Timber in Japan, a forest powerhouse

Japan is a forest-rich country with about 70% of its land area covered by forests. However, the self-sufficiency rate of timber is only about 40%. The advantages of domestic wood are that it is durable and long-lasting, and that it is often chemical-free. Buildings made of domestic wood can be lived in for a long time with peace of mind. Wood has a strong image of only the monetary aspect of "domestic lumber is expensive and imported wood (external material) is cheap", but it is good to know the advantages and disadvantages other than the price.