Yoshino Momiji Work Direct

The origins of Yoshino Momiji work date back to the late Edo period (1603–1868). The Yoshino region, famous for its cherry blossoms and cedar forests, was also home to traveling monks and woodworkers who sought lightweight, flexible, yet strong materials. Local lore holds that a woodworker named Heikichi discovered that the dense, fine grain of the mountain maple could be carved into intricate shapes without splintering.

Artisans personally hike into the forests of Mount Yoshino to select fallen or sustainably harvested maple branches, typically 10–20 years old. The logs are then stored for 1–3 years to naturally season.