Future Prospects of the Wood Industry Thinking about the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in anticipation of demand for wood in 2030

摘要

The self-sufficiency rate of wood had drastically decreased due to the policies on urban architecture and forest resources after 1945. Recently, however, several policies have been introduced to promote domestic wood utilization as countermeasures against global warming and they have shown signs of successful outcomes. On the other hand, a decline in housing starts will affect the demand for wood, which is estimated to be approximately 48.5 million m(3) by 2030. Therefore, development of overseas markets is necessary to maintain existing wood industry levels and thereby increase demand for domestic wood. The result of trial calculation indicates the possibility of achieving a 100% self-sufficiency rate and potential of wood given an export of 17.5 and 9.5 million m(3) of domestic wood, respectively. The characteristics of wood as international commodities should be considered for the export of domestic woods. It is necessary to develop brand-building and promotion of domestic wood products in order to increase its international competitiveness with respect to cost and certification. The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020 should be positioned as an important exhibition and an opportunity to show Japanese high awareness, knowledge and technology of wood utilization and timber architecture.