67 recent years, factors such as global wood shortages, import restrictions, currency fluctuations, and rising domestic demand have driven up material costs and made it increasingly difficult to secure stable supplies of high-quality local timber. In response, we have expanded our material research beyond conventional species and begun actively utilizing a broader variety of Hokkaido hardwoods. Through strength testing conducted by the Hokkaido Hardwood Utilization Promotion Research Group― a collaboration between industry, academia, and government led by the Asahikawa Furniture Industry Cooperative―we introduced previously underutilized species such as Elm, Cherry, and Japanese Sen into production starting in 2024. Today, we work with six types of Hokkaido hardwood, including Oak, Ash, and Birch, continuously researching and developing methods that bring out the unique character and appeal of each species. By incorporating underutilized woods into our products, we deepen our material knowledge, contribute to broader adoption across the Asahikawa furniture industry, and support the revitalization of sustainable forestry through diversified wood use. Selecting the Right Wood, Close to the Forest Asahikawa serves as a major hub for timber distribution in Hokkaido and hosts one of Japan's most renowned log auctions, where valuable hardwood logs are traded. The region brings together sawmills, woodworking specialists, forestry professionals, and other experts with deep knowledge of wood. CondeHouse maintains close, long-standing relationships with these local professionals, sharing expertise from the log procurement stage through to processing methods. By working alongside those who understand the forest intimately, we carefully assess the characteristics of each individual log and determine how best to use it in furniture making. This accumulation of precise judgment and collaboration underpins the quality of our products. Over 20 Years of Forest Conservation for the Future CondeHouse's craftsmanship is made possible by the healthy land and forests that sustain it. To pass these forests on to future generations, we have continued tree-planting activities for more than 20 years. To date, we have planted over 50,000 Mizunara oak saplings. By maintaining this long-term commitment, we support a sustainable cycle of forests that will continue to nurture both nature and craftsmanship well into the future. Use of Locally Sourced Hokkaido Timber at CondeHouse 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 100 80 60 40 20 % 0 Imported wood locally sourced Hokkaido timber
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