substantially. Although the primary purpose of the Convention is the protection of World Heritage, registration often transforms sites into tourist destinations, producing economic impacts among other effects, making it a subject of study across diverse academic fields. The purpose of this study was to clarify research trends in World Heritage conservation in Japan. To achieve this, a systematic review and text-mining analysis were conducted on 134 papers on World Heritage Site conservation published in journals issued by Japanese academic societies. The analysis revealed that research was particularly active in the 2010s; however, research themes related to economic aspects were scarce. Furthermore, text mining revealed that the keywords "tourism" and "region" appeared frequently, indicating their widespread use in World Heritage conservation research. These findings suggest that conservation approaches diversify as the number of World Heritage Sites increases. In this study, we describe trends in existing research and identify areas where future knowledge growth is expected.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of the multifunctionality of urban green spaces in private redevelopment sites. A questionnaire survey was conducted with residents of Tokyo’s 23 wards. The study compared the value of eight functions of green space in private redevelopment sites based on residents’ willingness to pay, using the Contingent Valuation Method. The functions that residents highly valued were “evacuation site,” “disaster prevention and mitigation,” and “environmental control.” Next, the function of providing habitats for living organisms was positively evaluated. On the other hand, functions such as “landscape”, “seasonal awareness”, “space for activities”, and “physical and mental health” were evaluated as being below the median. This study analyzed the relationships among residents’ attributes, their usage of green space in private redevelopment sites, and willingness to pay, using logistic regression analysis. Factors such as “offered price,” “frequency of use of green space in private redevelopment sites,” “nature experiences in childhood,” “willingness to provide nature experiences to their children,” “age,” and “household income” were related to the values associated with the eight functions of green space.

This study investigates the textile industry in Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, which developed through the accumulation of small enterprises and the utilization of regional resources. The purpose is to clarify the characteristics and transitions of industrial space by focusing on three aspects: factory location, factory architecture, and factory site. Field surveys were conducted on 15 companies operating in the area. The results indicate that many factories underwent multiple phases of expansion in both their buildings and sites, and the processes of change can be classified into several spatial patterns. Moreover, older factory structures remain partly in use, demonstrating the persistence of past spatial layers within the industrial landscape. These findings highlight that the industrial environment of Takashima reflects a dynamic adaptation to local conditions, while also offering potential for the reuse of existing facilities as spatial resources. The study provides basic knowledge for understanding the transformation of local industries and their built environments.

A "ginger cave" is a horizontal cave for storing harvested ginger. The temperature and humidity inside are suitable for ginger storage, and they became popular in Kochi Prefecture in the late 1960s. However, electric pre-coolers have become the preferred storage option, and the number of “empty ginger caves” has continued to increase over the years. In this study, we investigated the environmental characteristics and function of ginger caves in the former Kubokawa-cho, Shimanto town, Kochi prefecture, to examine how ginger caves can be utilized. As a result, 161 ginger caves were identified. The average temperature in these caves was constant at 17–18°C, and the environment was always humid. In some ginger caves, a wetland environment was created by clean spring water, and the excavation method in the past was clarified.

Hot springs are one of the regional resources in Japan that contribute to sustainable community development, enabling CO₂ emission reduction and regional revitalization using heat across diverse temperature ranges for power generation and direct thermal energy use (e.g., for cooking, heating and cooling, and agricultural production). To foster thriving communities that leverage hot spring thermal energy, the relationship between hot spring temperatures and surrounding socio-spatial environments must be understood. This study identifies this relationship in Japan through statistical analysis. The main findings are as follows: The proportion of high-temperature hot springs is (1) generally higher in natural park areas and lower in forest and agricultural areas and (2) higher in areas with low population densities located away from Densely Inhabited District (DID), which record the highest number of lodging facilities. Conversely, the proportion of low-temperature hot springs is higher in areas farther from DIDs, which are characterized by lower population densities and fewer lodging facilities. (3) Regardless of land use zoning, high-temperature hot springs are generally more prevalent in the areas described in (2), where lodging facilities are most concentrated. The findings of our research provide guidelines for the implementation of policy into the multi-stage utilization of hot springs.

This study examines the relationship between intermittent urban development and community memory through an ethnographic case study of Area A in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, characterized by yatsu valley topography. Participatory mapping, historical document analysis, workshops, and ethnographic interviews were conducted to reveal how local residents’ memories and emotions are intertwined with physical environmental changes. The results show that the valley slopes and lowlands, once central to everyday life, have accumulated both positive memories of childhood experiences and negative memories associated with land development, environmental degradation, and institutional responses. These findings were interpreted within the framework of collective trauma, highlighting how the cumulative impact of successive development phases produced long-term distrust, loss, and anxiety among residents. The study demonstrates that community memory is not only an archive of local history but also a psychosocial foundation that influences responses to urban change. By clarifying these dynamics, the research contributes to theories of collective trauma in urban contexts and provides practical insights for external supporters and participatory approaches in sustainable community development.

Semiotics, the study of signs, can be applied to remote islands to understand how visitors perceive their unique atmosphere. This study uses roadside benches on Amami Ōshima as a case study, focusing on them as symbols that convey the island’s ambiance. Our research had two main objectives: 1) to identify and categorize the location, shape, and surrounding environment of benches distributed across Amami Ōshima; and 2) to analyze the relationship between these bench characteristics and the island’s atmosphere as perceived by visitors. Using Google Maps Street View, we conducted a comprehensive survey of benches along the island’s coastal areas. The findings revealed a clear distinction in placement. Small, single-person benches were in secluded spots, serving as quiet spaces for solitary contemplation of the sea. In contrast, larger benches, designed for two or more people, were situated closer to settlements, functioning as sites for social interaction and conversation. This analysis of bench placement demonstrates how specific landscape elements act as signs, shaping the visitor’s perception of the island’s unique character.

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the distribution of freshwater fishes in Japan and the expression of local vernacular names and food culture at a national scale. Seventeen species were selected that naturally occur in more than 10 prefectures and have records of both names and food culture. For each species, ecological attributes (habitat type, body size, rarity) and prefectural distributions of local vernacular names and food culture were compiled, and natural, introduced, and modeled distributions were integrated using GIS for comparison. The results showed four types: (1) locally distributed species in which local vernacular names and food culture also overlap and remain localized, (2) widely distributed species with both names and food culture broadly expressed, all inhabiting middle and lower river reaches or lowland small water bodies, (3) species whose names are expressed nationwide but whose food culture is regionally limited, all utilizing a broad range of habitats from mountain streams to lowlands, and (4) species in which both names and food culture are limited, including those with wide introduced ranges and those with wide natural ranges but little cultural recognition or use. These findings indicate that habitat characteristics and introduction history strongly influence the formation of cultural recognition and use.

Temperate forests in Japan are generally divided into cool-temperate and warm-temperate zones, but the “intermediate temperate forests” located between them have not yet been clearly defined in terms of classification criteria or vegetation characteristics. Abies firma, an evergreen conifer adapted to cool-temperate climates, is regarded as an important indicator species for these transitional zones. The objective of this study was to identify the individual distribution of Abies firma within natural forests by combining UAV aerial imagery with LiDAR-derived canopy height data, applying machine learning and crown-based classification methods. UAV surveys were conducted in three different seasons, and automatic detection of Abies individuals was performed. The highest detection accuracy was obtained from imagery captured in April, when forest canopy colors showed clear seasonal variation and shadows were minimal. In this case, recall reached 71% and precision 86%. Furthermore, analysis of the relationship between detected Abies distribution and topographic factors revealed that shorter individuals tended to occur more frequently in gently sloping flat areas. These findings suggest that intermediate temperate forests dominated by Abies provide favorable conditions for accurate detection, and they demonstrate the effectiveness of remote sensing approaches for automated tree species identification.

This study first identified the positioning of the case site, its treatment in park planning of Daisetsuzan National Park, the topography of Sounkyo, Daisetsuzan National Park, and incident circumstances of rockfalls there. Next, drawing on references regarding responsibility and acceptance for rockfalls and rockslides in natural parks, prediction and countermeasures for rockfall risk in Yosemite National Park, and case studies of countermeasures to rockfalls and rockslides in other two national parks in Japan, this study explored key issues on how to accept risks and mitigate damage within acceptable limits by visitor risk management for addressing rockfalls and rockslides observed in Kobako, Sounkyo, Daisetsuzan National Park. Key issues for determining whether to permit entry and use include legal frameworks, judicial precedents, social norms, administrative treatment and history, natural and social science findings. If access is permitted, key issues include setting acceptable limits based on scientific knowledge for risk management, implementing proactive measures to mitigate damage within those limits, and defining the scope and constraints of post-incident measures by continuous rockfalls.

Urban parks must balance recreational demands with biodiversity goals, creating trade-offs that can hinder consensus. This study extracts key consensus issues in park management and visualizes underlying value-conflict structures among citizens. Ten paired items were developed from an official Tokyo document on park planning and surveyed around Shakujii Park (N=148). Latent class analysis identified two preference types: a Moderation class favoring middle options (~59%) and a Polarization class selecting endpoints more often (~41%). An issue-level polarization index, P* (= endpoint share × endpoint balance), was highest for facility provision vs. reuse, volunteer- vs. expert-led management, and the desirability of lively activities; tree-related items showed broad agreement (low P*). R3STEP regression found no robust links between class membership and observed attributes. The workflow—paired-item design, LCA, and P* summarization—offers a transferable template for anticipating conflict and structuring staged, issue-specific dialogue in participatory governance.

The objective of this study is to clarify the current state of recruitment and the factors influencing it in the landscape construction industry, focusing on company size and new graduate hiring rates. It also aims to clarify the relationship with the companies’ awareness of business development. A survey was conducted among 880 landscape construction companies nationwide (with a 19% response rate). The results are as follows: 1) More than half of the landscape construction companies are dissatisfied with their recruitment outcomes. 2)Many companies have not yet adopted a strategic approach to their recruitment activities.

3)There are significant differences in recruitment efforts between small-scale and medium-to-large-scale companies, with small-scale companies tending to have a higher new graduate hiring rate. 4)For small-scale companies in particular, the three factors that influence the new graduate hiring rate are: "expanding collaboration with other industries," "enhancing employee leisure activities and time," and "improving the company’s image."

Gastrodia pubilabiata is a mycoheterotrophic, fungus-dependent plant that forms a symbiotic relationship with saprophytic fungi and is considered endangered in many parts of the country. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the growth conditions of this species in bamboo forests. A distribution survey of this species was first conducted in an urban green space, where a large number of the species have been observed. Afterwards, vegetation, soil, and light environment surveys were conducted in habitat and non-habitat areas, and the results were compared to determine the habitat conditions of this species. Comparisons between habitat and non-habitat areas showed that habitat areas had higher soil moisture content and electrical conductivity, and non-habitat areas had higher soil pH, openness, herbaceous layer vegetation cover, and bamboo density. In addition, multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that high soil moisture content, low herbaceous layer vegetation cover, and low bamboo density were beneficial for the growth of this species. The results of this study provide management guidelines for bamboo forests in Satoyama and urban green spaces, suggesting that the density of the bamboo plant be maintained at approximately 5,250 plants per hectare.

This study reports the findings of a questionnaire survey conducted to examine potential conservation measures in response to the population decline of the barn swallow in Japan. The survey targeted individuals who had observed the species’ communal roosting behavior, and 109 valid responses were obtained. The results indicated that the barn swallow is widely recognized as a charismatic wild bird deserving protection. Furthermore, enhancing public recognition of its roosting behavior was suggested to increase conservation awareness and foster more active engagement among citizens. Respondents also proposed practical measures for nest protection, including tools to mitigate problems associated with droppings and support systems for households that accept swallow nests. In addition, various strategies were suggested for promoting roosting behavior, such as the development of environmental education programs and the effective use of media. However, because the study focused exclusively on observation-event participants, the sample may include individuals with inherently high interest in nature. Identifying non-observer groups and establishing a comparison cohort remain important tasks for future research.

This study proposes a method for reconstructing realistic tree shapes using Blender and terrestrial laser scanning data. With the growing importance of digital twins in fields such as urban planning and disaster prevention, accurate three-dimensional tree models are essential. While terrestrial laser scanning can capture tree crowns, occlusion by branches and leaves often results in missing internal structure. To address this limitation, we employed the Blender add-on Mtree to generate tree models whose parameters were optimized through numerical methods. Validation was conducted through two-dimensional contour similarity analysis with OpenCV’s algorithm named matchShapes, vertical distribution of maximum distances at different crown heights, and voxel-based comparisons of internal structures. Results showed the specific species such as Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) and Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii Parl) achieved high reproducibility through the both two- and three-dimensional evaluations, while closed upper crown trees such as poplar (Populus) were more difficult to reconstruct due to Mtree’s parameter constraints. Furthermore, voxel analysis revealed that Blender models contained more voxels than the laser data, suggesting internal structures were successfully successful reconstructed. This study demonstrates that optimization with Blender-based modeling can complement laser measurements and reduce field survey labor and costs to measure tree structure.

This study aims to clarify the Characteristics and Effects of Collaborative Management in Quasi-National Park Management by examining nationwide trends in management systems and analyzing the practices of councils that have formulated Management Plans. Many Quasi-National Parks are managed by a limited number of staff, often in concurrent posts, and supplemented by park rangers. However, such staffing was generally considered insufficient, indicating the need for specialized personnel. Wide-area collaboration across prefectural borders remained limited, even in parks spanning multiple prefectures. Although many parks recognized the necessity of a Management Plan, only a few formulated one due to budget and staffing shortages.In contrast, parks with councils demonstrated more advanced initiatives and wider collaboration. All councils involved local organizations, underscoring their significance in building regional partnerships. Councils focusing on specific resources engaged diverse stakeholders, including local industries and tourism, and shared common visions through Management Plans. Where plans were adopted, financial and organizational challenges were mitigated, and collaboration with non-governmental actors was enhanced.These findings suggest that while challenges remain in personnel, budgets, and inter-prefectural coordination, councils and Management Plans serve as effective frameworks for promoting collaborative management in Quasi-National Parks.

This study addresses the issue of overtourism caused by the spread of social media, where a landscape’s "Instagrammability" leads to a concentration of visitors in unexpected locations, as exemplified by the "Mount Fuji Lawson" incident. The research aims to develop a method for predicting potential tourist hotspots by analyzing the landscape potential of an area based on a landmark’s location and urban structure. Using the Tokyo Skytree as a case study, we created a simplified Digital Surface Model (DSM) for Tokyo’s 23 wards by combining a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with building height data. We analyzed the visibility of the Skytree from various points, focusing on its distinct structural heights (e.g., 50m, 350m, 450m). By linking this potential visibility with the actual locations of photos shared on Flickr, we found a high degree of accuracy in our model. The analysis revealed that Skytree images most often capture the section above 150m, and common compositions include combinations with urban elements, water features, and vegetation. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of using a custom-built DSM for wide-area visibility analysis in urban settings and highlights the importance of combining landscape potential with real-world human behavior data from social media.