JSCE Magazine Summary & Index
Latest Magazine
vol.111 No.6 June 2026
Understanding Sabo and forest conservation
─ Living in harmony with mountains ─
In Japan, June is designated as "Landslide Disaster Prevention Month" to coincide
with the rainy season (Tsuyu), a period when intensified rainfall significantly heightens
the risk of landslide disasters.
While weather-induced landslides show seasonal trends, recent events like the 2024
Noto Peninsula Earthquake remind us that seismic-driven disasters remain unpredictable.
Historically, Japan’s rapid modernization led to large-scale deforestation, which compromised
the natural soil-stabilizing functions of forests and increased contemporary disaster risks.
While Sabo (erosion control) and forest restoration efforts are progressing, engineering
solutions alone are insufficient to address today's escalating threats.
The current challenge necessitates a holistic "river basin" perspective, treating the entire
landscape—from mountainous headwaters to coastal estuaries—as a single interconnected system.
Ultimately, it is crucial for citizens to understand the specific risks within their own river basins
and take a proactive role in community protection.
Transitioning from passive beneficiaries to active participants is the key to fostering a sustainable
coexistence with Japan’s volatile natural environment.
