Are we protecting the "protectors of the forest"? Hashimotoya lectures at Japan Forestry Managers Association meeting on forestry sites exposed to carcinogenic exhaust fumes

Hashimotoya Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo; President: Masanori Higashihara) delivered a lecture at the June regular meeting of the Japan Forestry Managers Association on June 19, 2026 (Fri), under the theme "Choose Your Fuel. Choose a Safe Future."

The General Incorporated Association, Japan Forestry Managers Association, is an industry organization composed of forestry managers and forest owners nationwide, working to develop Japanese forestry through forest management development, proposals for forestry policy, human resource development, and information dissemination.

In the lecture, the health risks associated with exhaust fumes from chainsaws and brush cutters were explained, and options for improving safety at forestry sites with "ASPEN2" were introduced.

Health Risks for Forestry Workers Not Yet Widely Known in Japan

In Europe, measures to address the health effects of exhaust fumes from small engine machinery have been advanced since the 1990s, and "ASPEN2" is widely used. In contrast, these health risks and countermeasures are not yet well-known in Japan, increasing the need for information sharing and discussion within the industry.

Against this backdrop, the lecture addressed the health risks from exhaust fumes, focusing on the health and safety of forestry workers.

Forestry sites frequently use small engine machinery such as chainsaws and brush cutters. However, the exhaust fumes generated when burning fuel in these machines are not subject to the same level of regulation and countermeasures as those for automobiles.

Workers often operate for extended periods near the exhaust port, placing them in an environment where they are likely to inhale exhaust fumes directly. These fumes contain harmful substances, including benzene, which is known to be a carcinogen.

The lecture raised the need to consider the state of safety measures at Japanese forestry sites from the perspective of "Are we protecting the people who protect the forest?"

ASPEN2 Presents New Options

The lecture also introduced "ASPEN2," a fuel widely used in Europe.

ASPEN2 is a mixed fuel specifically for 2-stroke engines that significantly reduces harmful components such as benzene and aromatic hydrocarbons compared to conventional mixed fuels.

Due to their structure, small engine machinery are difficult to equip with exhaust gas treatment devices, posing a challenge where workers are easily affected by exhaust fumes. ASPEN2 has been used primarily in Europe for over 30 years as one option to address this challenge.

The lecture also presented combustion experiments and comparative examples of engine interiors, suggesting that using fuel with fewer harmful substances can not only reduce the burden on workers but also potentially suppress carbon buildup inside the engine.

ASPEN Official Website

Adopted Sequentially Across the Country, Connecting Safe Forestry to the Next Generation

Currently, ASPEN2 is being introduced by forestry businesses, forest cooperatives, and local governments nationwide, including in Hokkaido, Nagano Prefecture, and Tottori Prefecture.

Forestry is a vital industry supporting Japanese life through forest maintenance and water source conservation. On the other hand, it faces challenges such as an aging workforce and a shortage of successors.

Protecting the health and safety of those working in the field is a crucial theme for enhancing the sustainability of forestry.

Hashimotoya aims to improve safety at forestry sites through the lens of fuel and contribute to creating an environment where the next generation can work with peace of mind.

About Hashimotoya Co., Ltd.

Hashimotoya Co., Ltd. is a specialized trading company for special fuels with over 120 years of history. By providing "ASPEN2," a fuel that prioritizes safety at forestry sites, we believe that supporting the health and safety of those who work as "guardians of the forest" is the first step in supporting the future of forestry. ASPEN aims to be a strong support for the sustainable continuation of Japanese forestry to the next generation as an option for this purpose.

Contact Information for Inquiries

For inquiries regarding ASPEN, please contact us through the official website. https://aspen-hashimotoya.jp/

Company Profile

Company Name: Hashimotoya Co., Ltd. Location: 7F, 4-20-1 Koishikawa, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo Representative: Masanori Higashihara, President Founded: 1897 (Meiji 30) Business Activities: Import and sale of special fuels, fuel procurement for R&D departments, etc. URL: https://www.kkhashimotoya.co.jp/