Hida and Asahikawa woodworkers showcase sustainable living in Tokyo

Hida Takayama furniture manufacturer Kashiwa Mokko Co., Ltd. and Asahikawa woodcraft specialist Sasaki Kogei Co., Ltd. is holding a joint exhibition in Aoyama, Tokyo, from 13 March to 12 April. They are promoting Japanese woodworking culture while proposing sustainable lifestyles by combining high-quality furniture with functional wooden crafts.

The exhibition takes place at the KASHIWA TOKYO showroom. It features products from the SASAKI brand integrated into the furniture settings of Kashiwa Mokko. This collaboration combines the technical expertise and aesthetic sensibilities of two of Japan’s most prominent woodworking regions.

The world is seeing renewed interest in timber as a sustainable resource. Following the recent wood shock, which caused price fluctuations and supply instability, the value of wood is being reassessed. The Japanese Forestry Agency promotes the expanded use of domestic timber and the circular use of forest resources. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Environment recognises wood as an environmentally friendly material that fixes carbon, playing a role in decarbonisation policies.

Both companies focus on the principle of using the right material in the right place. Kashiwa Mokko utilises domestic hardwoods from the Hida region alongside imported walnut and oak to balance design, durability, and stable supply. Sasaki Kogei utilises hardwoods from Hokkaido to create lifestyle goods and gifts that bring the warmth of wood into daily life.

A central theme of the exhibition is the pursuit of long-life design. The two manufacturers create products that remain functional and beautiful over many years, thus reducing waste and lowering environmental burdens.

Sasaki Kogei reports increasing interest from overseas buyers for its high-quality, precision-processed products, such as seasonal dolls and interior accessories. Kashiwa Mokko has also expanded its reach into Asia and Western markets, adapting its designs to international lifestyles while maintaining traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The global interest would continue to promote the sustainable use of timber and revitalising local woodworking industries.