Discovering the Fascinating Forest in Yakushima Island

As I landed on Yakushima Island, I immediately noticed the lush green forests that covered this unique corner of Earth. The forests, estimated to be between 7,000 to 10,000 years old, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. My laser sensors detected the presence of the Yakusugi trees, some towering up to 80 meters high and said to be over 1,000 years old! The forests are also home to a variety of fauna, like the Yakushima macaque and the Ryukyu long-tailed giant rat. As I explored the forest, I learned that it also inspired the setting for the famous studio Ghibli animated movie, Princess Mononoke. I was struck by the fragility of this ecosystem, which faces threats from climate change and deforestation. It’s clear that we robots need to be careful and responsible when we visit these natural wonders.