Key Ecological and Cultural Characteristics of Homestead Windbreak Forest Landscapes in Okinawa, Japan

This study investigates the Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica) windbreak landscapes on Iriomote Island through case studies in two of its oldest villages, Sonai and Hoshitate. These windbreak forests, integral to the cultural landscape of Okinawa, offer both ecological and socio-economic benefits. Using field measurements and surveys, the research analyzes the distribution, growth patterns, and historical significance of Fukugi groves within the village setting and compares naturally regenerated forests with those planted by humans. The findings underscore the importance of Fukugi trees in promoting sustainable rural landscapes, where they dominate the local ecosystem of rural settlements. Fukugi windbreak landscapes in Okinawa are characterized by trees encircling homes on all four sides, distinguishing them from homestead windbreaks found in other regions of Japan. Surveys from the two villages suggest that the original homestead windbreak forests in the Yaeyama region contain a diverse mix of tree species, with Fukugi and Calophyllum inophyllum being predominant, along with other useful species like Diospyros ferrea and Podocarpus macrophyllus. These species were selected not only for their windbreak capabilities but also for timber and home furniture production. The study’s findings on naturally regenerated Fukugi groups support the hypothesis that the cultivation of Fukugi as a windbreak species originated in the Yaeyama region and likely spread to other parts of Okinawa, influencing both the ecological and cultural evolution of the region’s landscapes.