TOTORO FUND The Totoro no Furusato |
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What is the Totoro no Furusato Foundation?
We are a legally incorporated foundation with the purpose of preserving the beautiful natural habitat and cultural assets of Sayama Hills and its surrounding areas.
What are Sayama Hills?
Located about 40km (24 miles) from
the Tokyo metropolitan area, in an area overlapping Tokyo and Saitama
provinces, Sayama is a lush hill of greenery, encompassing 3500ha (8650 acres)
measuring about 11km (6.9miles) East to West, and 4km (2.5miles) North to
South. The vast woodland area, which
includes two reservoirs,
Here, farmland, rice fields, and
wetlands, as well as its surrounding woods maintain a timeless look of the
past. This type of habitat is
called “Satoyama” and has been developed
all over
In Sayama Hills 1400 types of ferns and other seedling plants, 19 mammals,
and over 200 different species of birds have been identified. In addition,
2500 types of insects, as well as frogs, snakes, and salamanders (Hynobius
tokyoensis) call this Satoyama its home, making its moniker “The treasure
chest of nature” much appropriate.
People have inhabited the area
since
The origins and development of the Foundation
Biocultural preservation efforts at
Sayama Hills have been in place since the 1970s. As a result, most of the natural habitats in
the hills have been protected. However,
due to urban and leisure facility development, destruction of the habitat,
through deforestation and illegal dumping, is clearly visible.
In April of 1990, with the
objective of preserving the lush nature of Sayama Hills to future generations,
the National Trust of Totoro no Furusato was born. Due to the efforts of 5 initial contributors, including film director Hayao
Miyazaki, a large amount of donations were received from all across
Sayama Hills is known as the
inspiration of Mr.Hayao Miyazaki’s animation masterpiece, “Tonari no Totoro (My
Neighbor Totoro, 1988)”. The Trust Fund
was named in its honor.
In August of 1991, the first land
acquisition “Totoro no Mori (Totoro’s
In May of 1996, a membership club
system that would help fund and support our efforts was established. At the same time, we began publication of the
newsletter “Totoro no Mori kara (From Totoro’s
In April of 1998, The National
Trust of Totoro no Furusato was incorporated as the “Totoro no Furusato
Foundation”. In later years through
October of 2003, 4 more land acquisitions were made, for a total of 6.
In 2002, we were awarded “
Environment for Tomorrow Prize- Special Award for Forest Heritage-” by the
Asahi Shimbun Company. The prize money
of 1 million JP Yen from the award was used to purchase equipment and
educational materials for nature observation.
We began a program to lend these materials to schools. In 2006, we were bestowed with the City of
Our activities
a. National Trust Activities: Until
March of 2015, through the use of donated funds we have acquired 29 plots of
land, a total of 53350 square meters that we have named
“Totoro no Mori”. Additional
acquisitions are planned.
b. Preservation Activities: To
preserve the lush natural environment, we engage in discussions and
consultations with municipalities and companies, as well as collect information
toward conservation of Sayama Hills.
c. Publicity Efforts: To educate
and inform people of the natural and cultural significance of Sayama Hills, we
publish newsletters and manage a
website, and operate events such as “Totoro no Furusato Ohsouji (Totoro’s Clean
Up)”.
d. Investigative Activities: We
perform investigation and research into the plant and animal life, as well as
cultural assets of Sayama Hills
e.Satoyama Management
Activities: We operate various
activities to preserve the greenery and landscape of the marshland and woods of
Sayama Hills. Volunteer groups maintain
the land acquired through the trust activities, research is conducted into ways
of preserving Satoyama, and events to reinvigorate local farming, such as
“Furusato Nogyo Taiken (Experience Farming at Home)” are hosted, with local
citizens.
f. Environmental Education
Activities: We host environmental education activities to broaden society’s
understanding of the importance of preserving the Hills. This is done through assisting with
teachings at schools, hosting seminars
for teachers, planning and hosting environmental education programs in the
Hills, etc.
Management
Dr. Toshihiko Ando Chairman of the Board (Professor,
Managing Directors: 2, Trustees:
10, Auditors: 2, Advisors: 4
Supporting the Foundation
We are actively seeking support in
the following areas:
・
Monetary
donations : Your donations toward acquisition of new land sites and other
activities of the Foundation are graciously accepted. .
・
New
memberships : 3000 JP Yen / year
・
Volunteerism
for maintaining Sayama Hills
For additional Information, please
contact us.
Contact: E-mail office@totoro.or.jp
Address: 3-1169-1 Mikashima Tokorozawa-shi,
Saitama Prefecture
3591164 Japan
Kurosuke's House
Closed; Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Public holidays, year-end and New year holidays
Opening Hours; 10:00-15:00