In the Miyazaki Prefecture of southern Japan, an unusual forestry experiment from nearly 50 years ago has transformed the landscape into a spectacle of natural artistry. Originally intended to test optimal tree spacing, this project planted sugi (Japanese cedar) trees in dense, circular formations.

Decades later, aerial photos and Google Earth reveal a mysterious, concentric forest where trees fan out in convex patterns, towering higher at varying densities. This unintended phenomenon not only suggests that tree density affects growth but has also led officials to rethink the original plan to harvest the trees.

Today, the circular forest stands as a mesmerizing reminder of nature’s hidden potentials and the unforeseen beauty of scientific curiosity.