[Nagoya University of Arts x FSC(R) Japan] Students launch creative project on the theme of FSC certification
Nagoya University of Arts Press Release: October 24, 2025 [Nagoya University of Arts x FSC(R) Japan] Students launch creative project on the theme of FSC certification Portraying Sustainable Forests – Nagoya University of Arts Students Express Sustainable Forests and FSC Certification in Manga, Anime, and More
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Visiting Hayami Forestry Third-year students in the Illustration course at the Design Department of Nagoya University of Arts are working on a creative project aimed at promoting understanding of the forest certification system, commissioned by FSC Japan (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), a nonprofit organization that manages the international forest certification system. They are attempting to create works that communicate the concept of “sustainable forestry” to the general public through a variety of media, including manga, picture books, and animation. In the first lecture on September 24, students learned about forest issues around the world and Japan, the FSC certification system that solves these issues, and tips for creating forest-themed content. To deepen their understanding of forests, on October 1, 2025, the students visited Hayami Forestry (Owase City, Mie Prefecture), the first company in Japan to achieve FSC certification. They learned about FSC certification and sustainable forest management from representative Toru Hayami, and observed a mixed conifer-broadleaf forest operation that maintains a rich ecosystem. Additionally, at a collaborating company, Shiozaki Shoten, students will experience the lumbering process, gaining a real feel for the characteristics of wood and their connection to the forest. To apply the knowledge gained on-site to their artwork, they will also attempt to create works using wood offcuts. Regarding this initiative, Satoko Shirai of FSC Japan commented, “We usually focus on communicating with businesses. We’re looking forward to the flexible ideas that only students can bring to the table.” External lecturer Takafumi Nishino also expressed his hopes, saying, “We’re sure the results will be well worth reading.” The final presentation is scheduled for January 14, 2026. Students will present creative works that promote FSC’s philosophy while exploring ways to communicate the value of forest certification from diverse perspectives, including consumers and businesses. Nagoya University of Arts
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152151/10/152151-10-06c41a8cdaa2527eef28e4fd4be88985-649×487.jpg First lecture
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152151/10/152151-10-d3c640d04b5fdb9ac425bbbdcf406bc0-649×487.jpg First lecture
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152151/10/152151-10-05394c36d8e29124f9454079814fde2c-1024×683.jpg Visit to Hayami Forestry
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152151/10/152151-10-9e9d1c61c766d7927bf28ad893a00ee2-1024×683.jpg Shiozaki store tour ■FSC Japan (Non-profit organization Japan Forest Stewardship Council) FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an
independent non-profit organization established in 1994 by
environmental groups, foresters, forest products traders, and indigenous groups with the goal of promoting environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically sustainable forest management. Its certified forests exceed 160 million hectares, and more than 60,000 organizations are certified under FSC standards. FSC Japan, officially recognized by the FSC International Secretariat, serves as the Japanese contact point, promoting FSC forest certification within Japan and reviewing and developing standards for the domestic market.
