Japanese wood is key to the country’s rich cultural history and traditions. Various types of wood are used in daily life and artistic expression. Wood has been essential for centuries in constructing temples, shrines, and furniture, symbolizing a connection to nature. Each type has unique qualities, from the sturdy, versatile cypress to the fragrant Japanese Umbrella Pine.
Traditional Japanese artisans possess deep knowledge of wood properties, creating beautifully crafted, durable items. Understanding these woods offers insight into Japan’s enduring respect for nature and craftsmanship. Keep reading as we’ll explore the most common woods and their specific qualities.
What kind of wood do they have in Japan?
Generally, wood has been vital in Japan’s everyday life and cultural practices for centuries. With about two-thirds of the country covered in forests, wood is abundant. It has been used in everything from building homes and temples to creating furniture and art. Not to mention, Japanese woodworking traditions emphasize craftsmanship, with artisans selecting and shaping wood for beauty and function.
Hinoki (Japanese Cypress)
Hinoki is native to Japan and has a sweet fragrance and smooth white appearance. In addition, its wood is light but strong, making it perfect for detailed woodworking. In Japanese culture, it also represents purity and calmness. Moreover, its ability to resist humidity and pleasant smell makes it great for peaceful places like baths and meditation rooms.
It’s also valued for its strength and natural ability to fight bacteria. Because of these qualities, Japanese restaurants often use it as countertops and plates. The highest-quality hinoki comes from the Kiso Valley and is called Kiso hinoki.
Sugi (Japanese Cedar)
Japanese cedar, or sugi, is Japan’s national tree and is prominent around temples and shrines. People highly value its fast growth, straight grain, and beautiful texture, making it perfect for builders and artisans to use in construction and crafting.
People grow fine varieties of sugi, including Akita sugi, which grows in Akita Prefecture and is present in traditional crafts like magewappa (bent woodware). Akita sugi helps regulate humidity, keeping rice fresh with its antibacterial properties. Moreover, growers from Nara Prefecture cultivate Yoshino sugi, known for its premium quality, and use it to make daily items like barrels and round wooden rice containers.
Akamatsu (Japanese Red Pine)
Japanese Red Pine, or Akamatsu, is a strong and durable wood commonly found in Japan. Its rich, reddish-brown color deepens over time, giving it a warm, natural appearance. People use it for timber and as an ornamental tree, which plays an important role in classic Japanese gardens.
Akamatsu wood is also suitable for furniture-making and crafts for its strength and attractive grain. Its fresh pine scent adds to its charm. Found from northern Honshu to Kyushu and Shikoku, it’s a reliable choice for many projects.
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Which types of wood are most suitable for Japanese homes?
One type of wood is karamatsu, or Japanese larch. Notable for its strength and durability, karamatsu is suitable for structural elements like beams and columns. People also value its resistance to water and decay, perfect for outdoor or moisture-prone areas.
Another type includes Japanese oak also known as kashi, which is prized for its hardness and resilience. Kashi is often used for flooring and furniture, offering long-lasting durability. Additionally, the Japanese cypress sawara is another popular choice. Unlike Hinoki, which is more affordable, sawara is used for interior elements like wall paneling and ceilings. Its pleasant aroma and light color give rooms a calm, serene atmosphere.
Some Rarer Types of Japanese Wood
Koyamaki (Japanese Umbrella Pine)
Koyamaki, or Japanese Umbrella Pine, grows naturally in western Honshu’s mountains. The wood is dense and soft, with a smooth texture, but lacks a glossy finish. Koyamaki is also highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for bathtubs, pails, sinks, and containers for rice, miso, and pickles.
Due to its durability, koyamaki is also used to build traditional Japanese ships. Its fresh, clean fragrance is complemented by a woody scent that evokes a forest. Though rare, its distinct qualities make it a valued material in practical and cultural uses.
Kiri (Paulownia)
Paulownia, or kiri, is the lightest wood in Japan. Despite its lightness, it is highly resistant. Kiri has been valued for centuries for making traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and biwa. The finest instruments are made from 200-year-old kiri wood with beautiful grain.
Kiri from cold regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku is prized for its dense grain and low density. Kiri’s lightness, moisture resistance, and subtle fragrance make it a sought-after material for furniture, storage chests, and more.
Keyaki (Japanese Elm)
Keyaki is an elm family tree growing in southwestern Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It is commonly used as a street tree and windbreak for homes. Keyaki wood is also prized for its strength, durability, and a beautiful golden-brown color.
It is often used for fine furniture like chests of drawers and kitchen utensils such as bowls. Due to its density and durability, Keyaki is also favored for making taiko (Japanese drums). This wood is resistant to wear and can withstand the elements, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. keyaki’s stunning grain and ability to endure frequent use make it highly sought-after for both traditional and modern Japanese home decor.
Why is Japanese wood important?
Japanese wood is deeply culturally significant because it reflects the country’s respect for nature, craftsmanship, and sustainability. From the beauty of keyaki to the fragrance and durability of hinoki, each type of wood has unique qualities. These woods are also vital in Japanese architecture, furniture-making, and artistic expression. Overall, they remain essential to Japan’s cultural identity through careful selection and skilled craftsmanship. Do you have a favorite type of Japanese wood? Share your thoughts in the comments below
