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Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica

Also known as: Sugi, Japanese Red Cedar, Cryptomeria

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

Japanese Cedar wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
230 lbf (1,023 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
350 kg/m³ (22 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.35
Type
Softwood
Grain
Usually straight
Texture
Fine and even
Durability
Non-durable to moderately durable; susceptible to decay without treatment
Region
Asia
Sustainability
Sustainable — Sustainable - widely planted and harvested in Japan; national tree of Japan

Overview

Japanese Cedar is the national tree of Japan and one of the most important timber species in Japanese forestry. Lightweight and easy to work, it is used for construction, interior joinery, and traditional Japanese temple and bath building.

Heartwood is pale reddish-brown to pinkish-brown. Sapwood is pale cream. Density averages 350 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 230 lbf. Fine, even texture with usually straight grain. Very lightweight. Low shrinkage.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

Very low - very soft wood

Gluing

Excellent gluing properties

Finishing

Good - takes stain and finish well

Steam Bending

Good - can steam bend

Scent

Mild, pleasant cedar-like aroma when worked

Assessment

Strengths

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to work
  • Pleasant aroma
  • Culturally significant

Weaknesses

  • Low durability
  • Soft
  • Can be brittle
  • Requires treatment for outdoor use

Common Uses

Construction · Interior joinery · Siding · Baths · Temple building · Veneer · Pencils