Crowdfunding for earthquake-resistant charcoal kilns for sustainable production

Notohahaso Co., Ltd., a producer of diverse charcoal products for tea ceremonies and leisure use, launched a crowdfunding project on the CAMPFIRE platform. The project seeks to rebuild kilns affected by the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake and to develop earthquake-resistant charcoal kilns while supporting sustainable production.

The city of Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture, home to Notohahaso’s factory, has been significantly impacted by two consecutive years of large earthquakes. Approximately 40% of the city’s 6,000 households were completely destroyed. The factory sustained severe damage, with all kilns broken, foundational cracks forming, and half the building rendered unusable. The devastation was further compounded by heavy rains in September 2024, which caused flooding and landslides, forcing the company to consider relocating operations within Suzu City.

Rebuilding kilns is central to the company’s recovery plan and its commitment to sustainable charcoal production. Notohahaso has long planted oak trees in nearby satoyama forests and employed traditional craftsmanship to create its products. These efforts have earned recognition through certifications, such as designation as a nature symbiosis site by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and inclusion in the international OECM database. The company’s work supports biodiversity and achieves carbon-negative outcomes, aligning with environmental and societal expectations.

To achieve its goals, Notohahaso is partnering with Yoshio Industry Inc., an Ishikawa-based machine development company, to create earthquake-resistant kilns. The project also aims to establish an off-grid, resilient community informed by lessons from past disasters.

The estimated cost of constructing a new factory is approximately ¥100 million, with Notohahaso covering half the expenses. While honouring traditional charcoal production methods, the company recognises the need to adapt to environmental and social changes.

Representative Director, Choichiro Ohno, shares in his message, “Our mission goes beyond creating excellent products. We prioritise an ethical perspective, producing goods with consideration for both people and the environment. Additionally, we incorporate the principles of a circular economy, striving to minimise resource waste while contributing to the community and society.”