Satoshi Itasaka's FLAT/FORM turns century-old Japanese cedar into flat-pack furniture
Designer Satoshi Itasaka, lead of h220430, has created FLAT/FORM, a furniture collection made from 15 mm-thick veneer panels of Japanese cedar trees over 100 years old. The timber is supplied by Miyazaki-based forestry company GROWTHRING, and manufacturing is by DAIWA-TSUKIITA CORPORATION. The collection includes chairs, tables, and desks that assemble using only bolts and nuts, inspired by origami and kimono traditions. The glue-free construction allows pieces to be flat-packed for transport and easily repaired. The project addresses Japan's forestry challenges—declining timber demand, aging workforce—by adding value to local cedar through design. Veneer processing also eases international export compared to raw logs. Photographs are by Yoshiki Uchida.
Key facts
- FLAT/FORM uses 15 mm-thick veneer from Japanese cedar trees over 100 years old.
- Designed by Satoshi Itasaka of h220430.
- Timber supplied by GROWTHRING, a forestry company in Miyazaki.
- Manufactured by DAIWA-TSUKIITA CORPORATION.
- Furniture assembles with bolts and nuts, no adhesives.
- Inspired by origami and kimono traditions.
- Collection includes No. 1 Dining Chair, No. 2 High Chair, No. 3 Lounge Chair, No. 4 Desk, No. 5 Side Table, No. 6 Low Table.
- Project responds to Japan's forestry sector decline and aims to create long-term value for local timber.
Entities
Artists
- Satoshi Itasaka
Institutions
- h220430
- GROWTHRING
- DAIWA-TSUKIITA CORPORATION
- Photo Design Studio Inc.
- designboom
Locations
- Miyazaki
- Japan