Japan Mega-Solar Project Investigated Over Alleged Illegal Logging in Hokkaido

More than 150 trees on private land next to a planned mega-solar project in Hokkaido were cut down without the owners’ permission.

A solar energy project site in Hokkaido, Japan, where authorities are investigating alleged illegal logging near the development area. (Photo: Kyodo)

The project is being pushed by a large-scale Osaka-based solar power developer in an urbanization control area on the outskirts of Kushiro city, near Kushiroshitsugen National Park, Hiroaki Homma reported for Mainichi Japan.

The logging site was on private land adjoining the eastern side of the developer’s project area.

After comparing cadastral maps obtained from the Kushiro District Legal Affairs Bureau with satellite images from Google Maps and conducting on-site inspections, it was confirmed that the logged area extended from the project site onto private land.

In April, leaning broadleaf trees on adjacent private land in the Niinohassen district were observed.

In May, an on-site investigation found that a large number of alder and Manchurian ash trees had been cut at their bases.

Additionally, drone footage taken before and after the logging shows the extent of the clearing. In footage from early December 2025, about 160 trees were visible on the private land.

In footage from late April 2026, trees had been felled across an area of about 2,700 square meters, measuring roughly 30 meters by 90 meters.

The area is part of a former site associated with the so-called “genya business” scam of the 1970s and 1980s, in which low-value land was allegedly sold to buyers through deceptive practices.

Using real estate registry records as a lead, several of the approximately 20 landowners agreed to be interviewed.