Shou Sugi Ban

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

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  • Home ホームページ
  • Overview 概要
    • History
    • People
    • Architecture
    • Design
  • News ニュース
  • Techniques 技術
    • Shou Sugi Ban 101
    • DIY Projects
  • Video ビデオ
  • Shop 日本 店

Overview

Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, sugi 杉 (Cryptomeria japonica L.f.), also called Japanese red-cedar, was used. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.

Today Shou Sugi Ban is an environmentally friendly way to preserve timber and, paradoxically, make it fire-resistant. Chemical preservatives, paints and retardants are therefore unnecessary. In addition to exterior uses, the popular technique is now found in interior rooms, furniture, and artwork.

Learn more…

Architecture, Design, DIY, News, Showcase, Techniques

PaperWall replicates Shou Sugi Ban for WallPaper

PaperWall, the newest addition to the Elton Group collection, is a wood fibre based paper surface that replicates the patterning, grain and texture of timber and other materials with impressive realism.…

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June 17, 2021
Architecture, Design, News, Showcase, Travel

A Modern Retreat at the Far Edge of Ireland

As in all the best B&Bs, tea is offered within seconds of arrival. At Breac.House which opened recently on Horn Head near Dunfanaghy, it is served in little grey goblets…

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June 19, 2020
Architecture, Design, News, Showcase

Radical Barcelona Cabin Is Designed for Quarantine

The Voxel, or ‘the quarantine cabin’, is a prototype designed and built by 17 international students studying a master’s degree in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities at Valldaura Labs, the…

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July 15, 2021
  • Design,  DIY,  News,  People,  Techniques,  Video

    A Visual Meditation on Shou Sugi Ban

    Many of you will enjoy this beautiful mediation on Japanese technique of preserving and antiquing wood through charring with fire called shou-sugi-ban 焼き杉. Note that the oil used for final finish of the charred boards is plain tung oil.

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    Traditional Shou Sugi Ban Overview from Japanese TV

    May 2, 2017

    How Homeowners Decide to Use Shou Sugi Ban Siding

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    Shou Sugi Ban in the UK

    Explore how the experts demonstrate the shou sugi ban technique (sometimes called yakisugi) to wood in the UK in this video demonstration from Wales, United Kingdom.

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    Escape to a Shou Sugi Ban Tree House in the English Forest

    February 10, 2019

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    Recycling Tragedy into Durability

    March 25, 2021
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    DIY Shou Sugi Ban on HGTV

    Another Kitchen Cousins DIY project but this one has an international twist. Here the HGTV remodel show explains a more modern version of the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique. Anthony learned this very ancient art while studying in Japan. See this ancient art at its best!

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    Striking Shou Sugi Ban Tunnel connects Old and New

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    September 13, 2014
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    Fujimori’s Shou Sugi Ban Technique

    From Austrian TV, watch a interesting newscast segment during which renowned Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori demonstrates the Shou Sugi Ban (also known as yakisugi in Japan) technique in his architecture workshop.

    read more

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    May 2, 2017

    Off-Grid Italian Restoration Project Preserves Wood with Shou Sugi Ban

    March 14, 2024

    Radical Barcelona Cabin Is Designed for Quarantine

    July 15, 2021
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    Traditional Shou Sugi Ban Overview from Japanese TV

    From the fascinating and surreal world of Japanese television, watch a basic overview of the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique (also called yakisugi in Japan).

    read more

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    Shou Sugi Ban Performing Arts Center

    April 3, 2019

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    April 28, 2017

    Off-grid Tiny House in Shou Sugi Ban Style

    May 2, 2017
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Newer Posts 

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, sugi 杉 (Cryptomeria japonica L.f.), also called Japanese red-cedar, was used. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.

Today Shou Sugi Ban is an environmentally friendly way to preserve timber through charring which, paradoxically, makes it fire-resistant. Chemical preservatives, paints and retardants are therefore unnecessary. In addition to exterior uses, the popular technique is now found in interior rooms, furniture, and artwork.
Learn more…

Recent Posts

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    June 9, 2025
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    May 16, 2025
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    April 12, 2025
  • Farmhouse Fixer find Shou Sugi Ban Barn Doors a Delight
    March 8, 2025
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    February 12, 2025

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Further Reading

  • Suminagashi books
  • Shou Sugi Ban books
  • Sake books
  • Wabi-sabi books
  • Sumi-e books
  • Shodo books
  • Bonsai books
  • Origami books
  • Ukiyo-e books
  • Ikebana books
  • Feng Shui books
  • Japanese Cookbooks
  • Travel to Japan
  • Learn Japanese
  • Learn More

    • Nihon : The Culture of Japan
    • Suminagashi :  Japanese Marbling
    • Shou-sugi-ban : Charred Panels
    • Sake : Rice Wine
    • Wabi-sabi : The Art of Imperfection
    • Sumi-e : Ink Brush Painting
    • Shodo : Calligraphy
    • Bonsai : Gardening
    • Origami : Paper Folding
    • Ukiyo-e : Woodblock Printing
    • Ikebana : Flower Arranging Artistry

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