Evergreen broad leaf forests, or laurel forests, are found in the western half of the Japan Archipelago. Deciduous broad leaf forests, breech trees and its groups, are found in the eastern half.
　Laurel forests, in areas ranging from the Himalayas to the warm temperate zone in East Asia, have common associations with various Japanese traditional cultures including rice farming. The theory that a laurel forest culture was formed in the depths of Japanese culture is taking root today. The eastern beech tree culture associated mainly with gatherings and hunting was driven out in stages as the power of the Yamato Imperial Court having rice farming culture was influencing the east.
　Deforestation is detrimental to the environment and it is a serious challenge to us. This has led us to drastically change our attitude toward the beech tree. Now, various effects from the beech tree have found a new appreciation. Jomon sites, including the Sannai-Maruyama Site in Aomori, have been excavated. It has become apparent that the Jomon people (ca.10,500-300 B.C.) had a culture of recycling and the beech woodland culture represented by the Jomon culture, give us unlimited suggestions for the 21st century.