World Wood Day 2025 Celebrated at Kumamoto University

On March 21, 2025, Kumamoto University proudly hosted a series of events as part of the celebration of World Wood Day*¹. This marked the first time that World Wood Day was held on-site in Japan, and Kumamoto University was honored to serve as a co-organizer. The events included the "I Love Trees" drawing workshop for children, the press release of the Temple of Trees*² Project, and a commemorative tree-planting ceremony, bringing energy and inspiration to the campus.

Inspiring the Next Generation: "I Love Trees" Workshop

The day began at 9:00 AM at the Faculty of Education, where Professor Ping Yang led an interactive workshop for over 28 children from Kumamoto. Through hands-on activities, the young participants explored the theme "Wood is Good" from multiple perspectives. Professor Yang delivered an engaging lecture on the deep connections between wood, human life, and the broader biological ecosystem. Participants had the opportunity to touch and smell different types of wood, enhancing their understanding through sensory experience. Their reflections and inspirations were then expressed in colorful drawings, showcasing their love for trees and nature.

Unveiling the Temple of Trees Project

At 10:00 AM, Kusunoki Hall hosted the official press release for the Temple of Trees project. The project’s leading artist, renowned wood sculptor Mr. David Best, joined the event online from the USA. The unveiled design concept was inspired by his first visit to Kumamoto and his impressions of the city, generating great excitement for the upcoming September 2025 exhibition.

Following the announcement, children from the workshop proudly took the stage, sharing their artwork and the insights they gained about wood culture. The atmosphere reached a joyful peak when Kumamon, Kumamoto’s beloved PR character, made a surprise appearance, engaging the audience with an entertaining dance and high-fives while admiring the children’s artwork.

Commemorative Tree Planting

The celebration featured a tree-planting ceremony, highlighting the event’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. As participants joined together to plant trees on campus, the initiative served as a symbolic gesture toward a greener future, aligning with Kumamoto University's dedication to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Looking Ahead: Temple of Trees in September 2025

World Wood Day 2025 at Kumamoto University fostered a deeper appreciation of wood culture, environmental consciousness, and the transformative power of art. As we look forward to the Temple of Trees exhibition this September, we invite you to stay tuned for more exciting updates on this remarkable project!

*1 World Wood Day: An annual, multicultural event that promotes the significance of wood and sustainable environmental practices, with participants from around the world. Since 2013, the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) has hosted events in various countries, including Tanzania, China, Turkey, Nepal, the USA, Cambodia, and Austria, from 2013 to 2019, as well as online from 2021 to 2024. World Wood Day 2025 will be celebrated with a series of events across Japan. Dr. Howard Rosen, Chair of the International Wood Culture Society and World Wood Day Foundation, delivered a greeting speech for the Unveiling Ceremony.

*2 Temple of Trees: A collaborative project led by David Best and his international team, working alongside local participants in Kumamoto. The project aims to create interlocking wooden structures utilizing local wood resources. Construction will begin on September 24 at the Practical Workshop of Technology Department, Faculty of Education, and conclude on October 8, which marks the Day of Wood in Japan. The completed structures will be displayed at Kumamoto University’s campus and other locations across Kumamoto Prefecture. The project features six thematic units: Wood, Life, Nature, Culture, Future, and Joy.