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Japan grows trees without using much land.

By on December 7, 2020

Did you know that Japan has been producing more trees for centuries using no land?

In the 14th century, Japan invented a pruning technique called “Daisugi”, a process that requires hand pruning every two years. Such technique can produce as many as hundred shoots but takes 2 decades to harvest.

Daisugi, developed in the 14th century became the template for tree-growing that supports the Sukiya-zukuri style of architecture popular in 16th century Japan. The demand for lumber was high at the time but there wasn’t enough land to grow them.  Thus, Japan turned to the ‘daisugi’ method to increase supply.

Sukiya-zukuri (suki means ‘refined or elegant’ and zukuri means ‘made’) is one type of Japanese residential architectural style characterized by the use of natural wood materials. The use of daisugi-grown trees produced straight and knot-free materials acceptable for use as pillars in ancient Japanese houses.

Photos by Komori Zouen

In 2014, Japan has exceeded its wood self-sufficiency ratio by  31.2%, the first time in 26 years. This means Japan’s wood culture is here to stay with the help of its sustainable techniques.
The facilities built for the upcoming Tokyo 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games will showcase the use of wood and Japan’s wood culture and technology.

The use of natural wood in ancient Japan’s Sukiya Zukuri architectural style is considered aesthetically pleasing and tasteful.  Photo by Suumo

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