Updated by the Editorial Department of *Forest Circular Economy* on July 6, 2026, at 9:27 p.m. JST
Editorial Board, Forest Circular Economy
Forestcircularity-editor
We aim to realize "Vision 2050: Japan Shines, Forest Circular Economy" promoted by the Platinum Forest Industry Initiative. We will disseminate ideas and initiatives to promote biomass chemistry, realize woody and lumbery communities, and encourage innovation in the forestry industry in order to fully utilize forest resources to decarbonize the economy, strengthen economic security, and create local communities.
In recent years, the importance of “Mokuiku”—an educational approach that involves interacting with trees to learn about the workings of forests—has been gaining renewed attention in various fields. Going beyond traditional character education for children, its applications have expanded to include brand strategies, tourism, and corporate CSR activities. Expectations are also rising that it will contribute to the sustainable use of forest resources by creating demand for locally sourced wood and effectively utilizing scrap wood generated during construction and manufacturing processes. From the upcycling of wood in the interiors of luxury car brands to interior design at resort hotels and the creation of toys from scrap wood by local companies, “Mokuiku” is becoming a new point of connection between forests and society.
Products from “Nakayoshi Library”—a company headquartered in Kochi Prefecture that specializes in wooden toys and furniture—have been available since March as part of “Lexus Collection,” Toyota Motor Corporation’s official lifestyle line. These toys are made by repurposing “bird’s-eye maple,” a rare Canadian wood previously used for steering wheels and shift knobs in Lexus vehicles. Capitalizing on the unique, beautiful bird’s-eye grain—which is also used in high-end furniture and musical instruments—the wood has been transformed into “Wood Toy Cars,” featuring rounded shapes that are safe for children to play with, and “Wood Toy Blocks,” which allow children to enjoy the natural texture of the wood. This represents an upcycling initiative that transforms materials used to adorn the interiors of luxury cars into toys rather than discarding them. Blending the craftsmanship for which the automotive industry is renowned with Japan’s delicate woodworking techniques, these products hold great value not only for the inherent charm of the materials but also as a new approach to “wood education” that passes on an environmental consciousness—one that minimizes waste—to the next generation.
*Reference link
Now Available at Lexus Collection | Nakayoshi Library Co., Ltd.
The “Grand Mercure Ise-Shima Resort & Spa,” operated by the Accor group, opened “Matoya no Mori,” a children’s play area designed to promote an appreciation for wood and made with abundant use of timber from Mie Prefecture, in April. Aimed at families—who account for nearly half of the hotel’s guests—this initiative seeks to combine educational experiences utilizing local resources with an enriching stay. It was made possible through collaboration with Mie Prefecture, the local workshop Kanjindo, and local illustrator shanty. The space consists of four areas. In addition to “Forest Plaza,” where children can interact with floors made of Mie Prefecture timber and wooden toys, and “Picture Book Forest,” which features picture books themed around trees and forests, the resort has installed a “Wall of Learning” where children can learn about forest sustainability through play, with the cooperation of the prefecture. Furthermore, the “Making Workshop” is a permanent feature where guests can engage in hands-on crafting using wood scraps and driftwood—no tools required. The space is designed to allow guests to connect with the region’s forest resources through their five senses while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a resort hotel.
*Reference link
Experience the Warmth of Wood: New Kids' Space “Mataya no Mori” Now Open! | Destination Resorts & Hotels Management Co., Ltd.
Yama no Kujira-sha, a company based in Aki City, Kochi Prefecture, that manufactures wooden toys using domestically sourced timber, obtained “B Corp” certification—an international certification awarded to companies that conduct business with consideration for the environment and society—in February. The company practices sustainable manufacturing by actively utilizing thinned timber and stumps left in the mountains. While contributing to local job creation through a production system centered on female artisans and helping to preserve traditional craftsmanship, it has continued to provide high-quality toys. This certification demonstrates that the company’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and business transparency has been recognized according to global standards. Precisely because toys are items children handle on a daily basis, the company pursues the highest safety standards, such as using an unpainted finish that highlights the natural texture of the wood and plant-based oils that are safe even if ingested. The company’s efforts are likely to further enhance market trust as a model for manufacturers supporting safe and secure “wood education.”
*Reference link
Yama no Kujira-sha Has Achieved B Corp Certification | Yama no Kujira-sha Co., Ltd.
Forest Service TSUNAGU, which provides forest environmental education support and forest management consulting services, has launched a project to donate “Growth Ring Dominoes”—wooden toys—to childcare and educational facilities as part of a corporate CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiative. Through corporate support, this initiative delivers “Tree-Ring Dominoes”—made from cedar and cypress wood sourced from thinning operations—to local children. By playing with the dominoes and using comic-style educational materials, the project creates opportunities for “wood education,” where children naturally learn about the characteristics of wood and the role of forests. Furthermore, a key feature of the initiative is that it provides companies with “Wood Sign Blocks”—which quantify the amount of carbon sequestered by the donated timber—allowing them to directly visualize and demonstrate their otherwise invisible environmental contributions. It is attracting attention as a new CSR business model that connects forests, children, and companies in a circular manner.
*Reference link
CSR Activities Connected Through “Tree-Ring Dominoes” (A New CSR Proposal Connecting Forests, Children, and Businesses) | PR TIMES
Hatano Construction, which has been building homes in Konan City, Aichi Prefecture, for over 100 years, is strengthening its “wood education” initiative by processing wood scraps generated during the construction process and reusing them as wooden toys and furniture that children can touch and play with. This approach transforms high-quality scrap wood—generated at the “downstream” stage of home construction—from mere waste into “treasures for children.” At “DIY PARK,” an experiential facility where local residents can easily try their hand at DIY, staff members with parenting experience handcraft toys and furniture with a focus on safety and texture, all from a “parent’s perspective.” The facility also features “KIDS PARK,” a private wood education space, providing the community with a place where parents and children can casually interact with wood. This initiative not only teaches local children the importance of forest resources but also serves as a model for effectively utilizing resources and reducing waste in the construction industry in a way that is accessible to everyone.
*Reference link
[“Wood Education” Born from Local Home Building] Turning Construction Scrap into Children’s Treasures. | PR TIMES
"Inakazu Shoten," a company that crafts containers from natural cedar, has launched "Tsuzumi," a line of unvarnished and unpainted wooden balancing blocks that reimagine rock balancing using locally sourced cedar offcuts from Kyushu. By stacking these blocks—which are intentionally designed with irregular shapes and angles—children can play with them as an educational toy that fosters concentration and creativity. The company aims to contribute to the local forest resource cycle and regional revitalization by adding high value to cedar offcuts that were previously underutilized, while also providing families and communities with accessible opportunities for “wood education” through hands-on interaction with wood.
*Reference link
"Tsuzumi": Wooden Balancing Blocks Made from Offcuts of Locally Sourced Kyushu Cedar | PR TIMES
