Kuromoji Harvester

くろもじさいしゅにん

Industry & Occupation

Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries & Environment

Classification

Summary

A forestry worker who harvests branches, leaves, and bark of Lindera umbellata (kuromoji) from mountains and forests at the appropriate time and provides them as materials for shipment.

Description

Kuromoji harvesters specialize in collecting branches, leaves, and small twigs of Lindera umbellata (kuromoji), which grows wild in mountain forests, by assessing growth stages and quality. They mainly work from winter to early spring, and after harvesting, they handle drying, selection, packaging, and transportation of the materials. To ensure sustainable forest resources, they also perform appropriate thinning and weeding, with consideration for vegetation conservation. The work often involves bad weather and rugged terrain, requiring physical strength and concentration.

Future Outlook

With the utilization of sustainable forest resources and increasing demand for regional specialty products, stable harvesting opportunities are expected on a small scale. Amid the aging of the forestry workforce, demand for new entrants is also expanding.

Personality Traits

Cautious / Interested in natural environments / Patient / Physically fit

Work Style

Contract Work / Seasonal / Self-employed Freelancer

Career Path

Apprentice Harvester → Skilled Harvester → Forest Management Technician → Forest Product Buyer

Required Skills

Hand Tool Operation / Harvesting and Selection Techniques / Safety Gear Management / Vegetation Identification

Recommended Skills

Basic Plant Ecology Knowledge / GPS and Map Reading Skills / Logging Techniques / Work Planning

Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)

Item Description
Adaptability Because it is necessary to flexibly respond to mountain forest environments and weather changes.
Physical Stamina & Endurance Because of high physical demands from long hours of mountain work and transporting heavy loads.

Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)

Item Description
Creativity & Ideation Because accuracy in routine tasks is valued more than innovative thinking.
Numerical & Quantitative Analysis Because only basic quantity management is required, not advanced calculation skills.

Related Qualifications

  • Chainsaw Operator
  • Forestry Machinery Operation Training
  • Forestry Technician

Aliases

  • Kuromoji Harvester
  • Kuromoji Picker

Related Jobs

  • Arborist
  • Forest Management Planner
  • Forest Ranger
  • Lumberjack

Tags

Keywords