Nogizaka46, Wood Utilization Point PR Ambassadors, Attend Wood-Burning Stove Lighting Ceremony

On January 27th, the Forestry Agency held a ceremonial lighting of a wood-burning stove—a product eligible for the Wood Utilization Points program—at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' "Consumer Room" in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. Six members of the popular group Nogizaka46 were invited as guests. The agency has been promoting the "Wood Utilization Points Program" since April last year, aiming to contribute to forest maintenance, conservation, and regional revitalization through the appropriate use of locally sourced timber. As part of this initiative, Nogizaka46, serving as "Wood Utilization Points PR Ambassadors," and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yoshimasa Hayashi lit the wood-burning stove for the first time and discussed the Wood Utilization Points and wood-burning stoves.

At the start, Minister Hayashi stated, "To protect forests, it's important not to refrain from cutting trees, but to cut and use them appropriately."

Minister Hayashi and Nogizaka46 member Rina Ikoma handled lighting the fire. When the torch ignited the wood, it burst into flames vigorously, drawing cheers from the members: "Wow! It's so warm!"

Regarding the wood stove, Ikoma commented, "It's really cool. If I were to build a house, I'd want a wood stove in it." Other members also shared the stove's appeal, saying things like, "It's great because one stove can warm a large area," "Watching the fire calms and reassures me," and "Using firewood and timber also contributes to revitalizing the local area, right?"

Finally, Masatoshi Numata, Director-General of the Forestry Agency, urged increased use: "Desks and tables are wood products that let you feel wood close at hand, so please use them. Also, consider wooden houses that use a lot of timber."