In order to clarify mechanisms of canopy recruitment ofFagus japonicastems of sprout origin, age structure and growth dynamics were studied for stems within beech stools in two stands of old growth forests on the Pacific side of central Japan. The DBH vs. height and age relationships of the beech stems showed continuous distribution from small-young, understory stems to large-old, canopy ones. There were one to seven definable periods of suppression prior to canopy recruitment inF japonica.Prior to canopy recruitment number and length of release episodes were fewer and shorter than those of suppression.E japonicastems of sprout origin can endure suppression for a long time. Continuous emergence and the alternation of fast and slow growth inF. japonicastems suggest the sprouting ability for the beech canopy can play an important role in the successful closure of canopy openings. Canopy stems showed patterns of suppression and release that were often synchronous with other canopy stems within the same beech stool. Minor disturbances such as single crown falls can play an important role in the maintenance of the multi-stem structure of beech stools in old growth forests.