Revitalizing Tradition: The Kamiyama SHIZQ Project

Rediscovering the Value of Cedar through Innovative Design and Craftsmanship

The Kamiyama SHIZQ Project was born out of a necessity to address the overabundance of cedar trees in Japan. Post World War II, cedar was planted extensively due to a national policy. However, the influx of cheap imported trees led to a decline in the market value of cedar. The unmanaged plantations, with their thick foliage blocking sunlight, led to a loss of local vegetation and a decrease in river volume in Kamiyama. The SHIZQ Project, initiated in 2013, aimed to find a solution to this problem through design.

Despite initial skepticism from woodworking professionals, the SHIZQ team persisted in their quest to find new value in cedar. They broke through traditional constraints with innovative design ideas and found craftspeople willing to work with them. The result was a unique range of cedar tableware that not only showcased the beauty of the wood but also addressed an environmental issue.

The SHIZQ products are handmade from cedars grown in the mountainous forests of Kamiyama, a region steeped in myth and tradition. The team's experienced craftsman developed specialized lathe blades for SHIZQ products, leveraging 50 years of experience to successfully work with cedar. The products are finished with a ceramic urethane coating that is heat-resistant up to 200℃, making them both beautiful and functional.

The SHIZQ Project is more than just product design; it's an initiative that values local resources, improves the natural environment through manufacturing, and designs local industries. The project faced numerous challenges, from processing the difficult material to developing a new paint that matched the products. Despite these hurdles, the team succeeded in creating a world-first product that is a testament to their innovative spirit and dedication.

The Kamiyama SHIZQ Project has garnered international recognition, receiving the Golden A' Social Design Award in 2019. The project continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to breed craftsmen in Kamiyama and further the cause of regional revitalization. Through their innovative design and traditional craftsmanship, the SHIZQ team has not only created a unique product but also a sustainable solution to an environmental issue.