This research examined the diversity and classification of jelly fungi in Japan, discovering several new species and expanding our understanding of these organisms. The study has everyday relevance in several ways: • Helps in understanding wood decay processes in forests since these fungi play important roles in decomposing dead wood • Provides baseline data for monitoring changes in fungal diversity which can indicate forest ecosystem health • Contributes to fungal conservation efforts by documenting species diversity • Improves our ability to identify and classify fungi which is important for both research and forest management • Advances our understanding of fungal evolution and relationships between different species