I Toward the New "Generation of Wood"
1. Substitution of Wood Products
In Japan, wood consumption per capita dropped by 15% in the last 20 years. While wood consumption has been increasing in countries of relatively high per capita GDP, it has been decreasing in Japan. In terms of domestic wood products, the volume of consumption per capita in 2002 came down to the level of approximately one-third of its peak volume in 1973.
The main cause of this decline is substitution of wood and wood products with industrial materials including steel and concrete under the strong economic growth. The limited availability of domestic resources is another factor for the decline of consumption in domestic wood.
2. Wood as Healthy and Environmentally Friendly Material
Currently, health problems are becoming prevalent in the society, including increasing the number of people who are suffering from mental/physical stress or "sick house" syndrome. Environmental problems are also getting serious such as global warming caused by dependence on fossil fuels, as well as hindrance to in the multifunctional roles of forests caused by insufficient forest management with the decline of wood products use.
Wood and wood products have relaxing fragrance and warmth, while providing comfortable living conditions through its humidity-control and anti-tick functions. Since wood and wood products require substantially less energy for production than steel, wood and wood products can be said as "environmentally friendly material." Further, wood is also renewable. The promotion of domestic wood products use would enhance forest production activities and thus contribute to forest management.
According to a survey conducted by the Cabinet Office, 74% and 63% of respondents recognized that "wood feels cool in the summer and warm in the winter" and "wood has relaxing effects", respectively. The rate of respondents who recognized the appropriateness of wood and wood products use in medical facilities, welfare facilities, and child toys in day care facilities, rose by 10 % from the previous survey.
On the other hand consumers' awareness of safe products, has become notable, including the stronger interest in indoor air quality with the "sick house" syndrome.
3. New Uses of Wood and Wood Products
Recently, some housing makers supply houses with abundant solid lumber or houses with long life span, taking advantage of the shift in consumers' awareness. Some consumers prefer colors, grains and solidity of solid lumber for the interior use in shops and restaurants.

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