The Living Story of Hokkaido Wood: Craft, Culture & Discovery

From Forest to Hands: The Soulful Roots

Hokkaido boasts over 5.5 million hectares of forests—one quarter of Japan’s woodlands—and has nurtured both wild and cultivated forests for generations. The purity of this timber, shaped by a harsh northern climate, gives Hokkaido wood its resilience and subtle beauty. These forests, honored and managed with care, offer wood that is both sustainably harvested and imbued with local life and history.

Ainu Traditions Carved in Wood

The Indigenous Ainu of Hokkaido have passed down a rich tradition of wood carving. One of the region’s most celebrated crafts is the Nibutani-ita—flat, carved wooden trays made from katsura and walnut and adorned with symbolic Ainu motifs. This craft, centered in Biratori’s Saru River basin, was officially recognized in March 2013 by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as the island’s first Traditional Craft Product.

Legend says that when Ainu men reached maturity, they would carve a tray as a formal gift—often to the woman they admired—imbued with spiritual meaning and skilled artistry. These pieces became prized items exchanged across families and, over time, introduced to broader Japanese society.

Bears, Symbolism and Community

Another iconic craft is the kibori kuma, wooden bear sculptures often clutching a salmon. Born in the early 1920s after Tokugawa Yoshichika brought a carving back from Switzerland, local farmers in Yakumo began copying the form during winter to sustain their livelihoods. By the late 1920s, this became a celebrated folk craft, producing thousands each season, with replicas appearing in both Yakumo and Asahikawa.

Artisans Rooted in Legacy

Local artisans and workshops continue to pass these traditions forward. For instance, families like the Tanno family teach wood crafting across generations. Masakage Tanno learned from his father Norio, continuing long‑held customs in woodworking boxes and daily objects.

Master carvers like Toru Kaizawa embed Ainu heritage into contemporary work—sculpting living symbols of culture and spirits, while championing the survival of Ainu craftsmanship in modern art institutions around the world.

Why Hokkaido Wood Products Matter

• Genuine Connection

Each wooden bowl, tray, or bear sculpture carries the life of the forest and the hand of the maker. Owning one means inviting nature and tradition into your space.

• Timeless Quality

Rooted in sustainable forestry and generations of careful artisanship, these objects age beautifully and retain their integrity—often becoming family heirlooms.

• Cultural Resonance

Their form and decoration tell stories of Ainu beliefs, regional folklore, and local ecology—welcoming curiosity, respect, and meaningful conversations.

Inspiration in Everyday Life

Imagine serving tea in a carved Nibutani-ita tray, its patterns reflecting ancient river currents and animals. Or picking up a kibori bear, its shape connecting you to Hokkaido’s wild landscapes and human resilience. Such pieces feel quieter yet deeper than any mass-produced design—they invite pauses, reflection, and a sense of belonging.

Final Thought: Your Invitation to Discover

Hokkaido wood crafts are not souvenirs—they are living artifacts of land, culture, and thoughtful hands. To live with them is to connect with northern forests, Ainu wisdom, and a way of life that values care over convenience.

Explore our curated selection of handmade wood products, crafted from the heart of Hokkaido. Visit our platform and discover the soul in every grain of wood.