A Culture Built with Wood

Kishu, in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula, faces the Pacific Ocean and is famous among chefs worldwide for its charcoal production. The charcoal is known as Kishu Binchotan, and the wood used to make the charcoal is sourced from local mountains. For over 200 years, local charcoal makers have used an eco-friendly technique called selective cutting to cut down suitable trees and simultaneously promote new growth. Join us as we examine what fuels the charcoal culture of Kishu.

The Hida region in Gifu Prefecture has some of the country's most extensive broadleaf forests. Here, local artisans with sophisticated woodworking techniques are referred to as "Hida's Master Craftsmen," a title that has been respected for 1,300 years. Their skills are showcased in the floats of the Takayama Autumn Festival, ranked among the 3 most beautiful festivals in Japan. These floats are crafted using Japanese wood joinery techniques and do not use a single nail. Join us as we examine the craftsmanship that interlocks with the Hida region.