A 4-Day Experience of the 'Cycle' of Forest, River, and Sea Through the Five Senses: Comprehensive Watershed-Themed Event 'Mori WEEK 2026 @ Meguro' to be Held from April 22 (Wed) to 25 (Sat), 2026, in Meguro, Matsuno Town, and Nametoko Gorge, Ehime Prefecture

Sun-Crea Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture; President: Masayuki Hosoba) will host a comprehensive event, 'Mori WEEK 2026 @ Meguro,' for four days from Wednesday, April 22 to Saturday, April 25, 2026, based in Meguro, Matsuno Town and Nametoko Gorge, Ehime Prefecture. This event focuses on two watersheds—the Uwajima Sea and the Shimanto River, which originate from the Nanyo Alps. Through symposia, fieldwork, community events, and exhibitions, it is an attempt to practically explore ways for nature and humans to coexist. We aim to create a creative platform where diverse entities gather to exchange knowledge and explore the 'future of coexistence.'

Background of the Event
Snow falling on the Nanyo Alps permeates the forest, flows into the Uwajima Sea, and through the Shimanto River to the Pacific Ocean. Water carrying the nutrients of the forest connects the chain of life to the sea. This watershed is built upon such an ecological cycle.

The aquaculture culture of the Uwajima Sea and the rich fishing grounds of the Shimanto River have long relied on the benefits of the connection between forest, river, and sea. However, now, amidst the major swell of climate change, the landscapes surrounding these forests, rivers, and seas are being forced to transform.

What must we do now? We need a place where people who know the passion of the field, researchers who deepen knowledge, and practitioners who create the future can gather to exchange insights and explore the 'future of coexistence.' This event was born as a response to that question.

Concept: 'Experiencing the Cycle Through the Five Senses'
This event perceives 'cycle' as a concept with ecological, cultural, and social breadth, and consists of programs in the following three areas:
1. Water Cycle (Ecological Connection): Re-evaluating the continuity of the ecosystem from the forest to the sea and its impact on human society, such as the fisheries industry.
2. Resource Cycle (Utilization of Unused Resources): Building a model for environmental regeneration by converting regional issues, such as abandoned bamboo forests, into 'resources.'
3. Human Cycle (Exchange and Succession): Creating a place of 'Yui' (connection) where diverse entities intersect to pass wisdom and culture to the next generation.

Program Overview
■ Wednesday, April 22: Uwajima Sea Watershed Symposium
Theme: 'Considering the Cycle of Forest, River, and Sea from the Perspective of the Sea — Utilizing Regional Resources as Industry.' Consists of a keynote speech by Tatsuya Ogiwara, President and CEO of Iyosui Co., Ltd., panel discussions, Nametoko Gorge fieldwork, and sharing of related research by the Mori Akira Lab of the University of Tokyo. There will also be a social gathering (evening) featuring Uwajima Sea watershed ingredients x Pizza/Italian cuisine.

■ Thursday, April 23: Shimanto River Watershed Symposium
Theme: 'The Cycle of Forest, River, and Sea, and Watershed Cooperation Connected by Food — From Sharing Regional Ingredients and Wisdom to the Next Action.' Consists of panel discussions by river fishermen, sea fishermen, chefs, researchers, and government officials, Shimanto River fieldwork, and sharing of related research by the Mori Akira Lab of the University of Tokyo. There will also be a social gathering (evening) featuring Shimanto River watershed ingredients x Pizza/Italian cuisine.

■ Friday, April 24: Community Event Eve Festival
Group work on cutting bamboo from abandoned bamboo forests / Eve festival. Participants will join in cutting bamboo from the regional issue of abandoned bamboo forests, spending an evening of preparation and exchange for the following day's Burning Meguro.

■ Saturday, April 25: Community Event 'Burning Meguro' Main Event
A modern 'dedication' event that cuts bamboo from abandoned forests, sublimates it as a festival fire, and returns it to the earth as charcoal. As a model for enjoying environmental regeneration, it creates a place of 'Yui' (connection) between residents and participants.

■ Permanent Exhibition: Momoka Yamaji 'Ametsuchi Card' Original Art Exhibition
Exhibition of the original drawings for the 36-card 'Ametsuchi Card' deck, which makes one feel the magnificent cycle of life that the forest, river, and sea circulate. These are works drawn by painter Momoka Yamaji based on sensations and messages received from the natural world by nature activist Yukio Funakoshi. Please experience the energy surging from the original art, including the expression of soft light, the uniquely interpreted story world reminiscent of a picture book, and the precise details.

To Target Audiences, Municipalities, and Government Officials
This event is widely targeted at the following people:
- Municipal and government officials
- Fisheries and aquaculture professionals
- Food and beverage/culinary professionals
- Researchers
- Tourism operators
- Local residents

We especially hope that municipal and government officials will actively use this as a place to explore the sharing of practical wisdom based on a watershed perspective and its connection to policy. Symposia are free and online participation is available.

Event Outline
[Table content: Event Name: Mori WEEK 2026 @ Meguro; Theme: Two watersheds connected from the Nanyo Alps 'Uwajima Sea x Shimanto River'; Schedule: April 22 (Wed) - April 25 (Sat), 2026; Venue: Mori no Kuni Valley (around Nametoko Gorge), Matsuno Town, Ehime Prefecture and related watershed areas; Organizer: Sun-Crea Co., Ltd.; Program Structure: 4/22 Symposium, 4/23 Symposium, 4/24 Bamboo cutting/Eve festival, 4/25 Burning Meguro, Exhibition; Target: Municipalities, fisheries, researchers, food/bev, tourism, etc.; Participation Fee: Symposium Free, Social Gathering 5,000 JPY, Accommodation from 11,000 to 23,000 JPY; Capacity: Approx 30 local per symposium, up to 50 for community event; Deadline: April 15, 2026]

■ How to Apply for Participation
Please apply from the participation application form below after selecting the program you wish to attend.
(Links provided to event details and Peatix registration)

About Mori no Kuni Valley
A community in Meguro, Matsuno Town, Ehime Prefecture, where the headwaters of the Shimanto River, known as Japan's last clear stream, and the Meguro River flow, cherishing activities where people and nature harmonize. Based on the idea of 'Playing in this forest, learning in this forest, and approaching the heart of heaven and earth,' Mori no Kuni Valley respects the cycle of the ecosystem and creates a sustainable and human-like life using as much of nature's inherent power as possible. Winner of the JAPAN TRAVEL AWARDS 2024 Special Award (Family Award).