AbstractThe amount of litter moving down the slope was measured in three types of forest, together with an examination of rain as a factor in bringing this about. The three forest types were a natural mixed stand of Pinus densiflora and hardwood trees (plot A), a Cryptomeria japonica plantation (plot S) and a Chamaecyparis obtusa plantation (plot H). The amount of moved litter was quite large in plots A and H, but relatively small in plot S. The rain factor had little influence on litter movement in plot A, but was the main cause of movement in plot S and (especially) plot H. It is suggested that measurement of litter input and output not only by traps above ground level, but also by ones on the ground is essential for determining the cycling of elements in C. obtusa forests. It is also suggested that the decomposition of leaf litter should be studied both on the soil surface and in the soil in C. obtusa forests.