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Japanese Cypress (Hinoki)

Hinoki

1. Academic and common names
Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtuse Endlicher) is an evergreen conifer which belongs to the genus hinoki (Chamaecyparis Spach) under the Cupressaceae family. Included in the Cupressaceae family are incense cedar (Calocedrus Kurz), Cypress (Cupressus L.), Juniper (Juniperus L.), Laosian cypress (Fokienia Henryet Thomas), Oriental arbor-vita (Platycladus Spach), Sabina (Sabina Mill), Hiba arborvitae (Thujopsis Sieb. et Zucc.), Usuri cypress (Microbiota) and Thuja. The Hinoki genus includes Taiwanese red cypress (C. formosensis Matsum.) and Taiwanese cypress (C. obtuse var. formosana (Hayata )Behd.).
Its business term in wood distribution and trade is Hinoki as pronounced in the country of origin.It is called Japanese cypress in English. It is said that the word Hinoki derives from tree (ki) of (of) day (hi) or sprit (hi).

2. Geographic distribution and major producing areas
Hinoki is one of the major tree species in Japan, distributed mainly is Hoshu, shikoku and Kyushu. The prefectures well known for Hinoki production are Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Okayama, Ehime, Kochi and Kumamoto..
Well-established brand names are Kiso-hinoki, Tono-hinoki, Tenryu-hinoki, Owase-hunoki, Yoshino-hinoki, Koyasan-hinoki, Mimasaka-hinoki and Ehime-hinoki.

3. Physiological features
Hinoki is a tall evergreen tree and it can grow taller than 20 meters. Most trees have straight trunks.

4. Distinct features of wood
The color of heartwood is light red and that of sapwood is close to white. Distinction between heartwood and sapwood, therefore , is easy. The grain is relatively uniform and displays warmth and beauty. The surface is smooth to the touch. The glossy surface and the characteristic scent are liked by people today. Hinoki is also widely known as a building material good for health. 

5. Performance
The  average  air-dried  density  is  0.44  g/cm2.  The  wood  is  tight  and  has  little dimensional deformity andis easy to process. The heartwood has superior preservative and  anti-moist/water  quality.  It  performs  well  in  drying,  adhesion,  polishing  and painting.

6. Main uses
Hinoki is used in multiple applications, primarily  in  wooden  buildings  such  as  foundations,  posts,  beams, wall panels, floorings, as well as interior ,  furniture, bath tubs, saunas, etc. . It is considered  as  the  best  building material  in  Japan. With  its  strength and natural durability, it is used widely  in Japanese style structures and interiors. 
The several natural elements contained in hinoki  wood  are  regarded  capable  of  absorbing  harmful  materials  such  as  formaldehyde.  The  scent  exuded  from  phytoncide,  one  of  the  terpenes, has not only anti bacterial and termites effects, but also activates human
s  parasympathetic  nerve,  thereby  brings  relaxation,  lowers  blood  pressure,  and  amplifies alpha waves. In comparison with the woods in the world, hinoki is highly  suitable for health and an excellent wood.   

7. Resources and log production
According to the  statistics as of March 31, 2017, planted Hinoki area  is 2.6 million  hectares with 740 million m3 of growing stock. Hinoki accounts for 26% of the planted  forests and 22% of the growing stock. The log production in 2021 was 3.08 million m3 or 14.1% of the total. 

Japan Wood Products Export Association 
Rinyu Building, 1-7-12 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, 112-0004 Japan 
TEL +81-3-5844-6275 FAX +81-3-3816-5595 

Japanese Cedar (Sugi)

Sugi
1. Academic and common names
Sugi (Crytomeria japonica D. Don) is an evergreen conifer which belongs to the genus sugi, subfamily sugi under the Cupressaceae family. Included in the sugi subfamily are Tasmanian cedar (Athrotaxis), Chinese fir (Cunninghamia R. Br.), Mizumatsu (Glyptostrobus Endl.), Bald cypress (Taxodium Ricj.), Metasequoia (Metasequoia Miki ex Hu et Cheng), Sequoia (Sequoiadendron Buchholz) and
Taiwanese cedar (Taiwania Hayata).
Its business term in wood distribution and trade is Sugi as pronounced in the country of origin.It is called Japanese cedar in English.

2. Geographic distribution and major producing areas

Sugi is one of the main tree species in
Japan and distributed in Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Planting of Sugi dates back 500 years. The prefectures well known for Sugi production are Akita, Shizuoka, Mie, Kyoto, Nara, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Tottori. Well-established brand names are Akita-sugi, Echigo-sugi, Tenryu-sugi, Owase-sugi, Kitayama-sugi, Yoshino-sugi, Oguni-sugi, Hita-sugi, Obi-sugi and Chizu-sugi.

3. Physiological features
Sugi is a tall evergreen tree. It can grow taller than 40 meters and larger than 2 meters in diameter at breast height. Most trees have straight trunks.

4. Distinct features of wood
There is a distinct color difference between sapwood and heartwood. Sapwood is nearly white whereas heartwood varies from pink to dark reddish brown. The changes from early wood to late wood is rather sharp. With distinct annual rings, the grain is beautiful and warm and smooth to the touch. It has a characteristic faint scent and is attracting attention as a building material good for health.

5. Performance
The average air-dried density is 0.38 g/cm2. It is rather light and soft, therefore easy for processing. The heartwood has moderate preservative quality. It performs well in drying, adhesion, polishing and painting.

6. Main uses
Sugi is a versatile material and used widely for building materials (posts, beams, wall panels, ceiling panels, flooring, etc.), laminated wood, plywood, interior wood, furniture, bridges, ship building, utility poles, packaging and crating.

7. Resources and log production
According to the statistics as of March 31, 2017, planted Sugi area is 4.44million hectares with 1.9 billion m3 of growing stock. Sugi accounts for 44% of the planted forests and 58% of the growing stock. The log production in 2021reached 12. 92 million m3 or 59.1% of th total.

Rinyu Building, 1-7-12 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, 112-0004 Japan
Japan Wood Products Export Association
TEL +81-3-5844-6275 FAX +81-3-3816-5595

The 8th Wood Summit will be held ONLINE every Saturday in February 2021, under the theme of "What Mokuiku (Wood Education) can do for a sustainable society". This event is organized by Tokyo Toy Museum and supported by a number of associations including International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) and Japan Wood Culture Society (JWCS).

The VIII International Festival of Wooden Sculpture “Lukomorye” 2018 is an international event for those interested in woodcarving, art and nature. 30 teams of artists from 16 countries will participate in this event, and the beauty of art and wood will be brought to the audience. Everyone is welcome to visit the “Park of Wooden Sculpture of Lukomorye”.

Date: 10^th - 29^th May

Venue: Park of Wooden Sculpture of Lukomorye (4, Klubnaya Street, village of Savvateevka, Angarsk district, Irkutsk region, Russia)

World Wood Day is a cultural event celebrated annually on March 21st to highlight wood as an eco-friendly and renewable biomaterial and to raise awareness on the key role wood plays in a sustainable world. Starting from 2013, WWD celebrations were held in Tanzania, China, Nepal and  USA respectively, involving participants from over 100 countries and regions.

The main celebration of 2018 World Wood Day (WWD) will take place at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia. The event will be celebrated from March 20th to March 25th, and it comprises the Symposium, Woodcrafts, Folk Art Workshops, Music Festival, Wood Design Projects, Children's Event, and Tree Planting.

The 6th annual WWD themed "Life" will be demonstrating roles and importance of wood and non-timber forest products in supporting our daily living and connecting representatives of wood-related professionals from all around the world.

The 2018 WWD will be a special occasion for everyone to gain insights into wood and non-timber forest products, and the key to achieving a better and greener future.

For further information, please refer to the link below:

2018 World Wood Day website

Bentley Woodfair is a celebration of woodlands, forestry, timber, trees woodcrafts and wood related activities. The whole site holds two fields of stands, exhibits, displays and an amazing woodland full of demonstrations and activities. Bentley Woodfair started in 1996 and continues to support local rural businesses and crafts while educating and entertaining families. Bentley Woodfair is a great event for all the family and perfect for those who love wood and woodlands. 

Date: 15^th -17^th September

Venue: Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum

              Harveys Lane, Halland, BN8 5AF

The Oak Fair is a special event for those interested in woodcraft, timber, conservation and the countryside. Over 200 exhibitors will participate in the event, and a variety of fun activities will be brought to the audience. Everyone is welcome to stop by the Stock Gaylard Estate.

Date: 26^th - 27^th August (10:00-17:00)

Venue: Stock Gaylard Estate (Stock Gaylard, Sturminster Newton DT10 2BG)

The 38th Exhibition of Traditional Technology in Arakawa will be held with free entry in Arakawa Sougou Sports Center at 10AM to 5PM from July 7th to July 9th, 2017. Please come and visit the traditional handicrafts made in Arakawa and learn the amazing technologies that have been well preserved by the craftsmen who have moved to live in Arakawa District from the Edo Period to the present. The onsite demonstrations include the writing of Edo Fonts (Yose Moji), the experience-sharing of the Joinery (Sashimono), the making of Ukiyoe, and more for your discovery.

Event Date: July 7th - July 9th, 2017.

Event Time: 10AM to 5PM

Venue: Arakawa Sougou Sports Center

The annual National Joinery Exhibition in 2017 will be held by the Japan Federation of Joinery Industry Associations (Zenkoku Tategu Kumiai Rengoukai) in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Exhibitors including members and industries will show the latest technologies and top-quality, finely designed wooden fittings. Everyone is welcome to discover the beauty and the delicate works of the traditional and modern Japanese wooden fitting design.

For more information, please refer to the official website of The 51th National Joinery Exhibition

Date: June 17th (SAT) 10AM-18PM and 18th (SUN) 9AM-16PM

Venue: Ishikawa Prefecture Exhibition Hall No. 4

Opening Ceremony: June 17th (SAT) 10AM-10:30AM

Awarding Ceremony: June 18th (SUN) 14PM-15PM