Kusube Sangyo Launches Full-Scale Reforestation Business Using Chokkota Seedlings Full-Scale Launch of Reforestation Business Using Chotto Kae Seedlings ～Disaster Prevention and Mitigation through New Construction Methods that Harness the Power of Nature

Kusube Sangyo Co. (Location: 1360 Yoshihara, Aritagawa-cho, Aritagawa-gun, Wakayama Prefecture; President: Katsumi Kusube; hereinafter "the Company"), which develops construction methods and recycled construction materials that effectively utilize wood from local thinning and soil generated from water purification with the keyword "Restoration of Nature", has launched a new construction method using "straight root seedlings" of hardwood trees. (1360 Kusubu Katsumi, President & CEO; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") has launched a project to promote Eco-DRR* (disaster prevention and disaster mitigation using the ecosystem) and to create disaster-resistant forests and protect the environment.

As the risk of disasters caused by global warming and extreme weather increases, the deterioration of forest functions due to neglect has become a serious issue. The use of straight-rooted seedlings enables a high rate of establishment even on rough slopes and stabilizes slopes by extending their roots deep and strongly into the ground, thereby greatly contributing to the prevention of landslides. In addition, as the forest grows, its natural functions, such as CO2 absorption, water source cycle maintenance, and ecosystem preservation, are restored, helping to create a sustainable environment. Through this method, we aim to improve the safety of the region and reduce environmental impact.

* Eco-DRR (Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction) refers to the concept of effectively utilizing nature to help prevent and mitigate natural disasters, which have become more severe and frequent in recent years. Various efforts are being made in Japan and abroad to protect people's lives while making the most of the ecosystems unique to each region.

Straight-rooted seedlings

Straight-rooted seedlings, which grow long, straight roots by taking advantage of "gravitropism," the tendency of plants to extend their roots in the direction of gravity.

Recently, neglected forests have become a problem in many parts of Japan, and the multifaceted functions of forests, such as soil conservation, water source recharge, and biodiversity conservation, are declining due to the lack of proper management of planted forests. In addition, they are also a cause of landslides and floods in the current era of frequent heavy rains and other abnormal weather.

Neglected forests

Artificial forests with shallow and unstable roots due to lack of management

In response to these issues, we have developed a method that utilizes the straight-rooted seedlings of hardwood trees, which have deep and strong roots. This technology has the following characteristics and contributes to the formation of disaster-resistant forests and environmental preservation.

Characteristics of direct-rooted seedlings

Deep and strong rooting: Roots grow deep into the ground, stabilizing slopes and soil and reducing the risk of landslides.

Adaptability to rough slopes: Highly active and sustainable growth even in harsh environments.

Harmony with natural vegetation: Utilizes local hardwoods and blends in with the ecosystem and landscape.

Long-term effect: Roots develop further over time, and the disaster-prevention effect is sustained.

Reduction of environmental impact: No steel or concrete is used, making it an ecological construction method.

Utilization of local timber: Local forest resources are used to stimulate the local economy.

Characteristics of direct-rooted seedlings

Wakayama Soil, an environmentally friendly recycled soil material developed by our company

Wakayama Soil makes it easier for straight-rooted seedlings to take root, contributing to slope stabilization and ecosystem preservation. Wakayama Soil is an environmentally friendly soil improvement material developed by our company by recycling waste woody materials such as cedar bark and soil generated from water purification from waterworks projects. This soil is mainly composed of mud that has flowed out of the mountains into rivers and is rich in minerals. As a result, it has the same water retention and fertilizer retention properties as the topsoil of the ground and has characteristics that promote plant growth. Wakayama Soil is especially used for slope revegetation and as a vegetation substrate, and has proven effective in germinating and growing trees even in harsh environments such as steep slopes and rocky areas.

It is also compatible with straight-rooted seedlings, and the use of Wakayama Soil improves the seedlings' live-planting rate, contributing greatly to slope stabilization and ecosystem recovery. In addition, by reusing waste materials generated in the region, the project reduces waste and realizes the use of locally recycled resources.

In June 2022, this project began demonstration experiments mainly in Wakayama Prefecture to verify the specific effects of reforestation. adopted in November 2023 for a subsidy for sustaining small businesses, and in September 2024 for a subsidy to support research and development of pioneering industrial technology, further planting experiments and research of straight-rooted seedlings are underway. We are now conducting further planting experiments and research on straight-rooted seedlings.

In September 2024, the project was selected for a grant to support research and development of pioneering industrial technology, and further planting experiments and research are underway.

＜About Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai

Dates: May 2 (Friday) - May 3 (Saturday), 2025

Exhibitor Name : Kusube Sangyo Corporation / Kansai Guard Co.

Location: EXPO Messe "WASSE

Event Name : "Wow! Wakayama!

　　　　　(Booths will be exhibited for the latter two days of the event from April 30 to May 3)

Sponsor ：Wakayama Prefecture Expo Promotion Division

Date : September 18, 2025 (Thursday)

Name of Co-Creation Challenge : Civil Engineering Project to Support Nature - Toward Disaster Prevention and Mitigation

Location ：Future Life Village

　　　　　　　　　TEAM EXPO Pavilion

＜Katsumi Kusunobe, Representative Director, comments

With "nature restoration" as our keyword, we have been working on the development of wood-utilizing construction methods and recycled construction materials through the effective use of local thinned wood and soil generated from water purification.

Today, with the increasing risk of disasters brought about by global warming and abnormal weather, the preservation and utilization of forests are becoming increasingly important. The deep, spreading roots of hardwood seedlings stabilize slopes and contribute to the prevention of landslides, while circulating water in mountains and rivers to maintain the health of nature's workings. While utilizing the power of nature, we will promote disaster prevention and mitigation in harmony with the environment through the cyclical use of local resources.

As a "civil engineering project that supports nature," we will propose new construction methods, including the raising and planting of straight-rooted seedlings, to contribute to regional safety and land preservation, as well as to the revitalization of local economies. We will continue to make steps to protect the environment for the future.

Company Profile

Company name: Kusube Sangyo Co.

Representative: Katsumi Kusube, President

Location: 1360 Yoshihara, Aritagawa-cho, Aritagawa-gun, Wakayama Prefecture (Office address: 429 Yoshihara)

Business : Civil engineering work

　　　　　　 Scaffolding and civil engineering work

　　　　　　 Sales of construction materials

Date of Establishment: December 21, 1992

URL: https://www.kusube.co.jp/