The Ichigaya district of Tokyo, where Shueisha, Dai Nippon Printing’s (DNP) predecessor, opened a factory in 1886, has developed alongside the local community for nearly 140 years. In this subcenter of Tokyo, DNP is committed to realizing “sustainable and enriched lives” by combining its unique strengths in P&I (Printing & Information) and deepening collaboration with partners to drive value creation.

We also strive for harmony between people and nature and actively promote the development of the local environment. Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest), a green space surrounding our company building, is a green space created as part of the Ichigaya district redevelopment. Professionals in urban development, architecture, and greening carefully considered what defines the character of DNP and the distinctive qualities of Ichigaya in planning this new kind of urban forest.

Situated on the eastern edge of the Musashino Plateau, the site draws inspiration from the Musashino forest. By planting only indigenous species that once grew naturally in this area, we aim to create a forest that is as close as possible to Ichigaya’s original natural environment.
Because it is a green space of rare scale in central Tokyo, we carefully considered its impact on the surrounding environment. To protect the safety and peace of mind of those who live and work in the Ichigaya district and to foster habitats that support biodiversity, we appropriately manage trees and undergrowth. As excessive intervention can diminish the natural state, we place great importance on maintaining a balance between safety, hygiene, disaster prevention, and ecological preservation.

Through redevelopment, we have brought together diverse business functions—including sales, planning, technology, and development—to promote Taiwa (dialogue) and cooperation and deepen collaboration with partners, further advancing value creation. The Ichigaya district is a place where our business grows and where people and nature co-create together.

From the master plan stage of the Ichigaya District Redevelopment Project, it is evident that the majority of the site is surrounded by lush greenery.

Tokyo’s environment has changed significantly over the past century. The population grew from about 3.7 million in 1920 to 14 million in 2020, while the city’s green coverage rate is estimated to have declined by more than 50% over the past century.

In response, we studied the area’s topography, natural vegetation, and history to design a green space suited to the Ichigaya district. We referenced nearby green spaces, including the Ninomaru Garden of the Imperial Palace, and carefully considered which plant species to select and how to arrange them. We also conducted repeated simulations using scale models and mock-ups, including trial plantings with actual trees.

This process led to the concept of Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest): "A diverse natural forest centered on bright and welcoming deciduous broad-leaved trees, interwoven with evergreen trees that convey majesty and tranquility."

The site, formerly Choenji Valley, features varied terrain. We recreated a diverse forest by arranging plants according to the landforms, such as ridges, valleys, and slopes. The design incorporates a layered structure of tall trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, with a mix of taller and lower herbaceous species to create a rich, three-dimensional landscape. Our goal is not only to green the company grounds, but also to establish a sustainable environment that will endure for the next century, in harmony with surrounding green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the Imperial Palace.

Population (1920 → 2020)

Green coverage (past 100 years)

Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest) was conceived from the design stage with a strong emphasis on regeneration and circulation. Although the forest is artificial, it aims to establish a natural cycle where nutrients are stored in the soil and trees grow independently. About half of the forest sits on artificial ground, but natural soil is used instead of lightweight alternatives.

The core principle is to return all organic matter generated within the forest back to it. Dead branches are loosely piled within the green space, and materials collected from walking paths are composted into fertilizer. These processes are carried out by DNP employees, helping to sustain the natural ecological cycle.

Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest) also supports environmental sustainability by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It aims to serve as green infrastructure by mitigating the urban heat island effect, promoting rainwater infiltration into the ground to reduce flood risk, and creating a network that allows wildlife to inhabit and move between nearby forests and green spaces.

Various eco-friendly systems to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote rainwater infiltration.

The first Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest) was established in 2015 and has expanded in phases to approximately 15,000 square meters of the planned 20,000 square meters as of March 2024. The project is guided by several key principles.

First, the forest is designed to be unique to Ichigaya, inspired by the Musashino forest that once existed in the area. The goal is to create a diverse forest that reflects the region’s indigenous vegetation.

Unlike typical landscaping projects that source plants from across Japan, Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest) limits plant sourcing to the eight prefectures of the Kanto region to prevent the introduction of non-native insects and fungi that may adhere to the root-ball soil. Over 20 species of tall trees, more than 70 species of shrubs, and native undergrowth have been sourced from Tokyo, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma. Additionally, trees with natural shapes, such as curved trunks or uneven branches, were selected to better resemble the forms found in local nature.

Second, the project prioritizes safety, hygiene, and disaster prevention. As a green space in harmony with the surrounding community, we are enhancing the area by expanding sidewalks, managing undergrowth, and pruning branches to maintain a safe and comfortable public space. For example, while considering the natural layered structure of forests, we avoid foliage at heights that could obstruct visibility.

Third, the forest aims to coexist with the local community. It will enhance the working environment for DNP employees and offer local residents a place to connect with nature. The project also supports sustainability by absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigating temperature increases, and preserving biodiversity, contributing to environmental harmony even within an urban setting.