Wood has been a familiar material in Japan for centuries, shaping a rich culture centered around wood and its uses.

From furniture and buildings to everyday items like tableware, wood has found its place in numerous aspects of daily life. In Japanese cuisine, where even the beauty of tableware is considered part of the experience, wooden dishes are often used—particularly bowls for soups and other dishes.

Wood also plays a vital role in Japanese architecture.

Examples range from ancient temples like Hōryū-ji in Nara Prefecture to modern structures, including the main pavilion of Expo 2025 in Osaka, said to be one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Even with the emergence of new construction materials, Japan's deep-rooted trust in wood has remained unchanged.

While there are other materials that offer excellent strength, durability, and versatility in terms of shaping, Japan still relies heavily on wood. So, what makes wood so special here?

From architecture to tableware: the versatility and characteristics of Japanese wood

One reason wood continues to be treasured in Japan is the wide variety of tree species available.

Japan’s distinct four seasons and warm, humid climate provide an ideal environment for forests to flourish. Across the country, you can find a range of natural forests featuring coniferous and broadleaf species, as well as vast plantations of Sugi (Japanese cedar), Hinoki (Japanese cypress), Karamatsu (Japanese larch), and Todomatsu (fir), which together cover about two-thirds of Japan's land area.

Hinoki and Sugi, both native to Japan, have been used as timber for centuries.

Hinoki, in particular, is known for its pleasant fragrance and exceptional durability, making it highly valued as a high-quality wood. Indeed, many structures have been built using it, the most famous being Hōryū-ji.

Often referred to as the world’s oldest wooden building, Hōryū-ji has withstood the passage of over 1,000 years, preserving its original form to this day. The temple stands as proof of Hinoki's remarkable durability, which allows it to withstand natural disasters, as well as its strong resistance to insects that would typically cause decay.

In addition to temples and shrines, historical wooden buildings such as samurai residences and merchant houses can still be seen throughout Japan. These structures not only convey the enduring appeal of wood but have also become important cultural heritage sites that contribute to the identity of their regions today.

Sugi is another highly durable species known for its ability to absorb harmful substances and regulate temperature and humidity effectively. Its softness makes it highly workable, which is why it is often chosen for use in construction, furniture, and even tableware.

For example, bentwood boxes, known as magewappa, are crafted by bending fresh wooden planks into curved forms. Sugi’s pliability makes it ideal for this type of craftsmanship. When used as a storage container, the wood helps maintain the optimal humidity, preserving the freshness and flavor of the food inside.

When it comes to serving dishes, the natural beauty of wood—the color, grain, and texture—plays an important role. Wooden tableware, crafted to highlight the unique texture and subtle grain patterns of each species, is irreplaceable in the world of Japanese cuisine.

Furthermore, wood is a natural insulator, meaning that it keeps heat from transferring to the container, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.

The diverse characteristics of each tree species make wood suitable for a wide range of uses, allowing artisans and manufacturers to select the perfect type for each purpose. This variety is one of wood’s greatest appeals and a key reason why it continues to be widely utilized.

Innovations in wood processing: enhancing durability

Recent advancements in construction and processing technologies have further increased the value of wood as a material.

One such technology is S-Tech treatment (nitrogen heat treatment), which decomposes the components in wood that lead to rot, improving its resistance to decay and insects. Remarkably, boardwalks constructed using S-Tech wood have endured for over 20 years, demonstrating its incredible durability.

In addition to enhancing longevity, S-Tech treatment has another key advantage. By using temperatures above 200°C (392°F) to treat wood without relying on chemicals, this process prevents the release of harmful substances, thereby reducing environmental impact.

Another promising technology is preservative and termite-proof plywood for structural use, which is anticipated to see growing global adoption in the coming years.

In wooden buildings, which are so extensively used in Japan, there is a growing demand for materials that minimize environmental impact while offering long-term durability. Preservative and termite-proof plywood for structural use is made by infusing preservatives deep into the layers of plywood, which helps prevent material degradation and protects the value of the structure over time.

This technology proves especially effective when used in areas that are difficult to maintain, such as exterior walls, subflooring, and areas exposed to moisture.

Since these materials are intended to last across generations, durability is essential. These innovations, which emphasize both sustainability and longevity, help prevent unnecessary deforestation and contribute to environmental conservation.

As the world increasingly focuses on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these advancements in wood processing are drawing significant attention.

Japanese Hinoki: recognized around the world

Until recently, Japanese timber was primarily used domestically, but in recent years, its potential for use overseas has started to gain significant attention.

This shift was prompted by the introduction of Hinoki in the "two-by-four construction method," which originated in North America.

In this construction method, wood is known as "two-by-four dimension lumber" and is widely employed in wooden structures.

In April 2024, the structural integrity of Hinoki-based two-by-four dimension lumber was certified by the American Lumber Standards Committee. This recognition now allows this wood to be utilized as a building material in the United States, in addition to Japan.

In terms of domestic timber production, Hinoki ranks second after Sugi. As demand for high-quality timber continues to grow internationally, the future looks bright for this Japanese wood to gain a greater foothold in global markets.