Mahana Kimura

Mahana Kimura is an innovator dedicated to addressing the neglect of Japanese forests while forests abroad are overexploited. She is developing a solution that creates products from Japanese timber and organizes tours to teach children about the importance of forest resources. By focusing on this work, she aims to support forest industry jobs and restore ecosystems. This work is deeply personal to her because 67% of Japan’s land area is forest, and she sees it as “mottainai” (wasteful) not to use and protect these resources responsibly. With determination and vision, Mahana is paving the way for sustainable solutions that make a real difference.