Retailers in Kyushu are opting to construct wooden buildings due to the lower carbon dioxide emissions associated with manufacturing wooden building materials compared to reinforced concrete or steel-frame structures. This environmentally friendly approach has prompted some companies to consider expanding this model nationwide, particularly in regions where forestry is thriving.
One such retailer is Ryohin Keikaku Co., the operator of the popular Muji brand. On September 6, they opened their first large-scale wooden store in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. By utilizing wood-grain finishes and a wooden interior, Ryohin Keikaku was able to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 40% during the production of building materials compared to a steel-frame structure. The company plans to open several more wooden stores each year, with another one recently opened in Hita, Oita Prefecture.
Autobacs Seven Co., an auto parts retailer based in Tokyo, also joined this trend by opening its first wooden store in Saga earlier this year. While the exterior resembles other Autobacs stores, customers can admire the shop’s wooden framework inside. The store not only contributes to energy conservation through its thermal insulation properties but also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The motivation behind these companies embracing wooden construction stems from growing global awareness of environmental issues and their desire to showcase their commitment towards sustainability. Additionally, Kyushu’s flourishing forestry industry provides an abundant supply of timber for these projects.
Kyushu’s forestry sector generated ¥112.9 billion ($1 billion) in economic value last year—approximately 20% of Japan’s total—and boasted the highest regional value nationwide. Taking advantage of this local resource base, Seven-Eleven Japan Co., for example, opened a wooden store in Fukuoka that utilized about 40% locally sourced wood.
While there is government support for constructing wooden buildings and efforts are being made by agencies like the Forestry Agency to promote collaboration between local governments and companies for such projects, there are challenges involved as well. Meeting fire safety and earthquake resistance standards requires strict adherence to location selection and high-quality materials usage criteria. Moreover, there is currently a shortage of experts specializing in designing and constructing commercial buildings using wood.
Nevertheless, building commercial structures with wood presents an opportunity for effectively utilizing domestic timber resources while leaving room for future expansion according to agency officials.
