#Japan #Tokyo #Sustainable Materials #Wood Technology #communication plaza

Communication Plaza Open Seminar: Diverse Wood Materials for a Sustainable Society

The Communication Plaza (CP) has been a vital platform since its inception in 1979, hosting over 270 seminars that bring together professionals from government, industry, and academia to discuss current and relevant topics. While typically a members-only forum, the upcoming seminar on September 9, 2026, will be accessible to a broader audience via online participation, particularly those who are not CP members.

Seminar Overview

Title: 271st Communication Plaza Open Seminar: Exploring Diverse Wood Materials for Achieving a Sustainable Society
Theme: Focusing on the latest trends in wood utilization in architecture and potential applications of various wood materials.

Purpose of the Seminar

The construction industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of reducing CO₂ emissions throughout a building's lifecycle. Wood materials, known for their relatively lower emissions during production and their capability to store carbon long-term, are gaining renewed significance in this context. Furthermore, sustainable forest management and responsible wood usage are considered crucial initiatives toward achieving carbon neutrality. This seminar aims to showcase examples of diverse wood materials and technologies such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Dowel-Laminated Timber (DLT), and treated wood, while also discussing the future direction of architecture in relation to sustainable practices.

Event Details

• - Date: September 9, 2026
• - Time: 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM JST
• - Venue: Akasaka Intercity Conference, 4F-404
• - Format: Online (Zoom) - CP members can also attend in person.
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Moderator: Shigeyuki Kamishima, Director of the Forestry Agency's Wood Industry Division
• - Registration Deadline: August 28, 2026
• - Organizer: Japan Housing Industry Training Foundation

Seminar Agenda

• - 1:30 PM - 1:35 PM: Opening Remarks
• - 1:35 PM - 2:10 PM: Visualization of the Environmental Value of Wood Utilization and Promotion of Diverse Wood Uses by Shigeyuki Kamishima
• - 2:10 PM - 2:55 PM: The Use of CLT in Achieving a Sustainable Society by Yohei Sakabe, Japan CLT Association
• - 2:55 PM - 3:10 PM: Break
• - 3:10 PM - 3:55 PM: Harnessing the Power of Wood - Connecting to a Sustainable Society through DLT by Taiji Hasegawa, Hasegawa Manji Shoten
• - 3:55 PM - 4:40 PM: The Role and Potential of Treated Wood in a Circular Economy by Jun Koisai, Japan Wood Preserving Industry Association
• - 4:40 PM - 5:00 PM: Q&A Session

For more details about the event and registration, visit the Japan Housing Industry Training Foundation's website. You can also access a report on the previous 269th Open Seminar through the provided links.