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Discovering Nobeyoka's Lumber and Crafting at MOCTION

Nobeyoka City is set to introduce its rich forest resources and woodworking initiatives through an engaging exhibition titled "Nobeyoka and Wood: Living with Nature vol. 2" at the national center for domestic timber information, MOCTION, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This initiative aims to provide insight into Nobeyoka’s lumber and craftsmanship, showcasing their unique materials and successful applications.

The exhibition will take place in MOCTION's dedicated space, designed to attract a wide audience, including architects, designers, and the general public. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of domestic timber through a hands-on experience. The primary goal is to present the current status and future prospects of Nobeyoka’s forestry and wood industry, fostering new connections and business opportunities.

Beyond merely displaying products, the exhibition will communicate important themes to attendees:

• - The connection between forests and everyday living
• - The potential of utilizing local resources for industrial development
• - Challenges and innovations adopted by local governments for sustainable societies

Workshop Event on January 25

As part of the exhibition, a participatory workshop is scheduled for January 25, 2026. This event invites visitors to engage with the characteristics of Nobeyoka’s forests and timber while allowing them to delve into several intriguing topics:

• - The significance of selecting domestically sourced and regional timber
• - The environmental benefits and local impacts of timber utilization
• - The link between urban lifestyles and forests

The workshop targets a diverse audience range, including professionals in architecture and design, educators, and the general public. Its format emphasizes engagement through learning, experiencing, and discussion. During the session, participants will handle and experience the aromatic cedar and cypress native to the region. Attendees will also create unique items like magnifying glasses for daily use and sachets scented with Nobeyoka's cypress oil. The kits for the magnifiers are produced by Iemura Co., Ltd., a furniture manufacturing company exhibiting at the same time.

By attending, participants will directly interact with the region’s timber, which benefits from the longest sunshine duration in Japan, enhancing their sensory experience with wood. To register, please ensure to include the number of kits according to the number of participants.

Exhibition Details

• - Title: "Nobeyoka's Wood: See, Smell, Create - Hinata Loupe"
• - Workshop Date: January 25, 2026 (Sunday)
• - Session Times:

- 13:30-14:30 (60 min) - Cedar Loupe and Cypress Sachet Creation
- 14:45-15:45 (60 min) - Repeat Session

• - Location: Living Design Center OZONE, 5th Floor Seminar Room
• - Organizer: Nobeyoka Forestry Division and Nobeyoka Woodworking District
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Capacity: Each session accommodates 12 participants (12 sets)
• - Registration Deadline: January 23, 2026, at 15:00 or until capacity is reached
• - To Register: Please use the registration form provided online.
• - Contact for Inquiries: 0982-37-5950 (Nobeyoka Woodworking District - Iemura)

Background of the Exhibition

Nobeyoka City is largely enveloped by forests, making it vital for the local government to promote sustainable forestry practices and the wood industry. However, there’s a pressing challenge in urban centers, where the origins and applications of timber are often obscured.

This exhibition addresses the aforementioned issue by providing a platform to bridge the gap between urban environments and rural regions, highlighting Nobeyoka’s initiatives in the metropolitan area.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Nobeyoka City aims to deepen partnerships with companies, designers, and educational institutions in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This collaboration will pave the way for sustainable community development and new project initiatives that leverage the region's forest resources.