Bringing Tsuki-ita and Japanese Craftsmanship to Young People Around the World

Supporting the Ship for World Youth Program

MORI KOUGEI recently participated as a sponsor in the 37th Ship for World Youth Program (SWY), an international exchange initiative organized by the Cabinet Office of Japan.

The Ship for World Youth Program brings together young leaders from Japan and around the world, who spend approximately one month living and learning together aboard a ship while engaging in cultural exchange and discussions on global issues. This year, 175 participants from 12 countries joined the program.

An Opportunity to Share the Craft Culture of Tokushima

For this project, MORI KOUGEI provided:

• RAYS PLATE Round L Ai-Urushi
• Samples of Tsuki-ita (wood veneer)

RAYS PLATE is a product that combines MORI KOUGEI’s veneer technology with two traditional materials deeply rooted in Tokushima and Japanese culture: Ai (indigo) and Urushi (lacquer).

Beyond presenting the product itself, we hoped participants would gain insight into Japanese woodworking techniques, the philosophy of making the most of limited natural resources, and the cultural heritage that continues to thrive in Tokushima.

SWY EXPO: A Platform for International Exchange

During the voyage, participants attended SWY EXPO, a cultural exchange event showcasing the traditions, industries, and local cultures of different regions of Japan.

At the MORI KOUGEI booth, participants had the opportunity to see the RAYS PLATE in person and handle actual veneer samples.

Many were immediately surprised by the product's remarkable lightness and thinness. They also showed strong interest in how wood, indigo, and lacquer are combined into a single piece, as well as the unique visual expressions created through veneer technology and veneer just 0.2 mm thick.

Sharing the Story Behind the Product

One of the most memorable aspects of the event was the level of curiosity participants showed toward the craftsmanship behind the product.

How is the wood processed?
How are the patterns and grain expressions created?
How can such a lightweight object maintain its strength?

Rather than focusing solely on the finished product, many participants were eager to learn about the skills, knowledge, and philosophy behind its creation.

For us, it was especially meaningful to see interest extend beyond aesthetics to the craftsmanship and values that shape Japanese manufacturing.

Connecting Craftsmanship Across Cultures

While Tsuki-ita is familiar to us, it remains a largely unknown material to many people outside Japan.

This experience reminded us that the values embodied in Japanese craftsmanship—respect for natural materials, attention to detail, and thoughtful use of resources—can resonate across cultures and national boundaries.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the organizers of the Ship for World Youth Program and to all the participants from around the world for providing such a valuable opportunity.

MORI KOUGEI will continue to share the beauty of wood, Japanese craftsmanship, and the possibilities of veneer technology with audiences both in Japan and abroad.