SUSTAINABILITY

Our understanding of sustainability is rooted in continuity rather than optimisation alone. One of our key references is Yoshino forestry in Japan—one of the world’s most established models of sustainable forest management, with over 500 years of continuous cultivation of Japanese cedar (Sugi) and cypress (Hinoki). Yoshino wood is the result of long-term stewardship, shaped by accumulated knowledge passed down through generations.

We understand this forestry not only as a source of material, but as a living cultural system. Sustainability, in this sense, extends beyond carbon metrics to include the preservation of skills, values and communities formed through long-standing engagement with ecological cycles.

Our role is to bridge this knowledge to a European context—through the responsible use of material, and by communicating the methods and principles behind it. Yoshino forestry offers a model of care, renewal and craft that remains highly relevant to contemporary discussions on wood, architecture and sustainability.

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Wood from Yoshino

500 years of tree cultivation

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Kodai and Associates promote Yoshino Wood for ICHI. Inc.

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WHAT IS YOSHINO WOOD?

Yoshino wood is a product of over five centuries of sustainable forestry tradition, cultivated in Japan’s Yoshino region. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this wood is celebrated for its straight grain, knot-free structure, and remarkable durability. It has been traditionally used in temples, shrines, and high-end interiors, embodying a legacy of craftsmanship and environmental care.

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WHAT ARE SUGI AND HINOKI?

Yoshino wood is derived from two species of trees: Hinoki (Japanese cypress) and Sugi (Japanese cedar). Hinoki is prized for its delicate pink and yellow-white tones and soothing, therapeutic scent, making it a preferred material for bathtubs and interiors. Sugi, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant colour contrast between deep red heartwood and pale yellow-white sapwood, as well as its natural cedar aroma, which repels moths.

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WHERE IS YOSHINO?

Located in Nara Prefecture, Yoshino is a region steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its unique topography and favorable climate—with abundant rainfall, moderate temperatures, and minimal typhoon activity—provide ideal conditions for cultivating Hinoki and Sugi trees.

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YOSHINO FORESTRY AREA

The Yoshino forestry area stands as a testament to centuries of sustainable forest management. Foresters here have mastered techniques of dense planting, careful pruning, and selective harvesting to produce timber of unmatched quality. Their practices emphasize harmony with the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring biodiversity and a thriving forest environment.

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DENSE PLANTING

A hallmark of Yoshino forestry is its dense planting method, with up to 10,000 seedlings per hectare—three times more than standard practices. This approach encourages slow, uniform growth, resulting in fine, dense wood grain. Timely thinning and pruning ensure minimal knots and a consistent, straight grain pattern.

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YOSHINO FORESTRY TEXTBOOK

Yoshino forestry practices are regarded as a “textbook” for sustainable forest management. Every stage of the process, from planting to pruning and thinning, is meticulously documented and passed down through generations. This knowledge ensures that each tree contributes to the region’s long-standing legacy of responsible forestry.

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HARVEST TO DISTRIBUTION

The Yoshino forestry tradition follows a long felling cycle of 150–300 years, reflecting its dedication to producing the highest quality wood. Foresters carefully select and harvest only mature or thinning trees, allowing good trees to thrive and the forest to mature over time.

Each log is meticulously documented, recording its origin, including where, when, and by whom it was cultivated, maintained, or harvested. This traceable process ensures transparency and authenticity, safeguarding the legacy of Yoshino’s sustainable forestry for future generations.

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SAWMILL TO EUROPE

Yoshino wood flitches are expertly sawn by highly experienced sawmill professionals, ensuring the utmost respect for the trees and the foresters who have nurtured them for centuries. Each log is meticulously inspected and assessed to determine the best possible use, with every cut line measured in millimetre increments for maximum precision and optimal yield. This thoughtful process honours the tree’s legacy, transforming it into flitches of exceptional quality. We share this craftsmanship with the European market, catering to those who value environmentally sustainable, responsibly sourced wood for building and crafting purposes.

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NUAGE: AN EXAMPLE OF EXCELLENCE

An example of Yoshino wood’s potential is showcased in Nuage, a meticulously crafted table that embodies the material’s beauty and versatility. The fine, 7m straight grain of Hinoki enhances the table’s elegance, while the wood’s unique characteristics, such as its soothing scent and smooth texture, create a connection between nature and design. The table was designed by Taro Okabe.

Several projects using Hinoki and Sugi are currently underway in Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

SUSTAINABILITY

Wood from Yoshino

500 years of tree cultivation​​​​​​​

500 years of tree cultivation