The comic book hero Naruto--and the manga of the same name, which has sold more than 100 million copies--are the inspiration for a new forest that will rise near the ninja character's "hometown."
The seedlings are being planted by young fans of the popular manga series.
"We're happy if Naruto's popularity gives kids a chance to become interested in the environment," said Shiho Kamozaki, secretary-general of the Environmental Relations Association Japan, a nonprofit group aiming to revive forests nationwide.
Shueisha Inc., publisher of weekly comic magazine Shonen Jump, which runs "Naruto," organized the afforestation project with the support of Kamozaki's association.

Planting began in a mountainous area in Fuefuki, Yamanashi Prefecture, this spring.
By May, 7,610 nursery trees will be planted. That exact number was chosen because it could be pronounced as "Na-ru-to."
While the new forest's location is still a secret, a sign will eventually be posted at its entrance to allow fans to visit.
On May 9, about 10 children planted 100 Japanese maple and cherry tree saplings by hand over a two-hour period.
Tomoki Isono, 10, a fifth-grader from Yamanashi, said: "Tree planting was hard, but it was fun to work with other people. I want to build a lush, green forest." Kai Hirose, another 10-year-old fifth-grader, said, "I want Naruto to come and train here."

"Naruto," which first appeared in Shonen Jump in 1999, is sold in more than 29 countries and regions, according to Shueisha.
The story focuses on Naruto Uzumaki, who aspires to be the top ninja in Konohagakure village with his friends Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno.
As of the end of May, 100.4 million copies had been printed in Japan. An additional 50 million copies have been sold overseas amid surging interest in ninja.
The manga was adapted into a TV anime series and a movie. Moreover, many Naruto fans enjoy dressing up as characters in the stories.
Masashi Kishimoto, author of "Naruto," says the tree-planting project is a great idea. "Let's plant trees together. Let's make memories with 7,610 trees," he wrote.