Founded in 1907 (Meiji 40), Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd. is a company that continues to provide a lifestyle with wood through residential construction and the manufacturing of wooden furniture.
A lumber shop rooted in the community, it seems that many DIY enthusiasts come to the store to purchase materials.
The "DIY Scrap Market" organized by Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd. is an event that we would like to recommend not only to those who love DIY but also to beginners interested in DIY.
Wood scraps available from about 50 yen, a scrap-packing event, and the sale of DIY kits that anyone can easily make will be held.
I went to cover what kind of event it is.
What is the "DIY Scrap Market"?
The "DIY Scrap Market" will be held on April 26, 2025 (Saturday) on the premises of Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd.
The highlight of the event is the sale of wood scraps starting from about 50 yen. Not only are there various sizes and shapes, but there is also a rich variety of wood types, allowing you to obtain scraps unique to a lumber company at a great price.
In addition, there will be sales of wooden toys and craft kits for children, and a "Treasure Lumber Factory Tour" where you can tour the warehouse, making it an exciting event for anyone interested in wood.
Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd. has held events on its premises in the past, but they were temporarily suspended due to measures against the spread of COVID-19. Since it was an event that attracted many local people, the DIY Scrap Market was planned in response to many requests for its revival.
The theme of the DIY Scrap Market is the SDGs' “Responsibility to Create, Responsibility to Use”.
By reusing wood scraps generated during the manufacturing process of construction and furniture for DIY and other purposes, it contributes to the preservation of the Earth's environment.
I interviewed Hiromi Sugimoto from Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd. about the highlights of this event and the thoughts behind its planning.
Interview with the person in charge
How was the DIY Scrap Market planned?
Sugimoto
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we held an event called "Living with Wood Fair" every year for the local community.
The event was suspended for a while due to the pandemic, but we received requests from customers saying, "We want you to hold an event," so we planned the DIY Scrap Market as an event that could give back to the community.
However, we wanted it to be an event that is good for the environment from the perspective of the SDGs, so we decided to sell scraps to reduce wood loss. Therefore, it will be a compact event without wooden play equipment, woodworking classes, or food trucks that were present at the "Living with Wood Fair."
We hope that by reusing resources such as scraps, it will be an opportunity for people to learn the joy of making things.
What are the highlights of this event?
Sugimoto
The main highlight is the sale of scraps.
We will have various types of wood, including cypress, cedar, and bay pine, which are generated as scraps when building houses or making furniture.
For those starting DIY for the first time, it may be unclear which wood to choose. We can provide information about the characteristics of the wood and simple advice, so please feel free to consult our staff.
On the day of the event, we will also have a scrap-packing event for 550 yen (including tax).
While home centers are generally thought of as places to buy wood, we would be happy if this event allows people to consider lumber companies like us as an option.
Various wooden items will also be sold. Are there any products you would recommend?
Sugimoto
I have three products that I personally recommend.
First, the DIY Kit Wood made from cedar.
This will be sold as wooden boards only, but it can be assembled with just glue, making it a great option for DIY beginners. The wood is lightweight and easy to carry, so I think even women will find it easy to work with.
The first challenge of DIY is cutting the wood straight. Just having the wooden boards ready makes it much easier to start DIY.
When sitting or placing heavy objects, it is necessary to assemble securely using nails or screws.
The "Little Kids Craft Kit," which is very popular with children, is also recommended. This kit includes small wooden parts and a base board.
The wooden parts come in various shapes, allowing for imaginative play, and they can be assembled using masking tape and other materials for added fun.
Additionally, we will also sell cypress balls for 220 yen (including tax) with a packing option, so please take a look at them.
Cypress has a strong fragrance, and especially when wet, it releases a pleasant aroma. We hope that people can enjoy it by placing it in their baths or holding it in their hands to experience its soothing scent.
I'm also curious about the "Treasure Lumber Factory Tour." What are its highlights?
Sugimoto
The tour includes a visit to the Itagura, where one-piece boards sourced from all over the country are stored, and a tour of decorative materials essential for traditional Japanese architecture that are not usually open to the public.
We will guide you through tokobashira and ranma, which are wooden fittings used in traditional Japanese rooms and are becoming rare these days. Many of them have distinctive appearances, so I hope you can see them up close.
Please tell us about the benefits and charms of "living with wood."
Sugimoto
The biggest benefit is that you can feel the warmth derived from nature. Even in an inorganic space, just having a little wood can create a gentle impression, and the pleasant aroma that wafts through is also appealing.
Additionally, since each piece of wood has different knot positions and colors, it has the charm of being a one-of-a-kind item.
I hope this event will be an opportunity for people to learn about the goodness of wood.
What kind of people would you recommend this event to?
Sugimoto
Of course, those who love DIY, but also those who might say, “I can’t do DIY, but I’m interested in wood!” or “I’d like to have some wooden items~” are very welcome to come.
When you hear DIY, it might seem like a high hurdle, but just placing a piece of wood in a room can become an accent in your interior.
Additionally, we also sell wooden accessories and toys, custom-made solid wood furniture, and display and sell Scandinavian furniture, so I hope people of all ages will feel free to visit.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Sugimoto
I hope the DIY leftover materials market will be a starting point for thinking about the Earth and the environment.
This time, in connection with waste reduction, “ondo plus” will also have a booth. “ondo plus” sells items dyed with discarded vegetables and coffee grounds, so I would be happy if you could take an interest in both wood waste and food waste.
I also want to convey that besides home centers, Kurashiki Lumber Co., Ltd. is another option for buying lumber. I hope to create a place where people who love DIY and wood can gather.
If you love DIY or are interested in wood, please come!
Conclusion
I have never done DIY, but I found myself wanting items that can be made with just glue, like DIY kits, and hinoki (Japanese cypress) balls that would be useful in daily life, which can be obtained at the leftover materials market. I feel that the DIY leftover materials market might spark new interest in DIY among people.
Just by purchasing, you can contribute to reducing wood waste, so for those who love DIY, please try to find some special materials.
Access to the venue is posted on the Instagram of Kuramoku Wood Showroom.
A DIY leftover materials market overflowing with the warmth of wood. Why not take a trip there this weekend?
DIY Leftover Materials Market Data
| Name | DIY Leftover Materials Market |
|---|---|
| Date | April 26, 2025 (Saturday) From 10 AM to 3 PM |
| Location | 1000-1 Nakajima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Kurashiki Lumber Co., Ltd. |
