Tell us a little bit about the company. 

In August of Showa 48 (1973), Yamaichi broke off from our former parent company, Kiso-Yamaichi Inc., to become an independent manufacturer of products made with Kiso-Hinoki Cypress Wood. Since then, our products have been found in renowned department stores, specialty shops, online retailers, and mail-order catalogs.

Using Kiso tree logs aged one to three centuries, we manufacture and sell a wide range of products, from traditional everyday wooden tools to innovative wooden craft products. Through the cycle of growing, harvesting, and replanting trees over a long period, we honor our founders’ tradition of "bringing the scent and warmth of wood into daily life."

How did the company start?

In August 1973, the Kiso Yamai Group founded Yamai Co., Ltd. a wooden product manufacturer dedicated to harmonious balance. We began with the goal of utilizing high-quality offcuts of Kiso cypress and Kiso cedar sourced from the Minami Kiso Timber Industry Co. and Minami Kiso Construction Co.

With the goal of transforming these valuable and almost-ancient materials into beautifully crafted wooden household items we embarked on our journey, merging craftsmanship with sustainability, and ensuring that every piece of wood was honored in its new form.

In today’s market, many competitors rely on imported wood or fast-growing species, often prioritizing cost over quality. At Yamai, we remain dedicated to traditional woodworking techniques, taking the time to craft each product with care and precision. It’s this meticulous approach that sets us apart, allowing us to create unique pieces embodying both our heritage and advanced craftsmanship.

What is a typical day like for Yamaichi?

That’s pretty tough to answer in just a few words as each day is a blend of focus, craftsmanship, and collaboration. The atmosphere is one of focus and passion, where every team member plays a vital role in bringing our vision to life. It’s an experience that goes beyond routine – it’s about creating quality and ensuring that every piece reflects our commitment to excellence.

What’s your process for creating your pieces?

First we examine an existing item to serve as both inspiration and reference. We carefully analyze its strengths and weaknesses, considering which features to incorporate into the new design and which to leave out.

This evaluation leads us to create, test and verify a prototype, that is then refined into a second prototype and subjected to additional assessments. If necessary, we repeat this step for a third prototype. This meticulousness ensures that each product we craft both meets our high standards and evolves from a place of careful consideration and innovation.

Tell us a bit about the special techniques you use, and why you use them.

Our core technique revolves around creating products that fit seamlessly into modern life, always prioritizing the perspective and experience of the consumer. While our standard process typically only includes developing two or three prototypes, there are times when we may attempt double or even triple that number before settling on a design we’re proud to produce.
Some designs may take up to two years to perfect, but this is the essence of the “Yamai technique.” We believe that to create items that both blend into everyday life and are cherished for years to come, it requires not just skill, but time and dedication in the development process. 

How does sustainability fit into the work that you do?

I feel a deep responsibility toward our planet’s natural resources. Wood is one of the most abundantly available renewable resources on Earth, and we are committed to nurturing trees over time by harvesting them thoughtfully while also actively participating in reforestation efforts.
In all we do we seek to bring the warmth and fragrance of wood into everyday life.

By respecting this cycle of growth and renewal, we ensure that our creations not only enhance the lives of those who use them, but also contribute to the health of the environment for future generations. This commitment to sustainability is at the heart of every single thing we do at Yamaichi.

Where do you hope to see Yamaichi in 10 years?

We believe that our products will continue to have their place as essential tools for everyday life, even amidst significant societal and technological changes. Our confidence is rooted in our history, as our flagship products have remained household mainstays since the Edo period, over 300 to 400 years ago.

This history, coupled with our dedication to quality and tradition, guides us as we move forward and continue to create products that not only serve practical purposes, but enrich the lives of the families who use them.