Modes of recruitment of each regenerated species after fire were investigated quantitatively in a Pinus densiflora forest in central Japan. There was a continuum of regeneration modes from species with abundant seedling populations (more than one individual m(-2)) to sprouters. The former included Erigevon canadensis, Eupatorium chinense var. simplicifolium, Rubus crataegifolius, Lespedeza bicolor forma acutifolia, Mallotus japonicus, Rhus javanica, Eurya japonica, Aralia elata and Weigela decora, whose seedlings accounted for 70% of total recruitment on the forest floor. Sprouts from stem bases which comprised much of the canopy prior to fire (e.g. Quercus serrata, Castanea crenata, Fraxinus sieboldiana and Prunus spp.), were vigorous and grew rapidly. Plants on both ends of the continuum dominated post-fire vegetation in the study sites.