Binchotan creation that harnesses the qualities of raw timber<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 All the binchotan art pieces and accessories in the shop have a calming shine and exude an elegant aura.<\/li>\n
- In high quality binchotan, the cut surface shines like black diamonds and it rings with a metallic sound when struck. When people think of binchotan, they often think of the fuel that is used in barbecuing, for example, but what we do is process high quality binchotan to develop products that harness its unique qualities to give our customers added value.\n
We do not waste any parts of the timber, for example making thin branches into stir sticks or using small fragments as beads.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 So, you fully utilize the qualities of raw timber that is a blessing from the forest. Where is it the production area?<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s Minabe, a town in Wakayama prefecture that is the most historical place for producing binchotan. For over a thousand years, ubame oak and Japanese blue oak have been carefully nurtured and made into charcoal there.\n
The Minabe River Forest Cooperative, to which we are indebted, fells logs for us. They care for the forests through thinning and mowing the undergrowth to let the good trees continue to grow, so they know the mountain very well. That is why we chose this location for production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_01.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_02.jpg\")
<\/p>\nImage of binchotan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_03.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nFuture forest development through dialogue with charcoal makers<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 Do you visit Minabe often?<\/li>\n
- All of our staff, including myself, visit the production site for training. Aside from training, we also visit the site often to talk with the charcoal makers about the condition of the mountain and the future of the forests.\n
The charcoal makers usually deal with suppliers that purchase the charcoal for use as fuel, so they are uplifted by our understanding of the excellent finish of the charcoal from a different perspective and by how we develop products from the binchotan they made to be used as aesthetic and decorative pieces for Ginza.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 How do you utilize your exchanges with the charcoal makers?<\/li>\n
- Our relationship with them involves more than simple transactions of going to purchase finished binchotan; we try to reflect background properties, such as the state of the Satoyama (forests near settlements) and the sentiment of the makers, in product plans.\n
We create binchotan while taking good care of the Satoyama with the charcoal makers, based on the idea of developing the environment for future generations. We are delighted if our business is an opportunity to raise awareness for a rich environment in the future among our customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_04.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPhoto of charcoal making<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_05.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nRestoring forests together with customers<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 The Satoyama, the charcoal makers, the staff at Tanagokoro, the products, and finally the customers are all connected by a line formed from a unified sentiment. I heard that you also carry out tree planting activities with customers.<\/li>\n
- We started a tree planting project six years ago. There were once plans to construct a race circuit in the Minabe mountain forest zone. They began large-scale development construction work that would cut through the forest, but the plans were aborted. Minabe bought back the mountain that was deserted, and began planting trees to develop the Minabe 100 Year Forest.\n
Then, we decided we wanted to help restore the forest, and launched the Donguri (Acorn) Project as an activity to plant seedlings raised from acorns together with customers. Several times a year, we hand out acorns to customers who visit the shop. We then take the saplings nurtured by customers with their heart and soul and plant them in the Minabe forest.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 Perhaps it is precisely because your customers recognize the blessings of the forest through binchotan that they sympathize with the project.<\/li>\n
- When planting the trees, we mix used up binchotan with the earth. The quality of the water running upstream is improved, so this helps conserve ocean ecosystems. Remembering that the oceans and rivers are all connected makes us want to take care of the forests to preserve the environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_06.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_07.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nGiving back the nature we borrowed to the future<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 Without human assistance, forests become wild and fall to ruin. Is it right that binchotan production is linked to caring for the forests?<\/li>\n
- The raw timber used to make binchotan is about 30 years old. We are borrowing nature from the past, so we want future generations to inherit rich forests. Rich nature remaining in one\u2019s birthplace and having an industry you are proud of that has continued for many years becomes a spiritual anchor when you grow up. Perhaps this is what develops human character.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 There are still places where a strong demand leads to logging more trees than the proper amount that can be supplied.<\/li>\n
- \nAn experienced charcoal maker said that, \u201cGood charcoal is made not by good charcoal firing techniques, but by good mountain nurturing techniques.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Minabe River Forest Cooperative also trains charcoal makers to convey the importance of nurturing the mountains. We also sometimes go to help out with training.
\nAn important point of the Donguri Project is not simply how many trees we plants, but conveying to customers the importance of nurturing the forest and the sentiment involved in continuing our relationship with the local production area.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 What is the response of customers who visit the Ginza shop?<\/li>\n
- For example, they understand that organic cotton products protect the health of the producers. Meeting customers with such a high consciousness is a strong attraction of doing business in Ginza. I hope to continue developing a shop that is valuable and loved, centered on cultural activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_08.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRaw timber for binchotan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_09.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Visit the following website for more information.<\/li>\n
- Ginza Tanagokoro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Csr_12_10.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\nGeneral Manager of Ginza Tanagokoro<\/p>\n
Masayo Kurata<\/p>\n
After working as the secretary for an automobile importing company and in the public relations office in the restaurant industry, joined the company in 2006 as the manager of the Ginza Kishu Binchotan Shop Tanagokoro. In 2008, was made general manager of three branches and assisted in launching the tea room and bar. At the same time, obtained qualifications as a environmental health translator to provide customers with ideas for high quality living. Ginza holds many memories for her of riding the Toden streetcars during her youth and enjoying food and shopping. She also strives to convey the great points about working in Ginza to the younger staff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/csr_sugiyama.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\nInterviewer:<\/p>\n
Karin Sugiyama<\/p>\n
Alterna consultant<\/a>
\nOffered services in marketing, communication, business strategy and new business development activities for foreign-affiliated IT companies, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. After going independent in 2008, Sugiyama now participates in educational projects for solving social challenges, assists cooperative alliances between companies and NPOs, and offers consulting for CSR activities and practical assistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Writer: Karin Sugiyama\u3000\u3000Planning\/editing: Alterna <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Binchotan creation that harnesses the qualities of raw timber \u2500 All the binchotan art pieces and accessories i … Continue reading
We do not waste any parts of the timber, for example making thin branches into stir sticks or using small fragments as beads.<\/li>\n
The Minabe River Forest Cooperative, to which we are indebted, fells logs for us. They care for the forests through thinning and mowing the undergrowth to let the good trees continue to grow, so they know the mountain very well. That is why we chose this location for production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\nImage of binchotan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFuture forest development through dialogue with charcoal makers<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 Do you visit Minabe often?<\/li>\n
- All of our staff, including myself, visit the production site for training. Aside from training, we also visit the site often to talk with the charcoal makers about the condition of the mountain and the future of the forests.\n
The charcoal makers usually deal with suppliers that purchase the charcoal for use as fuel, so they are uplifted by our understanding of the excellent finish of the charcoal from a different perspective and by how we develop products from the binchotan they made to be used as aesthetic and decorative pieces for Ginza.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 How do you utilize your exchanges with the charcoal makers?<\/li>\n
- Our relationship with them involves more than simple transactions of going to purchase finished binchotan; we try to reflect background properties, such as the state of the Satoyama (forests near settlements) and the sentiment of the makers, in product plans.\n
We create binchotan while taking good care of the Satoyama with the charcoal makers, based on the idea of developing the environment for future generations. We are delighted if our business is an opportunity to raise awareness for a rich environment in the future among our customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/p>\nPhoto of charcoal making<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nRestoring forests together with customers<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 The Satoyama, the charcoal makers, the staff at Tanagokoro, the products, and finally the customers are all connected by a line formed from a unified sentiment. I heard that you also carry out tree planting activities with customers.<\/li>\n
- We started a tree planting project six years ago. There were once plans to construct a race circuit in the Minabe mountain forest zone. They began large-scale development construction work that would cut through the forest, but the plans were aborted. Minabe bought back the mountain that was deserted, and began planting trees to develop the Minabe 100 Year Forest.\n
Then, we decided we wanted to help restore the forest, and launched the Donguri (Acorn) Project as an activity to plant seedlings raised from acorns together with customers. Several times a year, we hand out acorns to customers who visit the shop. We then take the saplings nurtured by customers with their heart and soul and plant them in the Minabe forest.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 Perhaps it is precisely because your customers recognize the blessings of the forest through binchotan that they sympathize with the project.<\/li>\n
- When planting the trees, we mix used up binchotan with the earth. The quality of the water running upstream is improved, so this helps conserve ocean ecosystems. Remembering that the oceans and rivers are all connected makes us want to take care of the forests to preserve the environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Giving back the nature we borrowed to the future<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 Without human assistance, forests become wild and fall to ruin. Is it right that binchotan production is linked to caring for the forests?<\/li>\n
- The raw timber used to make binchotan is about 30 years old. We are borrowing nature from the past, so we want future generations to inherit rich forests. Rich nature remaining in one\u2019s birthplace and having an industry you are proud of that has continued for many years becomes a spiritual anchor when you grow up. Perhaps this is what develops human character.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 There are still places where a strong demand leads to logging more trees than the proper amount that can be supplied.<\/li>\n
- \nAn experienced charcoal maker said that, \u201cGood charcoal is made not by good charcoal firing techniques, but by good mountain nurturing techniques.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Minabe River Forest Cooperative also trains charcoal makers to convey the importance of nurturing the mountains. We also sometimes go to help out with training.
\nAn important point of the Donguri Project is not simply how many trees we plants, but conveying to customers the importance of nurturing the forest and the sentiment involved in continuing our relationship with the local production area.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 What is the response of customers who visit the Ginza shop?<\/li>\n
- For example, they understand that organic cotton products protect the health of the producers. Meeting customers with such a high consciousness is a strong attraction of doing business in Ginza. I hope to continue developing a shop that is valuable and loved, centered on cultural activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n
Raw timber for binchotan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Visit the following website for more information.<\/li>\n
- Ginza Tanagokoro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
General Manager of Ginza Tanagokoro<\/p>\n
Masayo Kurata<\/p>\n
After working as the secretary for an automobile importing company and in the public relations office in the restaurant industry, joined the company in 2006 as the manager of the Ginza Kishu Binchotan Shop Tanagokoro. In 2008, was made general manager of three branches and assisted in launching the tea room and bar. At the same time, obtained qualifications as a environmental health translator to provide customers with ideas for high quality living. Ginza holds many memories for her of riding the Toden streetcars during her youth and enjoying food and shopping. She also strives to convey the great points about working in Ginza to the younger staff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n\nInterviewer:<\/p>\n
Karin Sugiyama<\/p>\n
Alterna consultant<\/a>
\nOffered services in marketing, communication, business strategy and new business development activities for foreign-affiliated IT companies, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. After going independent in 2008, Sugiyama now participates in educational projects for solving social challenges, assists cooperative alliances between companies and NPOs, and offers consulting for CSR activities and practical assistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Writer: Karin Sugiyama\u3000\u3000Planning\/editing: Alterna <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Binchotan creation that harnesses the qualities of raw timber \u2500 All the binchotan art pieces and accessories i … Continue reading
The charcoal makers usually deal with suppliers that purchase the charcoal for use as fuel, so they are uplifted by our understanding of the excellent finish of the charcoal from a different perspective and by how we develop products from the binchotan they made to be used as aesthetic and decorative pieces for Ginza.<\/li>\n
We create binchotan while taking good care of the Satoyama with the charcoal makers, based on the idea of developing the environment for future generations. We are delighted if our business is an opportunity to raise awareness for a rich environment in the future among our customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\nPhoto of charcoal making<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRestoring forests together with customers<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 The Satoyama, the charcoal makers, the staff at Tanagokoro, the products, and finally the customers are all connected by a line formed from a unified sentiment. I heard that you also carry out tree planting activities with customers.<\/li>\n
- We started a tree planting project six years ago. There were once plans to construct a race circuit in the Minabe mountain forest zone. They began large-scale development construction work that would cut through the forest, but the plans were aborted. Minabe bought back the mountain that was deserted, and began planting trees to develop the Minabe 100 Year Forest.\n
Then, we decided we wanted to help restore the forest, and launched the Donguri (Acorn) Project as an activity to plant seedlings raised from acorns together with customers. Several times a year, we hand out acorns to customers who visit the shop. We then take the saplings nurtured by customers with their heart and soul and plant them in the Minabe forest.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 Perhaps it is precisely because your customers recognize the blessings of the forest through binchotan that they sympathize with the project.<\/li>\n
- When planting the trees, we mix used up binchotan with the earth. The quality of the water running upstream is improved, so this helps conserve ocean ecosystems. Remembering that the oceans and rivers are all connected makes us want to take care of the forests to preserve the environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Giving back the nature we borrowed to the future<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 Without human assistance, forests become wild and fall to ruin. Is it right that binchotan production is linked to caring for the forests?<\/li>\n
- The raw timber used to make binchotan is about 30 years old. We are borrowing nature from the past, so we want future generations to inherit rich forests. Rich nature remaining in one\u2019s birthplace and having an industry you are proud of that has continued for many years becomes a spiritual anchor when you grow up. Perhaps this is what develops human character.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 There are still places where a strong demand leads to logging more trees than the proper amount that can be supplied.<\/li>\n
- \nAn experienced charcoal maker said that, \u201cGood charcoal is made not by good charcoal firing techniques, but by good mountain nurturing techniques.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Minabe River Forest Cooperative also trains charcoal makers to convey the importance of nurturing the mountains. We also sometimes go to help out with training.
\nAn important point of the Donguri Project is not simply how many trees we plants, but conveying to customers the importance of nurturing the forest and the sentiment involved in continuing our relationship with the local production area.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 What is the response of customers who visit the Ginza shop?<\/li>\n
- For example, they understand that organic cotton products protect the health of the producers. Meeting customers with such a high consciousness is a strong attraction of doing business in Ginza. I hope to continue developing a shop that is valuable and loved, centered on cultural activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n
Raw timber for binchotan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Visit the following website for more information.<\/li>\n
- Ginza Tanagokoro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
General Manager of Ginza Tanagokoro<\/p>\n
Masayo Kurata<\/p>\n
After working as the secretary for an automobile importing company and in the public relations office in the restaurant industry, joined the company in 2006 as the manager of the Ginza Kishu Binchotan Shop Tanagokoro. In 2008, was made general manager of three branches and assisted in launching the tea room and bar. At the same time, obtained qualifications as a environmental health translator to provide customers with ideas for high quality living. Ginza holds many memories for her of riding the Toden streetcars during her youth and enjoying food and shopping. She also strives to convey the great points about working in Ginza to the younger staff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n\nInterviewer:<\/p>\n
Karin Sugiyama<\/p>\n
Alterna consultant<\/a>
\nOffered services in marketing, communication, business strategy and new business development activities for foreign-affiliated IT companies, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. After going independent in 2008, Sugiyama now participates in educational projects for solving social challenges, assists cooperative alliances between companies and NPOs, and offers consulting for CSR activities and practical assistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Writer: Karin Sugiyama\u3000\u3000Planning\/editing: Alterna <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Binchotan creation that harnesses the qualities of raw timber \u2500 All the binchotan art pieces and accessories i … Continue reading
Then, we decided we wanted to help restore the forest, and launched the Donguri (Acorn) Project as an activity to plant seedlings raised from acorns together with customers. Several times a year, we hand out acorns to customers who visit the shop. We then take the saplings nurtured by customers with their heart and soul and plant them in the Minabe forest.<\/li>\n
\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nGiving back the nature we borrowed to the future<\/h4>\n\n- \u2500 Without human assistance, forests become wild and fall to ruin. Is it right that binchotan production is linked to caring for the forests?<\/li>\n
- The raw timber used to make binchotan is about 30 years old. We are borrowing nature from the past, so we want future generations to inherit rich forests. Rich nature remaining in one\u2019s birthplace and having an industry you are proud of that has continued for many years becomes a spiritual anchor when you grow up. Perhaps this is what develops human character.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 There are still places where a strong demand leads to logging more trees than the proper amount that can be supplied.<\/li>\n
- \nAn experienced charcoal maker said that, \u201cGood charcoal is made not by good charcoal firing techniques, but by good mountain nurturing techniques.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Minabe River Forest Cooperative also trains charcoal makers to convey the importance of nurturing the mountains. We also sometimes go to help out with training.
\nAn important point of the Donguri Project is not simply how many trees we plants, but conveying to customers the importance of nurturing the forest and the sentiment involved in continuing our relationship with the local production area.<\/li>\n
- \u2500 What is the response of customers who visit the Ginza shop?<\/li>\n
- For example, they understand that organic cotton products protect the health of the producers. Meeting customers with such a high consciousness is a strong attraction of doing business in Ginza. I hope to continue developing a shop that is valuable and loved, centered on cultural activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n
Raw timber for binchotan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Visit the following website for more information.<\/li>\n
- Ginza Tanagokoro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
General Manager of Ginza Tanagokoro<\/p>\n
Masayo Kurata<\/p>\n
After working as the secretary for an automobile importing company and in the public relations office in the restaurant industry, joined the company in 2006 as the manager of the Ginza Kishu Binchotan Shop Tanagokoro. In 2008, was made general manager of three branches and assisted in launching the tea room and bar. At the same time, obtained qualifications as a environmental health translator to provide customers with ideas for high quality living. Ginza holds many memories for her of riding the Toden streetcars during her youth and enjoying food and shopping. She also strives to convey the great points about working in Ginza to the younger staff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n\nInterviewer:<\/p>\n
Karin Sugiyama<\/p>\n
Alterna consultant<\/a>
\nOffered services in marketing, communication, business strategy and new business development activities for foreign-affiliated IT companies, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. After going independent in 2008, Sugiyama now participates in educational projects for solving social challenges, assists cooperative alliances between companies and NPOs, and offers consulting for CSR activities and practical assistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Writer: Karin Sugiyama\u3000\u3000Planning\/editing: Alterna <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Binchotan creation that harnesses the qualities of raw timber \u2500 All the binchotan art pieces and accessories i … Continue reading
The Minabe River Forest Cooperative also trains charcoal makers to convey the importance of nurturing the mountains. We also sometimes go to help out with training.
\nAn important point of the Donguri Project is not simply how many trees we plants, but conveying to customers the importance of nurturing the forest and the sentiment involved in continuing our relationship with the local production area.<\/li>\n
<\/p>\nRaw timber for binchotan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Visit the following website for more information.<\/li>\n
- Ginza Tanagokoro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
General Manager of Ginza Tanagokoro<\/p>\n
Masayo Kurata<\/p>\n
After working as the secretary for an automobile importing company and in the public relations office in the restaurant industry, joined the company in 2006 as the manager of the Ginza Kishu Binchotan Shop Tanagokoro. In 2008, was made general manager of three branches and assisted in launching the tea room and bar. At the same time, obtained qualifications as a environmental health translator to provide customers with ideas for high quality living. Ginza holds many memories for her of riding the Toden streetcars during her youth and enjoying food and shopping. She also strives to convey the great points about working in Ginza to the younger staff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n\nInterviewer:<\/p>\n
Karin Sugiyama<\/p>\n
Alterna consultant<\/a>
\nOffered services in marketing, communication, business strategy and new business development activities for foreign-affiliated IT companies, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. After going independent in 2008, Sugiyama now participates in educational projects for solving social challenges, assists cooperative alliances between companies and NPOs, and offers consulting for CSR activities and practical assistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWriter: Karin Sugiyama\u3000\u3000Planning\/editing: Alterna <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Binchotan creation that harnesses the qualities of raw timber \u2500 All the binchotan art pieces and accessories i … Continue reading