In January 1987, JATAN (Japan Tropical Forest Action Network) was formed
as a coalition of twelve Japanese grassroots organizations and individuals,
with the request of the NGOs on tropical forest conservation around the
world at the international conference in Malaysia in September 1986.
In Sarawak, it was revealed that JICA and OOF was financing Itochu's subsidiary company for the road construction for logging, which had met resistance of a blockade by the indigenous people such as the Penans. JATAN conducted an investigation on the spot, and the company was examined its unfairness at the Diet and was ordered to return the finance immediately which resulted in closing its office in Sarawak.
In April 1989, JATAN conducted a research for a WWF report, "Timber From The South Seas" on the role of Japan in tropical timber trade. As it was the right time for this report, it created a sensational response, not only in Japan but internationally.
In April 1989, JATAN presented a "Most Destructive to Tropical Forest
Award" to Marubeni, which was the biggest importer at the time. JATAN
was busy organizing campaigns against major tropical timber importing companies
such as Itochu, Nisho-iwai and Nichimen.
In 1990, "Sarawak Campaign Committee" was formed to concentrate on Sarawak issues. The committee strengthened its national campaign as it took over JATAN's role in the Sarawak issues and organizing campaigns.
Seeking for the core of this huge isuue on forest, JATAN conducted investigations in 1992 in Chile and Brazil, and in 1993 in the North American temperate forests. Also in 1993, JATAN invited international parties and organized various meetings and campaigns about Canada/Indonesia issue.
In 1994, JATAN participated in several meetings with organizations such as Japan Paper Association and JICA, and discussed about plantation projects in Thailand by the Japanese paper manufacturing industry.
In 1996, JATAN took up a problem in Indonesia involving investment by Nihon Paper Industry, Marubeni, The Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) in a large scale pulp mill called Sumatra Pulp. JATAN began supporting the Indonesian farmers who lost their lands because of the mill construction and tree plantation.