AEON MALL Kumamoto Launches New Hometown Forest Creation Initiative, Utilizing Existing Store Site to Foster a Forest Where Diverse Life Coexists

AEON will begin a new "Hometown Forest Creation" initiative on July 4, 2026, at AEON MALL Kumamoto, utilizing the grounds of an existing store.

*Image is for illustrative purposes.

Since 1991, AEON has been engaged in "AEON Hometown Forest Creation," planting trees native to the land together with local communities when opening new stores. The cumulative number of trees planted has reached approximately 12.87 million*1, with a total of approximately 1.3 million participants. This year, marking the 35th anniversary, AEON views this initiative as a turning point towards achieving nature positivity, accelerating efforts to halt and restore nature loss.

As a specific measure, AEON will proceed with new hometown forest creation by utilizing the grounds of existing stores. Moving forward, AEON plans to consider expanding these initiatives based on the type and scale of target stores, while continuing and evolving "AEON Hometown Forest Creation," a symbol of AEON's environmental activities, aiming to develop it into new activities that contribute to regional nature regeneration.

Features of the New Hometown Forest Creation Initiative at AEON MALL Kumamoto

Creating Spaces for People and Nature to Interact

By carefully arranging trees and paths, AEON will create accessible spaces. The aim is to provide a place where local people can experience a connection with nature.

Planting Plan to Recreate Local Nature

Imagining the grasslands and satoyama woodlands remaining in the Kumamoto Plain and its surroundings, AEON will plant trees and ground cover plants suitable for the local natural environment within the limited space. By combining mature trees, large saplings, young seedlings, and ground cover, it will be cultivated into a rich forest with a layered structure.

Circular Initiatives to Foster Ecosystems

Compost bins will be installed to promote organic matter circulation and soil improvement. Grasslands will be created with turf and native plants to facilitate rainwater infiltration and grassland regeneration. The characteristic feature is the creation of a space where diverse life can coexist and function as an ecosystem.

Location: AEON MALL Kumamoto (2232 Nagaiike, Kamijima, Kashima-machi, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture) Implementation Content: Nature regeneration utilizing the limited space of an existing store Forest to be Created: A forest inspired by the grasslands and satoyama woodlands remaining in the Kumamoto Plain and its surrounding areas Main Features: 1 Tree arrangement and path installation for easy access 2 Cultivation into a forest with a layered structure in about 5 years, combining mature trees, large saplings, young seedlings, and ground cover 3 Organic matter circulation and soil improvement using compost bins 4 Creation of grasslands with turf and native plants to promote rainwater infiltration and grassland regeneration Planting Schedule: 1 Children from the local community*2, AEON employees and affiliates July 4, 2026 (Sat) 9:00 AM onwards Approximately 300 trees planted by approximately 80 people 2 Tree planting by participants of the Global Nature Positive Summit July 16, 2026 (Thu) 9:20 AM onwards Approximately 240 trees planted by approximately 40 people

AEON will continue to contribute to the realization of a society that coexists with nature by watching over, nurturing, and utilizing "AEON Forests" together with local communities.

*1: Confirmed figures as of the end of February 2026 *2: Children from AEON Yumemirai Nursery School Kumamoto and AEON Cheers Club

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▼ Participation in the "Global Nature Positive Summit 2026 (GNPS2026)" AEON will participate in GNPS2026, held in Kumamoto City from July 14-16, 2026, to present the results of its initiatives and future directions. Additionally, the new hometown forest creation initiative at AEON MALL Kumamoto will be introduced as a new nature regeneration effort.

▼ Launch of "AEON Forest Biodiversity Survey 2026" Starting sequentially from June 1, 2026, the "AEON Forest Biodiversity Survey 2026" has begun. This survey aims to visualize the biodiversity value of the "AEON Forests" cultivated so far and utilize the findings for future forest creation, tree nurturing, and store green space management.

▼ News Release: 35th Anniversary of "AEON Hometown Forest Creation" https://www.aeon.info/wp-content/uploads/news/pdf/2026/03/260306R_1_2.pdf

▼ 30-second video: "I-ES Jii ga Yuku! AEON's Forest Creation" https://www.aeon.info/company/message/sustainability/