An array of white flags blanket the mountainside in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, startingling passersby with its resemblance to the ancient military camps of feudal warlords or grave markers.
It is, however, not symbol of battle or death, but rather an ingenious method of plant protection. They are cylindrical polyethylene covers, employed to protect young hinoki cypress and kunugi oak from being harmed by deer.
The covers, each about 1.7 meters long, were placed in February by workers from the local forestry cooperative over approximately 20,000 seedlings. The seedlings are spread across seven hectares and each received one cover.
The seedlings will continue to grow undisturbed until they are big enough to kill new shoots, about four to five years later. The cover will be removed at this point.
The effort has been taking place for about 20 years. This year, the site has received more attention because it is visible from National Route 435.
The Prefecture and the city reported that in fiscal 2021, deer in Shimonoseki caused about 75.9 million in damage to agriculture and forestry.