Miscellaneous goods made from domestic wood and thinned wood

What comes to your mind when you hear the word deforestation?

 

Most of us picture images of illegal logging overseas or the disappearance of tropical rainforests often reported in the news. But in Japan, the meaning of deforestation is very different.

 

It may come as a surprise, but Japan is actually one of the most forest-rich countries in the world. About two-thirds of the country's land, a vast area of approximately 25 million hectares, is covered in forest.

 

 

 

 

This is the forest of Hinode Village, located in the western Tama region of Tokyo.

 

This village has very little flat land and is surrounded by vast mountains, so it is known for its thriving forestry industry.

 

More than 90% of the forest area is covered by cedar and cypress trees, and we are constantly looking for ways to make effective use of the surplus wood.

 

 

 

 

It is a little-known fact that Japan's forest resources - also known as forest accumulation - continue to increase year by year. While two-thirds of the country is already covered in forest, this ongoing increase is rare on a global scale.

 

Despite the abundance of forests, Japan's logging rate is only about 0.5%.

 

At first glance, an increase in forests may sound like a positive trend. However, it also means a rise in untended natural forests.

 

Research shows that young trees between 11 and 40 years old absorb the most CO₂. In contrast, older trees and trees that have become thin due to forest over-density absorb less CO₂. Particularly in Japan, the number of older trees continues to rise each year.

 

 

 

That's why using surplus wood - known as thinning timber - is necessary for maintaining strong, managed forests. This is different to the larger timber used in construction.

 

By making effective use of thinned wood , we not only support forest conservation but also contribute to revitalising Japan's declining forestry industry. To support sustainable forestry, Standard Products has partnered with the people of Hinode Village to create a unique range of wooden accessories.

 

 

 

First up is our pure cypress essential oil, made from 100% natural ingredients. The essential oil is based on cypress and blended with the scents of various plants to offer a refreshing, woodsy aroma.

 

The cypress used here is "Shimanto Hinoki Cypress" from Kochi Prefecture. It is known as one of Japan's leading producers of fine wood, known for its rich sap content.

 

We use Shimanto Hinoki Cypress to create six types of essential oils: plain, eucalyptus, citrus blend, orange, tea tree & eucalyptus, and Cedarwood Virginia.

 

 

Pair our pure cypress essential oil with the Hinoki fragrance bottle or diffuser (sold separately), to elevate your space with an even richer, more immersive aroma experience.

 

 

This product is a smoke chip that is an essential for smoked dishes.

 

"Sakura" is easy to use and gives off a nice aroma and colour in a short time. It is a smoke chip that goes well with all kinds of ingredients, including meat, fish, cheese, and eggs.

 

The "Hardwood Mix" has a relatively mild flavour and a subtle aroma, and is recommended for fish and cheese. It is a blend of various woods, including Japanese oak, sawtooth oak, and maple.

 

"Whiskey Barrel" is made using chips from the famous whiskey barrel that everyone knows. It features a subtle whiskey aroma and astringency. To make the most of its unique flavour, we recommend using it with light ingredients such as chicken and white fish.

 

 

 

 

 

We also offer beautifully crafted wooden chopsticks from Fukui Prefecture, which is the number one producer of lacquered chopsticks in Japan. We also have log diffusers, shoe fresheners, and smartphone speakers from Hokkaido.

 

We have wood and thinning materials collected from all over Japan. We would be delighted if you could come and see them in our store.