AEON Mall Kumamoto Launches New 'Hometown Forest' Initiative, Creating a Biodiverse Ecosystem Using Existing Store Premises

AEON will begin a new 'Hometown Forest' initiative utilizing existing store premises at AEON Mall Kumamoto starting July 4, 2026.

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.

Since 1991, AEON has been conducting the 'AEON Hometown Forest' project, planting native trees in collaboration with local communities upon opening new stores. To date, approximately 12.87 million trees have been planted, with around 1.3 million participants. In 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of the initiative, AEON is positioning this program as a turning point toward achieving nature-positive outcomes, accelerating efforts to halt and restore natural loss.

As one of its concrete initiatives, AEON will advance this new 'Hometown Forest' project using existing store premises. Going forward, AEON will consider expanding the initiative based on store format and scale, while continuing and evolving its signature environmental activity—'AEON Hometown Forest'—into a new movement contributing to regional nature restoration.

Key Features of the New Hometown Forest Initiative at AEON Mall Kumamoto

Creating Spaces Where People and Nature Can Interact

Thoughtful tree placement and pathways will be designed to create easily accessible spaces, aiming to provide local residents with opportunities to experience a direct connection with nature.

Reforestation Plan That Recreates Local Natural Environments

Inspired by the grasslands of rural landscapes and mixed secondary forests (satoyama) remaining in the Kumamoto Plain and surrounding areas, native trees and ground cover plants suited to the local ecosystem will be planted in limited spaces. By combining mature trees, large saplings, seedlings, and ground cover, the forest will develop into a rich, multi-layered ecosystem.

Circular Initiatives That Nurture Ecosystems

Compost systems will be installed to promote organic recycling and soil regeneration. Grasslands using turf and native plants will be established to enhance rainwater infiltration and grassland restoration. The project aims to create functional ecosystems where diverse species can coexist.

Location: AEON Mall Kumamoto (2232 Nagaike, Kamishima, Kashima Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture)

Project Content: Nature restoration using limited space within existing store premises

Forest to be Created: A forest inspired by the rural grasslands and satoyama woodlands remaining in the Kumamoto Plain and surrounding areas

Main Features: ① Tree layout and pathways designed for easy public access ② Combination of mature trees, large saplings, seedlings, and ground cover to develop a stratified forest structure within approximately five years ③ Organic recycling and soil regeneration through compost systems ④ Establishment of turf and native plant grasslands to promote rainwater infiltration and grassland restoration

Tree Planting Schedule: ① Local children※2 and AEON-related participants July 4, 2026 (Sat), 9:00 AM – Approximately 300 trees planted by around 80 people

② Participants of the Global Nature Positive Summit July 16, 2026 (Thu), 9:20 AM – Approximately 240 trees planted by around 40 people

AEON will continue to nurture and sustain the 'AEON Hometown Forest' together with local communities, contributing to the realization of a society that coexists harmoniously with nature.

*1: As of end of February 2026

*2: Children from AEON Yumemirai Nursery Kumamoto and AEON Chiers Club

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▼ Participation in the 'Global Nature Positive Summit 2026 (GNPS2026)'

AEON will participate in GNPS2026, to be held in Kumamoto City from July 14 to 16, 2026, sharing the outcomes of its initiatives and future directions. The new 'Hometown Forest' project at AEON Mall Kumamoto will also be introduced as a new nature restoration initiative.

▼ Launch of the 'AEON Hometown Forest Biodiversity Survey 2026'

Starting June 1, 2026, AEON will sequentially launch the 'AEON Hometown Forest Biodiversity Survey 2026'. This survey will visualize the biodiversity value of existing 'AEON Forests' and be used to inform future forest development, tree cultivation, and store green space management.

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

▼ 30-second video: 'Mr. Yes Goes to AEON Forests!' https://www.aeon.info/company/message/sustainability/