In early February of 2025, when snow fell on Mt. Yoshino, all of 6 project members who engaged in the Co-Design Challenge gathered for the first time in long time, and engraved a logo as the final process. They completed “benches made of lumber in Yoshino” for conveying the story of the cycle of trees. The seats of the 5 completed benches have different expressions, including grain, colors, and gloss, and each of them emits a rich aroma.

　“If you sit on this bench, you will certainly feel the soft texture of Yoshino lumber. I hope that the name of Yoshino will become known to people around the world,” said Tanaka in an excited voice, while letting his fingers trace over the characters “Yoshino Lumberyard” engraved on the side and waiting for the Expo to begin. The designer Tomimatsu expressed his expectation, saying, “If end products such as benches are produced at Yoshino Lumberyard, which has been used for mainly B-to-B business, and introduced to and evaluated by those who don’t know Yoshio inside and outside Japan, new findings and viewpoints may emerge. I’m looking forward to their comments.”

　Among the members striving to redevelop the Yoshino brand, Tsuji has engaged in forestry since last summer, which is plagued by the serious shortage of workers, while operating his primary business. He said, “It may be difficult to change the situation with the addition of only one member, but there are fellows I can consult, so I hope that we will share wisdom and take the first step to attract some new members.” Ishibashi envisioned a positive outcome, saying, “Through the Co-Design Challenge, I was able to have new encounters and co-create something new, which gave inspiration to me, enabling me to come up with various ideas for conveying the charm of lumber. During the 6-month period of the Expo, each of us would be able to see interesting developments by disseminating information in a cooperative manner.”

　One of them is the collaboration with “Zojirushi Corporation,” an enterprise selected for Co-Design Challenge 2023. The side panels of the Personal Bottle Washer were produced from Yoshino cedar by utilizing the precise engraving technology of “Marushouten.” Maru said, “I felt that warmth can be added by using Yoshino lumber. I hope that the collaborative projects with other enterprises would increase those who are interested in the trees and processing technologies in Yoshino and help us come up with new ideas for utilizing Yoshino wood.”

　Co-creation is not limited to production. Inviting Mr. Yasuki Matsuo of Tomoyasu Seisakusyo, which was selected for Co-Design Challenge 2024, for “Yoshino Wood Fes,” they were able to exchange opinions about the future of Yoshino.

　What kind of story will be woven by the wood-rich town Yoshino? Yoshikawa vowed to make a leap forward through the Expo, saying, “We will cooperate with various local communities through open factory tours, cement connections through technological cooperation, events, etc., and mutually enhance the capability of reeling in customers by taking advantage of the Expo. We hope to create such a future.”