Fragrances of Japanese forests

The scent in this space is a blend of essential oils, developed by the exhibition curator, using extracts from Japanese natural trees. 

The essential oils used are listed below:

Hinoki wood, branches, and leaves (Japanese cypress)

Sugi wood, branches, and leaves (Japanese cedar) 

Kōyamaki wood (Japanese umbrella-pine) 

Kuromoji branches and leaves (Lindera umbellata)

Todomatsu branches and leaves (Abies sachalinensis)

All essential oils were provided by Hida Sangyō Co., Ltd.

Japanese cedar (Sugi), 

Conifer 

Cryptomeria japonica

The straight and uniform grain makes Japanese cedar easy to work with. Due to its fast growth, it is widely used in reforestation projects. Its applications are diverse, including columns, fixtures, and ceiling boards.

Japanese cypress (Hinoki), 

Conifer 

Chamaecyparis obtusa

Japanese cypress (hinoki) is one of the most representative materials in Japanese architecture. Its pleasant texture, ease of handling, elegant aroma, and high durability are noteworthy. Its thin, elongated bark, called hinokigawa, is used as a roofing material for temples and shrines.

Pine (Matsu), 

Conifer 

Pinus

Pine is widely used for structural beams and framework due to its resistance to bending. Its high oil content makes it well suited for sliding doors sill where a smooth, slippery surface is required.

Hiba arborvitae (Hiba),

Conifer 

Thujopsis dolabrata

Hiba wood has a yellowish hue and gives off a distinctive scent. Containing hinokitiol, its antibacterial properties surpass those of hinoki cypress, inspiring the saying, "Hiba-built houses are free from wood-eating insects for three years."

Japanese hemlock (Tsuga), 

Conifer 

Tsuga sieboldii

Among conifers, Japanese hemlock wood is heavy and strong, making it suitable for use as building materials such as columns and foundations.

Chestnut (Kuri)

Castanea crenata

Chestnut trees have been a part of Japanese life since ancient times, cultivated for their edible nuts and ease of management. The wood’s strong water-resistant properties make it a good foundation material.

Japanese Zelkova (Keyaki)

Zelkova serrata

Possessing a bold grain and glossy lustre when polished, zelkova is regarded as a high-quality wood. It is a hard, heavy wood that grows thick and strong, making it suitable for use in large-scale buildings.

Japanese cherry (Sakura)

Cerasus Mill

With its intricately patterned wood grain, cherry wood is frequently used as a decorative construction material. It is relatively hard and resistant to friction, making it suitable for sliding door thresholds. Logs with bark attached are often used for floor pillars and crown moulding.