This study aims to evaluate the multifaceted functions of coastal forests as well as the impact of tsunamis on the community's perception of coastal forests to understand the future direction of coastal forest conservation. The study was conducted in lshigaki(three locations) and on Okinawa Main Island(two locations). Questionnaire surveys were conducted at each site. After an evaluation of the different scales, with scores from 1 to 5, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted regarding perceptions related to the 'Currently-feltextent' (F-score),'Expected extentin the future'(E-score), and 'Dissatisfaction with coastal forests'(Demerits). At-test (at the 5% level) was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference between F-score, E-score, and Demerits scales. Overall, E-score showed significantly higher values than F-score. However, no significant difference was found for the scale 'Protection of a house against typhoons'. Regarding Demerits, the average value of 'Garbage dumping site' was significantly higher than the other scales. When comparing areas with and without coastal forests, the only significant difference was in the 'Blocking sea view', showing significantly lower values in areas with coastal forests. The existence of differences in evaluation and perception in a target region is regarded as a crucial element to be recognized for more effective conservation and management of coastal forests.

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Six species of evergreen broad-leaved trees, namely Litsea japonica (Thunb.) Juss., Neolitsea sericea (Blume) Koidz., Machilus thunbergii Siebold & Zucc., Daphniphyllum teijsmannii Zoll. ex Kurz, Lithocarpus edulis (Makino) Nakai, Camellia japonica L., and Japanese black pine, Pinus thunbergii Parl., were planted on a sand dune in Shimane prefecture in 2005. The mortality of Japanese black pine was 20% of the planted trees in the seventh year after planting. On the contrary, the mortality of evergreen broad-leaved trees was 60%-90% of the planted trees in the fourth year. The main mortality factors were severe drought and high temperatures during the summers. It is necessary to take countermeasures against drought and high temperatures in the summers when these evergreen broad-leaved trees are planted on sand dunes in Shimane prefecture. Japanese black pine might play the role of nurse trees for the evergreen broad-leaved trees.

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