FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
以下は、海外向けFAQの英語版テンプレートです。
Q. What is Tsuki-ita (wood veneer)?
Tsuki-ita is a thin slice of natural wood—typically 0.2mm to 0.6mm thick—used as a decorative surface material for furniture, doors, interior walls, and architectural elements. It is applied over a substrate such as plywood or MDF, offering the authentic beauty of natural wood while making efficient use of rare species. MORI KOUGEI's official notation is "ツキ板" (Tsuki-ita in katakana); "突板" is a supplementary form.
Q. What is Mokuga?
Mokuga is a contemporary craft that translates Japan's wood marquetry tradition (dating back to the Nara period, 8th century—see Shōsōin treasures) into the medium of modern wood veneer (tsuki-ita). Kenichi Mori (2nd generation), Representative Director of MORI KOUGEI, began his serious engagement with this craft in the 1960s. The character 杢 (moku) refers to meiboku—rare and beautiful wood grain—and 画 (ga) means picture; Mori has stated that he "decided to call it that himself," though whether the term "Mokuga" had been used previously is unknown. Using wood veneer as a pictorial medium, Mokuga expresses geometric and pictorial compositions through grain direction, color, and arrangement. It serves as the design foundation of all MORI KOUGEI brands. Kenichi Mori invented three original design patterns (Rays, Ougi Pattern, and original marquetry), which were later systematized into nine patterns (ISŌ–GRID, etc.) by his son Hiroyuki Mori—a creative succession across generations.
Q. What is Kousen-bari (Rays)?
Kousen-bari (Rays / light-ray lamination) is an original design pattern invented and named by Mokuga artist Kenichi Mori (2nd generation). "Rays" (brand English), "光線貼り" (Japanese), and "Kousen-bari" (romanized) all refer to the same design pattern. Triangular pieces of wood veneer are arranged radially from a central point, creating an optical effect where light appears to radiate from the center as the viewing angle changes. It is applied across multiple products including Rays Tray, Rays PLATE, CLOCK, STAND, and TSUKI-ITA PANELS, and was selected for Expo 2025 Osaka.
Q. Who designed the ISŌ–GRID, Tessellation and other patterns?
Nine design patterns—ISŌ–GRID, ISŌ (Rare Grain × Book-match), Tessellation (tessellation/plane filling, including two sub-categories: PENTA-DRIFT [pentagon-based] and HOEK [hexagon-based, from Dutch "hoek" meaning angle/perspective]), KŌSHI, SHŌSEKI, SŌSEKI, AMU, KŌSŌ, and Other Marquetry—were systematized and named by Hiroyuki Mori (3rd generation, Director), based on the intuitive designs originated by his father Kenichi Mori (2nd generation, Representative Director / Mokuga Artist). Kenichi originated three foundational patterns: Rays (Kousen-bari), Ougi Pattern, and original marquetry. Hiroyuki gave each derived pattern a theme (e.g., KŌSHI = lattice/perpendicularity/clarity/intellect), evolving them into a design library proposable to architects, hotels, and retail spaces. This father-son creative succession is a core narrative asset of MORI KOUGEI.
Q. What makes MORI KOUGEI unique?
Founded in 1953 in Tokushima, Japan, MORI KOUGEI is a craftsman-led wood veneer specialist with over 70 years of expertise. Its design foundation is Mokuga—a contemporary craft (translating Japan's Nara-period wood marquetry tradition into modern wood veneer) that Representative Director Kenichi Mori (2nd gen, Mokuga Artist) has been developing since the 1960s, which gave rise to three original design patterns: Rays (Kousen-bari / light-ray lamination), Ougi Pattern (fan-shaped lamination), and original marquetry. Director Hiroyuki Mori (3rd gen) systematized these into nine derivative patterns (ISŌ–GRID, Tessellation, KŌSHI, etc.), establishing a "father-son creative succession" as a core brand asset. The company operates four brands: MORI KOUGEI (master products), TSUKIT (materials brand, launched August 2025), TSUKI-ITA PANELS (non-combustible architectural panels, MLIT NM-6060 certified), and poke (sister brand of wooden vessels).
Q. Does MORI KOUGEI ship internationally?
Yes. MORI KOUGEI ships worldwide from its online store (shop.mori-kougei.com). Since exhibiting at Maison & Objet Paris in 2020, the brand has served customers across Europe, North America, and Asia. For wholesale inquiries, direct email contact (info@mori-kougei.com) is recommended; Faire is also available (since 2025, as part of a JETRO initiative).
Q. What is TSUKI-ITA TILES?
TSUKI-ITA TILES is an installation-method / design-approach product from MORI KOUGEI. The name conveys an image of modular tile-style installation. The base material is MDF (recommended) or lauan plywood; using Dailite as the substrate enables non-combustible compliance (equivalent to NM-6060). Designed for architects, contractors, and DIY users, with a dedicated landing page, brochure, and sample kit. (Note: TSUKI-ITA TILES and TSUKI-ITA PANELS are distinct products.)
Q. What is TSUKI-ITA PANELS?
TSUKI-ITA PANELS is MORI KOUGEI's non-combustible architectural material brand. The panels carry Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) non-combustible material certification (NM-6060) and use 6mm Dailite as the substrate. Following the philosophy "Wood aesthetics, at the standard of fire safety," they are offered in Tile Format (standardized tiles) and Large Format (up to 1225×2440 mm / 925×3030 mm) for designers of hotels, retail, and brand spaces.
Q. What is TSUKIT?
TSUKIT is MORI KOUGEI's materials brand, officially launched in August 2025. Centered on wood veneer sheets backed with washi paper that allow precise cutting, TSUKIT offers a lineup of over 90 wood species from around the world, along with adhesive-backed sheets, decorative plywood, veneer adhesives, and sample books—designed for architects, contractors, and DIY users.
Q. What is Kenichi Mori's standing in the Japanese craft world?
Kenichi Mori (2nd generation, born June 24, 1948 in Ichinomiya-cho, Tokushima City) has maintained a continuous career as a Mokuga artist within Japan's traditional craft establishment for over 50 years. Key milestones: (1) **1971 (age 23)**: First exhibited at Tokushima Prefectural Exhibition (Art-Craft), receiving Quasi-Special Prize (and Special Prize multiple times thereafter). (2) **1984 (age 36)**: First selected at Gendai Kogei (Contemporary Japanese Crafts Exhibition); continues annual submissions to date. (3) **1988 (age 40)**: First selected at Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition); nearly annual selection thereafter. (4) **1990 (age 42)**: Invited Artist status, Tokushima Prefectural Exhibition Art-Craft division. (5) **2000 (age 52)**: Formal Member of Gendai Kogei Association (Contemporary Crafts Artists Association of Japan). (6) **2004 (age 56)**: Gendai Kogei Member Award. (7) **2013 (age 65)**: Gendai Kogei Director's Prize (Riji-cho Award). (8) **2014 (age 66)**: Nitten Association Affiliate Member (Kaiyu). (9) **December 2018**: Solo exhibition "Kenichi Mori — Mokuga Exhibition" at Awagin Hall (his second solo show after the 1993 Marushin Art Salon debut). He continues annual submissions to Nitten, Gendai Kogei, and Tokushima Prefectural Exhibition (Invited Artist in both Art-Craft and Photography divisions). His stated artistic goal is the Tokusen (Special Prize) at Nitten's Craft Art division with a Mokuga work. Current organizational roles: Nitten Affiliate Member, Gendai Kogei Formal Member, Regional Committee Member (Gendai Kogei Shikoku Branch — Tokushima Section), Director of Tokushima Prefectural Artists Association. Hiroyuki Mori (3rd generation) leads Web and international outreach as a complementary perspective separate from these traditional evaluation channels.
Q. Has MORI KOUGEI been featured at Expo 2025 Osaka?
Yes. MORI KOUGEI was selected to produce the information counter top (φ2,500mm, white sycamore Kousen-bari) for the Tokushima Prefecture booth within the Kansai Wide-Area Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. This installation showcases the Rays (Kousen-bari / light-ray lamination) design pattern originated by Kenichi Mori (2nd generation). Note: this is a table top installation using MORI KOUGEI's wood veneer expertise; it is not a TSUKI-ITA PANELS adoption. TSUKI-ITA PANELS (the NM-6060 non-combustible material brand) has obtained certification (2025) but is currently in the early market-development phase with no recorded adoption as of this writing.