#Japan #Tokyo #DAIKEI MILLS #A Tree #Yoshino Cedar

A New Chapter for Art and Design in Ginza

From April 17, 2025, the GINZA SIX commercial complex will unveil a groundbreaking collaboration with the architectural firm DAIKEI MILLS, headed by Keisuke Nakamura, through an innovative art project titled "A Tree." This initiative aims to transform a single tree into both furniture and architecture, exploring the intricate processes involved in creation from multiple perspectives.

Since its inception, GINZA SIX has embraced the ethos of "Where Luxury Begins," consistently seeking authenticity and quality. The project aligns perfectly with this vision, as it not only focuses on unique space designs but also addresses cultural initiatives such as "SKWAT," which temporarily occupies and opens up unused urban spaces, fostering new cultural experiences in collaboration with DAIKEI MILLS.

As part of the first phase, the project highlights the renowned Yoshino cedar, a valued material sourced from Yoshino in Nara Prefecture. The interior relax areas of GINZA SIX will showcase furniture crafted from this exquisite wood, while a rooftop garden will host an art park featuring these creations.

Celebrating the Craft of Yoshino Cedar Furniture

The upcoming displays will be a harmonious blend of artistry and practicality. The furniture will translate the unique characteristics of Yoshino cedar into design, showcasing its beautiful grain and durability—a depth often overlooked in our daily lives. The craftsmanship behind each piece requires a multitude of skills, techniques, and time, pointing to the hidden artistry embedded within ordinary objects.

Nakamura's vision is to uncover these hidden stories and share the journey from raw material to finished product in a way that resonates with as many people as possible.

To complement the project, a film featuring interviews with Nakamura alongside visuals documenting the logging and milling of Yoshino cedar will be released. Viewers can appreciate the vastness and awe of nature through these visuals, available on GINZA SIX's official social media and signage. Nakamura's interview will delve into the project's background, expanding its role as a communication tool incorporating art and cultural elements in collaboration with both domestic and international artists.

The Legacy of Yoshino Cedar

Yoshino cedar’s legacy dates back to the Muromachi period, with its unique cultivation methods—such as dense planting and regular thinning—being passed down for over 500 years. These techniques result in strong trees with beautiful grain, pivotal in traditional Japanese architecture, shrines, tea houses, and craftsmanship, including furniture creation.

In collaboration with Toyonaga Forestry and Otani Wood, both of which continue the Yoshino forestry tradition, the project aims to explore new phases of forestry innovation.

Collaborations with Various Artists

From autumn 2025, six selected artists will showcase their work made entirely from a 20-meter long tree, each interpreting the theme in unique and creative ways. Details of these collaborations will be announced at a later date, promising an exciting expansion of the project.

Rooftop Art Park Experience

The beauty and strength of Yoshino cedar will come alive in the rooftop garden, where 202 pieces of this sturdy wood will create an immersive environment for visitors. Enhanced by a special drying technique called "sewari," the wood will minimize cracking, creating not only durable installations but also spectacular light displays at night.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a slice of Yoshino's ancient forests right in the heart of Ginza, offering a serene escape amidst the urban landscape. The garden will be open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, running from April 17 to June 1, 2025.

As Nakamura reflects, the focus on bringing the life and history of a single tree into a bustling urban environment exemplifies the project's goal: to connect people with the beauty of nature, art, and design through shared experiences. This project promises to unveil new dimensions of creativity and collaboration in the artistic journey of creation.