Forest canopy interception loss exceeds wet canopy evaporation in Japanese cypress (Hinoki) and Japanese cedar (Sugi) plantations

•Physical process of canopy interception loss remains to be explained.•Rainfall partitioning to interception was similar between the stands.•The rate of interception increased with rainfall intensity.•Observed amount of interception was greater than estimated amount of evaporation.•We suggest that splash droplets transport by canopy ventilation is the primary process of interception loss.