Hokkaido Hardwood & Sustainable Forestry Management

  • Hokkaido Wood Quality: Located around 43° N, Hokkaido’s cool climate and rugged terrain—especially near the Daisetsuzan mountains—produce hardwoods like ash and oak with exceptionally tight growth rings. These dense, slow-grown timbers offer outstanding durability and make ideal materials for furniture.
  • Hokkaido’s Reforestation Policy: Hokkaido takes replanting very seriously: its post-harvest reforestation rate reaches approximately 80 percent, far above the national average of ~30 percent. The prefectural government mandates reforestation by law, making forest renewal a core priority.
  • Eco-Friendly Craftsmanship: At DŌTŌ STORE, we deeply value these sustainable forestry efforts. By responsibly sourcing Hokkaido hardwoods and minimizing our environmental footprint, we create furniture designed not just to sell—but to endure, respecting nature and serving you for years to come.

ウォルナット

WALNUT 黑胡桃木

ABOUT WALNUT

Walnut – Features Over Time

Over time, black walnut deepens from a rich tea color to a lustrous warm gold, enhancing its natural sheen.

Description

Black walnut is widely regarded as the “Rolls-Royce of furniture woods.” Its silky texture and signature “Ink-flow” grain patterns create an unmistakable visual elegance. Because of its exquisite figuring and relative scarcity, black walnut commands premium prices on the global market.

Slow-grown in colder climates, black walnut combines strength and resilience with surprisingly light weight and ease of workability. Once milled and dried, it remains exceptionally stable — resisting warping and deformation — making it the wood of choice for precision applications like rifle stocks and musical instruments.

The heartwood ranges from deep chocolate to occasional purplish-black or reddish-purple hues. As it transitions to sapwood, you’ll notice subtle color gradations that lend a layered, dimensional aesthetic. With its subdued tones and graceful grain, black walnut brings an air of refined sophistication and presence that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Trusted by artisans for chairs, tables, cabinets, and other high-end furnishings, black walnut also appears as premium interior trim in luxury vehicles — cementing its legacy as one of history’s most coveted woods.

ナラ NARA

HOKKAIDO WHITE OAK 楢木

ABOUT HOKKAIDO WHITE OAK

Hokkaido White Oak – Features Over Time

Initially a pale, creamy tone, Hokkaido white oak naturally deepens to a soft, golden hue with age, enhancing its warm, inviting character.

Description

Known locally as “Nara,” Hokkaido white oak is a premier hardwood grown in Hokkaido’s unique climate — cold, dry winters and fertile soils yield exceptionally tight, resilient growth. Its standout feature is the striking “Tiger-stripe” grain, often accented by a subtle silvery sheen that shimmers in the light. Once prized as “Japanese oak,” Hokkaido white oak commanded top prices on the global market and remains one of the world’s rarest, highest-quality hardwoods.

Today, true Hokkaido white oak is exclusively sourced by local Hokkaido mills. Only a handful of regional furniture makers continue to build their collections from this wood, ensuring a genuine “100% Made in Hokkaido” pedigree. Incorporate the rarity and natural beauty of Hokkaido white oak (Nara) into your home — each piece captures the essence of its pristine northern origins and promises lasting elegance.

タモ TAMO

HOKKAIDO ASH 北海道水曲柳木

ABOUT HOKKAIDO ASH

About Hokkaido Ash – Features Over Time

Starts as a pale, creamy shade and gradually matures into a rich, golden hue, highlighting its natural warmth and depth.

Description

Hokkaido ash, known locally as “Tamo,” is a distinguished hardwood native to Hokkaido, Japan. Celebrated for its role in crafting the medal cases for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, this timber flourishes in Hokkaido’s cold, dry climate and nutrient-rich soils.

What sets Hokkaido ash apart is its striking wavy grain and bold knots, which create a more dramatic color and pronounced texture than traditional oak. Its combination of warmth and resilience gives it a character that’s both inviting and sturdy. The wood’s pattern remains beautiful from end to end, and its natural flexibility resists cracking under stress.

Hokkaido ash’s versatility extends far beyond high-end furniture — it’s also prized in architecture, musical instruments, and sports equipment. Often called the “Queen of Ash,” this species brings an air of sophistication and intrigue to any setting. Explore our collection to experience the beauty, strength, and distinctive charm of Hokkaido ash.

DŌTŌ FURNITURE Brand philosophy:

DŌTŌ FURNITURE brings century-old Japanese timber into modern homes, crafting versatile, heirloom-quality pieces that embody the spirit of “ずっと使い続ける” — built to last a lifetime.

100% Made In Hokkaido Japan