National Governors' Association Meets Online to Boost Domestic Wood Use

On July 3, Governor Koike attended the online meeting of the domestic wood utilization project team within the National Governors' Association. 

She said, "Governors across the country have been working together to submit proposals to the national government. These initiatives are effectively reflected in the state budget, aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of our forestry and lumber industries and promoting sustainable forestry practices. Thanks to these efforts, Japan now has an over 40 percent timber self-sufficiency rate, and exports are also rising. Now that many of Japan's planted forests  are ready for harvest, it is crucial to establish a stable supply system and strengthen the capacity to deliver domestic lumber."  

The governor continued, “As a major lumber consumer, Tokyo is encouraging more people to use wood from various regions in Japan. At MOCTION, a center showcasing the appeal of wood, Tokyo is collaborating with other prefectures to display and introduce domestic wood and wooden furniture. With more people coming each year, it welcomed over 10,000 visitors last fiscal year.”

“The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is also promoting Tokyo Green Biz, an environmental project looking 100 years ahead, to create a sustainable city in harmony with nature. As part of this effort, we are encouraging wooden structures and interiors for medium to large-scale buildings. Next year, Japan's first full-scale wooden commercial facility built with Japanese lumber, including those from the Tama region, is scheduled to open. The city aims to expand these initiatives further and work with governors across the country to promote the use of Japanese timber on a national scale," she said.