AKANE Featured on NHK's "Gyugyutto Wakayama"
November 21, 2024, 6:30 PM–6:59 PM

The chair AKANE was introduced on NHK's program "Gyugyutto Wakayama".

NHK Wakayama Archives broadcast segments such as "Akane Wood from Wakayama Goes Global" and "Expanding Uses of Insect-Damaged Wood". Insect-damaged wood, known as Akane Wood, has long been a challenge in Wakayama. Amid these issues, a group in Tanabe City and architect Kengo Kuma have been working on creating products like tables and chairs using Akane Wood. The broadcast covered both the spread of this damage and efforts to repurpose the material.

The archive can be viewed here until 6:59 PM on November 28 (Thursday).
Packed with Wakayama's Charm（和歌山のあかね材 世界へ）

Program Overview:
This chair uses insect-damaged wood known as Akane Wood and is designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The origins of the focus on Akane Wood date back to an NHK special broadcast in 1980, which highlighted the investigation of insect-damaged cedar forests in Ogawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The rapid increase in insects damaging cedar and cypress trees significantly reduced the value of the wood, exacerbating the problem.

The underlying causes include a decline in forestry activities and inadequate maintenance, such as insufficient pruning, leading to the unchecked spread of insect damage.

In May 2024, during a lecture in Paris, Kengo Kuma discussed the utilization of Akane Wood from Wakayama, emphasizing the importance of sustainable furniture design. Inspired by this, younger generations in Wakayama began promoting Akane Wood usage, expanding these efforts from the local community to a global stage. Kuma's design philosophy values the natural beauty of materials, minimizing excessive processing to highlight the charming characteristics of Akane Wood.

This initiative not only contributes to forest conservation and revitalization of the forestry industry but has also gained attention for its unique designs, both domestically and internationally. As Akane Wood is embraced as a distinct feature and recognized as a sustainable design choice, further developments are highly anticipated.