Nakamoto Forestry, the world’s largest manufacturer of yakisugi—commonly called “shou sugi ban” outside of Japan—is excited to offer three distinct variations of the charred wood material: Suyaki, Gendai and Pika-Pika.
Yakisugi is a wall and ceiling cladding material made exclusively from Japanese cedar (or “sugi”) that is intensely burned as a preservative heat treatment. Nakamoto Forestry starts their process by carefully selecting logs from centuries-old timberland in Japan, grading for straightness and diameter before cutting into their final shape and size. Instead of kiln-drying for several days at low heat, as is standard practice for wood siding, Nakamoto Forestry air dries the planks slowly and uses a more efficient flash-burning heat treatment. The charring process burns off the wood’s hemicellulose, leaving only the structural component of the wood called lignin and a layer of soot behind. This transformation provides protection from fire, repels pests, and resists different kinds of weather damage.
Nakamoto Forestry’s three yakisugi variations—Suyaki, Gendai, and Pika-Pika—represent varying degrees of soot and color:
Suyaki is the most traditional and dynamic of Nakamoto’s yakisugi offerings, with a thick layer of soot that remains intact and provides an alligator skin-like texture. Known as “the original yakisugi,” Suyaki is available in three finish options: Suyaki with Tung Oil Black and Suyaki Unoiled for exterior applications and Suyaki with a polyester finish for interior applications. The thick soot layer will stay intact for 40-50 years, depending on site conditions. After that, the soot will wear away, forming a beautiful patina.
Gendai is brushed once, removing the alligator skin texture while leaving behind a dark surface. The burnt fiber crevasse shadows are subtle, offering a silky brown color with charred grain details throughout. Gendai is available in 13 finishes to match the desired aesthetic and application. The offerings allow specifiers to augment the cladding’s color with various shades of black, gray, and brown.
Pika-Pika is brushed twice, passing the yakisugi planks through a second wire brushing process that removes all loose soot from the softer spring growth rings while leaving the late wood as contrasting burnt ridges. It is a topographic, textured surface that follows the wood grain. Nakamoto Forestry hand-grades after surfacing to achieve a consistent blend of heartwood and sapwood. Pika-Pika is available in 16 exterior and interior finishes, offering a range of color options.
Yakisugi will weather and gradually change in color over time. Oil can be applied to maintain the color, if desired. The wabi-sabi patina aesthetic is earned through timeless design and patience, resulting in a siding that won’t just last a lifetime but enhance it.
