POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: Does photo show experimental circular forest in Japan?

The Claim

A viral photograph circulated widely on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and X in 2026, depicting trees arranged in concentric circles. The image sparked public interest and debate, with users claiming it showed an experimental forestry project in Japan that had been ongoing for decades. One notable Reddit post from 2026 captioned the image with the statement: "In 1973 Japan planted trees in concentric circles as part of an experiment in forestry spacing. This is what they look like today from above."

The image first gained traction in September 2026, but its origins were traced back to at least December 2018. The claim that the photo depicted a long-standing experimental forest in Japan led to widespread speculation about the purpose and history of the unique tree arrangement. Some users suggested the pattern might be a natural occurrence or a modern ecological initiative, while others speculated about more mysterious or deliberate causes behind the formation.

The Details & Investigation

Upon thorough examination, the photograph was confirmed to be genuine and not a digital fabrication or AI-generated image. The image, which appeared in various online forums and news outlets, showed Japanese cedar trees arranged in two groups of concentric circles within a national forest near Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture. According to the Miyazaki Southern Forest Management Office, a regional office of Japan’s Forestry Agency, the circular pattern was the result of an experiment initiated in fiscal year 1973 to study the effects of different planting densities on tree growth and wood quality.

The experiment involved planting cedar seedlings in March 1974, spaced at varying distances to create planting densities ranging from approximately 377 to 10,027 trees per hectare. These densities produced the distinctive circular formations visible from above, leading to the nickname "mystery circles". The area was also documented in a 2011 study by researchers affiliated with the Japanese Forest Society, which concluded that planting densities between 2,000 and 2,800 trees per hectare were optimal for cost-effective forestry. A final report from the experiment, completed in fiscal year 2023, further supported this conclusion, suggesting that planting densities of 1,500 trees per hectare or fewer could be financially viable.

The image was not new to the public. It had been previously shared in September 2024, and similar photographs had appeared in news outlets such as Sankei News and The Associated Press. The AP caption described the trees in the outer ring as being approximately 20 meters tall, significantly taller than those in the center. The location of the forest was also verifiable via Google Maps and Google Earth, with coordinates provided by the Miyazaki Southern Forest Management Office. Despite the claims made by some users, there was no evidence of deliberate disinformation or coordinated manipulation campaigns surrounding the photo. Instead, the claim appears to be a case of misinterpretation or lack of historical context, rather than intentional deception.

The Verdict

The viral claim that the photo shows an experimental circular forest in Japan is accurate and based on verified historical records. The image is real and depicts a legitimate forestry experiment that began in 1973, designed to study the impact of planting density on tree growth and wood quality. While the visual uniqueness of the forest attracted attention and generated curiosity, the underlying scientific purpose of the experiment has been well-documented through official reports, academic studies, and media coverage.

There is no evidence to suggest that the claim was intentionally deceptive or part of a disinformation campaign. The spread of the image likely stemmed from a lack of awareness about the historical context of the experiment rather than a deliberate effort to mislead the public. Therefore, the claim is rated as TRUE, as it aligns with the documented facts and official sources.

Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).