An introduction to Seki-san-no-Mori

Twenty kilometers northeast of central Tokyo in the suburban community of Matsudo is Seki-san-no-Mori, an island of greenery in a sea of residential development. Seki-san-no-mori covers 2.1ha which consists of the residential grove of the Seki family, a plum orchard, a large woodland area, and a play field for children. Amidst the surrounding sea of development, this expanse of green serves as an important source of tranquility and enjoyment for its surrounding residents. In addition, valuable cultural assets?such as a traditional gate, a storehouse, a Shinto shrine, historical farm tools, and old scrolls?which provide a glimpse of life in the Edo Period (1603-1867) can be found within the Seki-san-no-mori property as well. Thus, Seki-san-no-mori was, and continues to be, intermeshed with the hearts and lives of residents of the area. The Seki family has conserved this precious green space for centuries and hopes to do so for centuries to come.

However, the future of Seki-san-no-mori is under question. Currently, the Matsudo municipal government is rapidly proceeding with plans to construct a new road (Route 337) through the area by appropriating a portion of the forest from the Seki family. Plans for this road were first drawn up in 1964, during the period of high economic growth when development became a national imperative. However, since Japan has now shifted into a much more stable period of limited, controlled growth, societal needs have greatly changed.

While the new road may be inevitable, we must first and foremost ensure that any new construction is undertaken in an ecologically and socially responsible manner. To see that this is done, and that the area is safely handed down to future generations, the current owners of the property?Seki Michiko and Seki Keiko?and a number of local citizens are seeking to discuss alternative plans with the Matsudo municipal government. We are putting pressure on the municipal government to construct a road that will minimize damage to the area.

Please help us protect Seki-san-no-Mori by writing a brief message to the mayor of Matsudo. If you kindly send your message to the email listed below, we will translate it into Japanese, pass it along to the Mayor’s office, and also post it on the Seki-san-no-mori blog.

sekisan-no-mori-ouendan@mbe.nifty.com