#Japan #Tokyo #woodworking #Sumitomo Forestry #Skills Competition

Sumitomo Forestry Home Engineering Excels in the 63rd National Skills Competition

Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. recently celebrated a significant achievement with its subsidiary, Sumitomo Forestry Home Engineering, at the 63rd National Skills Competition held in Aichi Prefecture. This prestigious event saw a remarkable display of talent and craftsmanship among young skilled professionals across various trades. Notably, the carpentry team from Sumitomo Forestry clinched the Gold Award for the fourth consecutive year, reinforcing their reputation for excellence in construction skills.

Highlights from the Competition

The National Skills Competition, which has been held annually since 1963, aims to recognize and promote the skills of young craftsmen in Japan. This year's event, which took place from October 17 to 20, featured 1,025 competitors representing different prefectures across the nation. In the carpentry category alone, 67 participants competed, alongside 16 participants in the plastering category. Sumitomo Forestry Home Engineering was proud to send seven carpentry contestants and four plastering competitors.

Award-Winning Performers

In the carpentry category, Kousuke Inagaki from the 36th cohort earned the Gold Award, while Rento Suzuki from the 37th cohort took home the Silver Award. Two competitors, Shoutaro Tokushiro and Ayumu Nanbu, received Encouragement Awards, showcasing the depth of talent cultivated within the company. Similarly, in the plastering category, Touki Mizoe earned the Bronze Award, highlighting the talented cohort of craftsmen trained under the Sumitomo Forestry umbrella.

The Importance of Skill Development

The foundation of this success is the Sumitomo Forestry Construction Technology Institute, established in 1988 to nurture skilled tradespeople capable of delivering high-quality homes under the Sumitomo Forestry brand. Over the years, the institute has trained 1,700 individuals in various craft disciplines, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the ecosystem of construction, which includes both modern techniques and traditional methods.

The institute focuses on creating a balanced skill set—heart, skill, and body—through a one-year comprehensive curriculum that offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for becoming competent construction professionals. As Japan faces challenges related to an aging workforce and skill shortages in trades, Sumitomo Forestry emphasizes the importance of training a new generation of carpenters, plasterers, and foundation professionals.

In 2025, the institute plans to welcome 97 new students, demonstrating a commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities to meet future demands in the construction industry. Prospective students are encouraged to participate in school tours and experience firsthand the structured training environment and culture of craftsmanship.

Looking Ahead

As part of its overarching mission, Sumitomo Forestry continues to develop safe and secure homes grounded in high-level craftsmanship. The company is also contemplating the expansion of its training facilities to further enhance the scale and quality of skill development programs. With robust training mechanisms now in place, the group looks poised to lead the way in producing not only skilled professionals but also quality homes that meet the expectations of today's discerning consumers.

About Sumitomo Forestry Home Engineering

Founded on April 1, 1985, with its headquarters located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Sumitomo Forestry Home Engineering specializes in the construction and management of custom and commercial homes. The company has established 15 divisions across the country and employs 1,311 staff as of October 1, 2025.

For more information about their initiatives and philosophy, visit Sumitomo Forestry Home Engineering.

About Sumitomo Forestry Construction Technology Institute

Located in Chiba Prefecture, the institute has been recognized as a professional training school and operates under the guidance of Sumitomo Forestry and Sumitomo Forestry Home Tech. It continues to develop a skilled workforce to point towards a more secure and innovative future in the construction industry. Explore further at Sumitomo Forestry Training Institute.