SOMA Japanese Forests and Wooden Furniture

Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum is pleased to present an exhibition introducing the activities of the lifestyle brand "SOMA" led by woodworker Yu Kawai who has an atelier in Minokamo City, Gifu Prefecture. As Kawai confronts forests and trees every day as a woodworker, he began to experience the culture and depth of ancient Japanese wood, and at the same time focus on the use of wood in Japan. At present, in Japan, trees that should have been planted in anticipation of the future shortly after the war have not been used effectively, and as a result, ecosystems centered on forests are being destroyed. On the other hand, Japan imports a large amount of inexpensive timber harvested from overseas forests, accounting for 70% of annual timber consumption. Kawai launched SOMA in 2016, considering ways to resolve such situations and incorporate the ancient Japanese culture of life alongside forests and trees into the present age. The activities started by a woodworker gradually attracted the sympathy of many people, and it has evolved into a variety of collaborations, including workshops, fieldwork, and activities to utilize the forest, not just furniture. This exhibition is the first exhibition to have a bird's-eye view of SOMA, which is engaged in multifaceted activities. Please come and visit us to find ways to enjoy forests and trees, and tips for connecting rich nature to future generations.

◆SOMA
A lifestyle brand that was established in 2016 mainly by woodworker Yu Kawai.
In addition to designing and producing products using wood from Japan, we also develop activities to discover the charm of forests and trees from various angles through chair making workshops and fieldwork to walk through the forest. He is also involved in the creation of forests in cooperation with the local community and the utilization of forest resources, and conveys the "culture of living with trees" that has been nurtured since ancient times based on the geographical characteristics of Japan. The brand name SOMA is derived from 'Soma,' which was used for soma (people who work in the mountains) and so on.
madebysoma.com

◆Yu Kawai (woodworker and director of SOMA)
Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1979. Grow up by running around the mountains and playing at a construction shop run by relatives. After graduating from Kyoto Seika University in 2001, he studied woodworking in Hida and furniture training in Kyoto, and became independent in 2007. In addition to producing his own works, he launched SOMA in 2016, and as a director of the brand, he works to connect forests and people.
kawai-masaru.com

A4 size and PDF format Leaflet can be downloaded (2MB)