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April 23, 2015
more trees × LOUIS VUITTON: "The Forest of Louis Vuitton" Opens in Komoro, Nagano
more trees × LOUIS VUITTON | The "Louis Vuitton Forest" is Born in Komoro City, Nagano
The "Louis Vuitton Forest" is Born in Komoro City, Nagano
Louis Vuitton has announced the creation of the "Louis Vuitton Forest" at the foot of Mount Asama in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture, in collaboration with "more trees," an organization founded by Ryuichi Sakamoto for forest regeneration. A signing ceremony was held on September 7th.
Text by OPENERSPhoto by LOUIS VUITTON
A Majestic Forest Spreads at the Foot of Mount Asama
Komoro City in Nagano Prefecture is a poetic highland city spread across the southern slopes of Mount Asama, one of the world's leading active volcanoes. Blessed with magnificent nature, it is also a location that combines environmental beauty with convenience, being only about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The "Louis Vuitton Forest" will be established within a forest at the foot of the mountain, approximately a 30-minute drive from the center of Komoro City. This marks the fifth project for more trees, following initiatives in Nakatosa Town and Yusuhara Town in Kochi Prefecture, Shimokawa Town in Hokkaido, and Quirino Province in the Philippines.
Offsetting CO2 Emissions Caused by Human Selfishness
Japan boasts the world's second-highest forest coverage, with approximately 70% of its landmass covered by forests. However, most of these are artificial forests that have been neglected. Forests left untended become unhealthy, with overgrown trees blocking sunlight from reaching the ground and reducing water retention capacity. The more trees initiative aims to increase healthy forests by thinning out trees such as cedar and cypress, thereby offsetting the CO2 emissions resulting from human selfishness and environmental destruction.
Louis Vuitton's concrete support for this initiative amounts to approximately 10 million yen for thinning, weeding, and other maintenance costs. The grand design envisions a "beautiful forest" that allows visitors to experience nature's bounty, a "sustainable forest" that connects to future generations, and a "majestic forest" that transcends human activity. Based on this concept, the plan is to maintain 104 hectares of forest over three years.
A View of Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture, from a High Vantage Point
Ryuichi Sakamoto, representative of more trees, stated, "There are truly many forests in Japan that require our attention. The major objective of this project is to restore the health of the entire forest through our investment. As the forest becomes healthier, our lives will become richer, and the global environment will also improve."
Cherishing Nature, the Source of Materials, is a Luxury Brand's Social Responsibility
Patrick-Louis Vuitton, the fifth-generation head of Louis Vuitton, who resonated with the activities of more trees, also commented:
Ryuichi Sakamoto (left) and Patrick-Louis Vuitton (right) strolling through the forest
©LOUIS VUITTON / KEIICHI NITTA
"Louis Vuitton's commitment to environmental protection has been ongoing for many years. For example, we have built eco-friendly warehouses in the suburbs of France and use ships for transportation, which emit less CO2 than airplanes. This commitment stems from our deep respect for the quality of materials in our craftsmanship. While we use leather and metal in crafting our trunks, we also use poplar wood. High-quality materials are essential for creating superior products. Therefore, we consider it our social responsibility to cherish nature, which provides these materials. The spirit of craftsmanship that utilizes wood is entirely aligned with the spirit of those who protect forests. It is an activity that considers the future."
It was a natural progression for Louis Vuitton, a brand that has consistently approached craftsmanship with gratitude and respect for nature since its inception, to resonate with this project. The seemingly opposing elements of a luxury brand and an environmental project are, in fact, deeply connected in unseen ways.
The sign posted at the entrance of the "Louis Vuitton Forest"
From left: Emmanuel Prat, President & CEO of Louis Vuitton Japan; Hitoshi Murai, Governor of Nagano Prefecture; Patrick-Louis Vuitton, fifth-generation head of Louis Vuitton; Ryuichi Sakamoto, representative of more trees; and Tsutomu Serizawa, Mayor of Komoro City.
©LOUIS VUITTON / KEIICHI NITTA