3:30 PM - 3:45 PM
[HGG03-07] Interaction between Nature and the Urban Environment in "Mori no Miyako" Sendai
Keywords:Sendai city, Mori no Miyako, Interaction
Sendai City, historically referred to as the City of Trees, boasts zelkova tree-lined avenues that are emblematic of its urban landscape. Additionally, the diverse natural elements within the city’s jurisdiction, such as the primeval forests, satoyama (border area between the foot of a mountain and farmland), urban green spaces, and agricultural fields that stretch from the Ou Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, are indispensable components of the City of Trees.
Archaeological evidence suggests that human settlement in this area began approximately 20,000 years ago. Since then, the forest has provided essential resources for human life. During the Heian period, “Miyagino” began to be used in Japanese poetry as a place name for lush natural scenery (utamakura). In the 17th century, under the leadership of Lord Date Masamune, the castle town was developed, with vassals being encouraged to plant fruit trees and bamboo within their residences as a precaution against famine. These household forests, temple and shrine forests, and the natural environment surrounding Sendai collectively formed the original landscape of the City of Trees. A 1909 tourism guidebook used the term "Mori no Miyako" in its introduction to Sendai. Although the downtown area of the city was destroyed during the bombing of Sendai in 1945, post-war reconstruction efforts led to the development of tree-lined streets and parks, shaping the new landscape of the City of Trees.
As illustrated above, Sendai City has long experienced a reciprocal relationship between nature, which provides abundant resources, and humans, who cultivate and nurture greenery. Currently, the city's green coverage rate and the number of street trees rank among the highest in major cities, and the City of Trees label contributes significantly to the city's image.
However, as the city continues to grow, there is a persistent decline in surrounding satoyama and rural areas. Moreover, the rich coastal ecosystem was severely impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake. While urban nature offers numerous benefits to residents, it coexists with the threats posed by urban development and natural disasters. As urbanization progresses, it is imperative for various urban stakeholders to reach a consensus on specific images and methods for harmonizing with nature and to take proactive steps to preserve this rich natural heritage for the future. The city of Sendai promotes greenery conservation through various administrative plans and actively uses the City of Trees concept in its city marketing. Surveys conducted with residents indicate that environmental conservation measures receive the highest rating out of eight evaluated items. Additionally, civic activities focused on urban development and environmental initiatives are thriving.
This presentation aims to explore the harmony between nature and the urban environment by quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing the history of the City of Trees, comparisons with other cities, and efforts to protect the natural environment.
Archaeological evidence suggests that human settlement in this area began approximately 20,000 years ago. Since then, the forest has provided essential resources for human life. During the Heian period, “Miyagino” began to be used in Japanese poetry as a place name for lush natural scenery (utamakura). In the 17th century, under the leadership of Lord Date Masamune, the castle town was developed, with vassals being encouraged to plant fruit trees and bamboo within their residences as a precaution against famine. These household forests, temple and shrine forests, and the natural environment surrounding Sendai collectively formed the original landscape of the City of Trees. A 1909 tourism guidebook used the term "Mori no Miyako" in its introduction to Sendai. Although the downtown area of the city was destroyed during the bombing of Sendai in 1945, post-war reconstruction efforts led to the development of tree-lined streets and parks, shaping the new landscape of the City of Trees.
As illustrated above, Sendai City has long experienced a reciprocal relationship between nature, which provides abundant resources, and humans, who cultivate and nurture greenery. Currently, the city's green coverage rate and the number of street trees rank among the highest in major cities, and the City of Trees label contributes significantly to the city's image.
However, as the city continues to grow, there is a persistent decline in surrounding satoyama and rural areas. Moreover, the rich coastal ecosystem was severely impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake. While urban nature offers numerous benefits to residents, it coexists with the threats posed by urban development and natural disasters. As urbanization progresses, it is imperative for various urban stakeholders to reach a consensus on specific images and methods for harmonizing with nature and to take proactive steps to preserve this rich natural heritage for the future. The city of Sendai promotes greenery conservation through various administrative plans and actively uses the City of Trees concept in its city marketing. Surveys conducted with residents indicate that environmental conservation measures receive the highest rating out of eight evaluated items. Additionally, civic activities focused on urban development and environmental initiatives are thriving.
This presentation aims to explore the harmony between nature and the urban environment by quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing the history of the City of Trees, comparisons with other cities, and efforts to protect the natural environment.