We investigated and analyzed the soil seed bank under 10 female Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) trees in Muling Nature Reserve of Heilongjiang Province. The distribution of Japanese yew seeds in soil was consistent. Seed density declined with increasing depth of soil (p＜0.05). Most seeds were in the litter layer and in the top 5 cm of soil (84%). There were almost no seeds at soil depths greater than 15cm. Viable seeds accounted for less than 1 percent of total seeds. The most important factors affecting Japanese yew soil seed bank were predation by insects and animals, accounting for 52% of total seeds, and decay, accounting for 29%. The seeds fall around the female tree when they are mature. Seed density declined with increasing distance from mother tree. Seed distribution varied with orientation (p＜0.01), with most seeds to the north of the female tree, followed by northeast, north and southeast. Fewest seeds were recovered to the west of female trees. Over 3 percent of the total seeds on the ground were intact and recruited to the soil seed bank. The soil seed bank is important for reproduction of Japanese yew in nature. This research provides theoretical guidance for protection and restoration of the natural population of Japanese yew.