Mt.Apoi Unesco Global Geopark - English

22/08/2026

Announcing the 3rd Samani Disaster Prevention Seminar, “The Possible Return of a Megathrust Earthquake”

Since the year before last, Samani has been hosting the “Samani Disaster Prevention Seminars,” a series of lectures designed to provide an engaging way to learn about natural disasters and disaster preparedness through the relationship between disasters and the local natural environment.
As the third session of this year, we will hold a lecture titled “The Possible Return of a Megathrust Earthquake— A Report on Seafloor Observation Results Along the Kuril Trench Conducted by Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.”

🔸Date/Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM
🔸Location: Samani Community Center, Culture Hall
- Lecture 1: Strain Accumulation Along the Kuril Trench Confirmed by Seafloor Observations—The Possibility of an Imminent Recurrence of a Megathrust Earthquake Like Those in the 17th Century
▪️Speaker: Hiroaki Takahashi, Professor, Hokkaido University Earthquake and Volcano Research and Observation Center
- Lecture 2: Is Your Home Safe? Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Measures to Prevent Furniture from Toppling
▪️Speaker: Takashi Imai, Hokkaido Prefectural Research Organization, Northern Architecture Research Institute Chief Researcher (Regional Disaster Prevention)

This Disaster Prevention Seminar consists of a two-part lecture series. Part 1 features a report on “Seafloor observation results suggesting the imminent possibility of a mega-earthquake—the largest since the 17th century—off the coast of Hokkaido,” published this past February by Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Part 2 uses models and other materials to explain seismic retrofitting for buildings and measures to prevent furniture from toppling over, key concerns in the event of a major earthquake.

Both the recent Kumamoto Earthquake, which recorded a maximum seismic intensity of 7, and the Great East Japan Earthquake caused extensive damage, including the collapse of many homes. Please join us in thinking about how to prepare mentally and practically for a major earthquake.
Admission is free, and no registration is required.

21/08/2026

Reminder: Crowdfunding Campaign for Mt. Apoi Geopark
It has been one month since the Mt. Apoi Geopark crowdfunding campaign began, and we have received 1,072,000 yen (as of August 21) toward our goal of 2 million yen. Thank you so much for your warm support!!! However, we still need your continued help to reach our goal. We would like to once again ask for your support and help in spreading the word.

At Mt. Apoi Geopark, we are committed to providing opportunities for visitors to explore, learn about, and experience the unique topography, geology, and natural environment of the area, as well as its rich history and culture. Our mission is to preserve and pass on these regional treasures to future generations through initiatives that support children's education, local guidance, and information sharing, as well as events and hands-on programs. Your contribution will be instrumental in enhancing public awareness and educational opportunities, as well as strengthening our information outreach efforts.

The crowdfunding campaign will be open until October 19 (Sun).
Campaign homepage: https://readyfor.jp/projects/apoi302

In addition to your generous donations, your encouragement through likes, saves, and shares is a huge help! We also welcome any encouraging comments on our page, even if it’s just a few words. Your messages give us the motivation to keep our activities going. We appreciate your continued support!!

*Please note that donations are also being accepted by the Geopark Promotion Council (located within the Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division of the Samani Town Hall).

アポイ岳の地質・⾃然の価値を全国に発信し、地域を未来に導く教育と地域振興に取り組みます。 - クラウドファンディング READYFOR

09/08/2026

Aug 9th is the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2026
Discover the Living Heritage of Samani’s Ainu Culture!
The Samani Town teamed up with the Samani Ainu Association and the Samani Indigenous Culture Preservation Society to create a special video series introducing the vibrant traditions, stories, and place names rooted in our local Ainu culture. All four short videos are now live on Samani’s official YouTube channel, “SamaChan TV.”

In honor of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we invite you to take a few moments to explore the enduring legacy and living traditions of the Ainu people in Samani.
Watch the videos and connect with the history, language, and cultural spirit that make our community unique.　

Samani Ainu Culture: Introduction Video 2 “Traditions and Dissemination”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6RoYFsNpw8
This is a 30-minute video that closely follows the activities of the Samani Ainu Association and the Samani Indigenous Culture Preservation Society. You can see the performance of “Icharpa” (Ancestral Memorial Service), traditional dance, promotional activities, Ainu cuisine, Mt. Kannon Kamuichashi Ritual, and the National Ainu Museum performances.

28/07/2026

Celebrate Mountain Day at Mt. Apoi!

Join us for our annual Mt. Apoi Geopark Stamp Rally from August 8-11. Commence your adventure by collecting your stamp card at the Mt. Apoi trailhead (Forest Entry Registry). Follow the clues to locate the stamp stations along the hiking route, and exchange your completed card for a prize at the finish. This fun, interactive experience is suitable for individuals, families, and friends alike, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate Mt. Apoi's natural beauty and alpine flora.
We look forward to seeing you there!

28/07/2026

JAPANESE GEOPARKS NETWORK

The GGN is working with it's National Networks to promote the Geoparks brand within the country and raise awareness among local communities, stakeholders, local regional and national authorities, media and the society at large.

The Global Geoparks Network proudly presents its members : 11 UNESCO Global Geoparks in the Japan.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Geoparks are areas of exceptional geological significance.

Japan is home to 11UNESCO Global Geoparks, celebrated for their unique geological formations, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage
These Geoparks are vital for scientific research, conservation, and sustainable tourism.
The officially recognized UNESCO Global Geoparks across the Japaneese archipelago include:
· A*o (Kumamoto Prefecture) – features one of the largest active volcanic calderas in the world.
· Itoigawa (Niigata Prefecture) – famous for ancient jade-working culture and tectonic fault lines.
· Izu Peninsula (Shizuoka Prefecture) – where an island arc collided with Honshu, creating unique volcanic landforms.
· Mt. Apoi (Hokkaido) – rare peridotite rocks lifted from the earth's mantle, covered in unique alpine plants.
· Muroto (Kochi Prefecture) – rising marine terraces shaped by ongoing tectonic plate movements.
· Oki Islands (Shimane Prefecture) – isolated volcanic islands with distinct ecosystems and deep historical exile traditions.
· San'in Kaigan (Kyoto, Hyogo, and Tottori Prefectures) – dramatic coastal cliffs, rias, and sand dunes facing the Sea of Japan.
· Toya-Usu (Hokkaido) – active volcanoes, post-caldera lakes, and frequent thermal seismic activity.
· Unzen Volcanic Area (Nagasaki Prefecture) – dynamic volcanic peaks and thermal spring legacies.
· Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau (Yamaguchi Prefecture) – vast white limestone plateaus and ancient fossil-rich caves.
· Hakusan Tedorigawa (Ishikawa Prefecture) – steep river valleys preserving 300 million years of history and dinosaur fossils

All of the IJapaneese UNESCO Global Geoparks have internationally significant geology!
Japaneese UNESCO Global Geoparks are quality tourism destinations that promote an appreciation of natural and cultural heritage while supporting the sustainable economic development of the area, primarily through geological and eco-tourism.

24/07/2026

Mt. Apoi Geopark Promotion Fridays

Since 2020, Mt. Apoi Geopark has been dedicated to promoting the geopark through our 'Mt. Apoi Geopark Promotion Day' initiative. This year, we are excited to launch 'Geo FRIDAY,' a weekly celebration every Friday from July 24 to September, and we invite you to join us by wearing your Geopark polo shirt and spreading the word.

Furthermore, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign from July 21 to October 19 to enhance learning opportunities and disseminate information at the Geopark. We would be grateful for your support and assistance in sharing this initiative on social media and other platforms.

▼READYFOR Crowdfunding Page
https://readyfor.jp/projects/apoi302

24/07/2026

JGN Regional Collaboration Support Project - Lecture and Workshop

On Wednesday, Mt. Apoi Geopark hosted a lecture and workshop focused on 'Rethinking Geoparks,' featuring three esteemed speakers from the Japan Geopark Committee and Japan Geopark Network. This event provided a valuable platform for participants to gain insights into the intrinsic value and potential of geoparks, as well as strategies for leveraging them to benefit local communities. Furthermore, it facilitated a collective reflection on the future development of Mt. Apoi Geopark.

During the workshop, a diverse range of opinions were exchanged regarding the region's attractions, challenges, and future utilization, offering a fresh perspective on the region's future trajectory. We also received constructive feedback on our past initiatives and future direction in preparation for the upcoming UNESCO Global Geoparks revalidation mission. We will integrate the feedback into our future activities and continue to collaborate with the local community.

21/07/2026

Request for Support for the Preservation and Promotion of Mt. Apoi Geopark

At Mt. Apoi Geopark, we are committed to providing opportunities for visitors to explore, learn about, and experience the unique topography, geology, and natural environment of the area, as well as its rich history and culture. Our mission is to preserve and pass on these regional treasures to future generations through initiatives that support children's education, local guidance, and information sharing, as well as events and hands-on programs.

To sustain and expand our activities, we have launched a crowdfunding campaign. Your contribution will be instrumental in enhancing public awareness and educational opportunities, as well as strengthening our information outreach efforts.

The crowdfunding campaign will run from July 21 (Mon) to October 19 (Sun).
Please visit our campaign homepage to learn more and show your support: https://readyfor.jp/projects/apoi302

10/07/2026

We are pleased to announce that the Mt. Apoi Geopark Promotion Council has entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement with FoundingBase Co., Ltd. 🤝

This strategic alliance will enable us to capitalize on each other's strengths, promoting the region's attractions, enhancing tourism, and raising awareness of the Geopark. We will also share insights on the challenges facing the region and collaborate to drive sustainable regional development. The Mt. Apoi Geopark will continue to foster partnerships with local businesses and organizations to showcase the charms of Samani Town to a wider audience.

10/07/2026

Mt. Apoi Geopark Lecture and Workshop

Join us for the Mt. Apoi Geopark Lecture and Workshop, where we will delve into the Geopark's significance and explore its potential applications in community development and other initiatives. This informative event aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Geopark's connections to tourism, education, industry, the environment, culture, and community development, catering to a broad audience beyond those directly involved with the Geopark. We invite you to participate and contribute to the discussion.

Date/Time: July 22 (Wed) 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Samani Community Center, Culture Hall

RSVP by July 17 (Fri) by calling the Mt. Apoi Geopark Promotion Council ☎️0146-36-2120