As part of the Noto Old Wood Rescue Project, which we are carrying out in cooperation with Noto Fukko Lab (Representative Director: Yamamoto Ryo), a general incorporated association based in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, we have produced a piece of furniture called the "Connected Bookshelf" using old wood salvaged from a house that was damaged in the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and is scheduled for demolition. The furniture was installed in conjunction with the renovation of Tokyo Yaesu Chikaba Kitchen, located in Innovation Field Yaesu, the base facility of POTLUCK YAESU, which is located within Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, operated by Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
News Release
Background of the initiative
One of the goals of the Noto Old Lumber Rescue Project is to build connections within and beyond the Noto region through old lumber. Innovation Field Yaesu is the base facility for the "POTLUCK YAESU" regional economic creation project run by Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., and has supported the project, including introducing the "Noto Old Lumber Rescue Project" at past events. This time, with the aim of supporting creative local initiatives, the project was realized through the adoption of old lumber as permanent fixtures in conjunction with the renovation. While the project has previously been introduced primarily at events, the adoption of the fixtures as permanent fixtures means that anyone can view the project during business hours. We hope that by touching these aged lumber, people in Tokyo will be able to experience a part of life in Noto and expand support for the earthquake recovery efforts.
About the "Connected Bookshelf" - disaster recovery x manufacturing
The goal was to create fixtures that function as bookshelves while retaining the natural beauty of the old wood. Tanseisha's designers, who visited the sites, created the design and selected the old wood together with the Fukko Lab staff. Three bookshelves were created using old wood rescued from three old houses. Taking advantage of the unique characteristics of each piece of old wood, the designs were left intact, even with imperfections. However, screw marks, which are a defining feature of old wood, and aging can impair its strength and functionality as fixtures. However, this is resolved by constructing the structural parts out of plywood and fitting only the old wood into the display areas. The plywood used for the sides of the bookshelves is made from 100% cypress from the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture. Its beautiful grain, which can also be used as a furniture finishing material, makes it suitable for a wide range of spaces. This initiative promotes the use of domestic timber and contributes to the revitalization of forestry-producing regions. Our company also intends to promote the development of wood materials that offer enhanced convenience and design for interior finishing applications, in order to further contribute to solving Japan's forestry issues.
<Overview of "Connected Bookshelf">
Location: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, 5th floor, Chikaba Kitchen Tokyo Yaesu (2-2-1 Yaesu Chuo City Tokyo)
Installer: Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
Designed and manufactured by: TANSEISHA Co., Ltd.
Production: Tree to Green Co., Ltd.
Cooperation: Noto Fukko Lab, General Incorporated Association, Hanasaki Jisans Co., Ltd.
Comment from Kazu Kamigaki, Yaesu Urban Development Promotion Office, Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
We are delighted to have installed the "Connection Bookshelf," made from recycled wood from the Noto Peninsula, on the 5th floor of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, the base of POTLUCK YAESU. We hope that the bookshelf will connect Noto and Tokyo, leading to regional revitalization and new exchanges. Mitsui Fudosan will continue to contribute to the creation of sustainable communities through initiatives that connect cities and people.
Comment from Mr. Ao Ezaki of Noto Fukko Lab, a general incorporated association
Since we began rescuing old wood in July 2024, we have rescued over 60 disaster-hit homes. Homeowners contact us with the feeling that "it's sad to see their homes, filled with memories, being demolished," and "it would be nice if the wood could be put to some use rather than being thrown away." By creating a new role for old wood, we hope that our activities will provide some emotional relief to homeowners and their families. We are also recruiting "old wood supporters" in Noto, so we hope that anyone who has become interested through the "Connection Bookshelf" will also join us.
Comment from Atsuki Miyamoto TANSEISHA Co., Ltd. Design Center
This fixture uses floorboards rescued from a house that was to be demolished. Floorboards in the Noto region are often coated with lacquer to prevent decay, and the unique characteristics of the Noto region, where traditional crafts are thriving, are evident in the material. Using old wood that evokes such a historical background, we created fixtures that can be used as bookshelves and tables, with the theme of connecting memories. By using old wood for the book display area and tabletop, the fixtures allow the old wood to nestle into the background of the scene.
About the Noto Old Wood Rescue Project
As of the end of August 2025, Ishikawa Prefecture announced that 44,953 buildings damaged by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake are expected to be demolished. Among these are many traditional Japanese homes that have been passed down through generations. Since the disaster, Noto Fukko Lab, a general incorporated association that operates a private volunteer center, has conducted various volunteer activities. While conducting various activities, they heard from disaster victims that they were sad to see these buildings demolished like this, and that it would be a different feeling if they could save even a single pillar for their next home. In response, they launched the Old Wood Rescue Project in July 2024. "Old Wood Rescue" refers to the process of recovering reusable old wood, fixtures, and tools from buildings scheduled for demolition and handing them over to future generations. As of the end of September 2025, 69 buildings have been rescued. TANSEISHA Co., Ltd., a company that creates spaces for commercial and cultural facilities, has been assisting with administrative and public relations activities since the project's launch.
Related information
Business Introduction > List of Related Businesses > Regional Revitalization Support Office - Creating a vibrant community together with the local community
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