The town of Tadami is located in the south-west of Fukushima Prefecture and borders on Niigata Prefecture near the Echigo mountain range. Historically, in the Edo period, the area was incorporated in “Nanzan Okurairi,” which was under the direct control of “Bakufu,” the central administration at the time. After World War II, a power supply project was developed on the Tadami River, and the town gained the reputation of being a great power supply area. Geographically, the Tadami River and Ina River join in the center of the town. The area is rich in forest resources because 94 % of the total area, 747.53 km2, consists of mountains and forests. Its climate is rich in annual precipitation and is known as a heavy snow fall area because its average snow depth reaches 3 m in the winter. These severe conditions bring abundant water and wealthy nature, and symbolize “Tadami , the hometown of green, water, and spirit. ”  

In the past, various studies have been conducted on Tadami ’s forest vegetation and biodiversity . They revealed that the area, because of its heavy snow fall, has preserved valuable natural resources such as the beech forest— which is at World Heritage levels— and special animals and plants. These resources can be compared with those of the Shirakami mountain district with regard to its area and maturity. In addition, the following studies found that the Tadami area is Japan’s largest habitat of Yubiso-yanagi (Salix hukaoana ), which is a rare species, and the habitat of Kuro-hoohige-koumori ( Myotis pruinosus ), which is an endangered species.     

In March 2005, the town of Tadami decided to adopt the sixth town development promotion plan, manifesting the idea that it was challenging to create a sense of true local value in Tadami because of the burdens of the large beech forest and considerable snow. The plan called for the development of various policies to realize the fundamental ideas of “preserving natural environment” and “controlling a load upon natural environment.” With its large- scale primary forest of world standards, Tadami decided to introduce itself to the world as “the Capital of Mother Nature.” Therefore, the town established the Tadami Beech Center, which aims at increasing tourism in the town by showcasing its natural assets, including the b eech forest.

Tadami , the Capital of Mother Nature

Tadami holds outstanding natural landscapes and bio- diverse beech forests. Therefore, the town claims to be “the Capital of Mother Nature ” and “the Capital of Environment” to the world.

• “The Capital of Environment” is a title that Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND) awarded to the local government. It recognizes the government’s distinguished efforts in environmental conservation through its unified body of citizens, corporations, and the local administration.