2023/06/21
Keio University currently owns approximately 160 hectares of forest land throughout Japan, including forests owned by the university and profit-sharing contract forests on national land, where it conducts tree planting and forest cultivation activities. To support these efforts, the "Gathering of Forest Lovers," organized by the Fukuzawa Ikurin Tomo no Kai (The Friends of Fukuzawa Forestry Association), which was established in 2001, was held on Saturday, May 27, at the G-Lab in the East Research Building on Mita Campus. The event was attended by about 50 people, including students, and was not limited to members of the Fukuzawa Ikurin Tomo no Kai.
For this 22nd lecture, we invited Ms. Asako Nagano, CEO of Moriage Co., Ltd., to speak on the theme, "Let's Moriage the Keio Forests!"
Ms. Nagano established Moriage Co., Ltd. in 2022 after taking early retirement from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "to spend the rest of her life for the forests." Drawing on the experience and network she cultivated over her long career, she presented numerous case studies and ideas for revitalizing the forests of Japan, as well as those of Keio University. Ms. Nagano's very positive and energetic lecture also lifted the spirits of the participants. Following the enjoyable atmosphere of the lecture, a reception was held at the Faculty Club. As this was the first reception in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new members introduced themselves and shared recent updates. It was a friendly gathering, welcoming new members and allowing old friends to reconnect.