World Wood Day 2025 Kumamoto Commemorative Event: Fun Wood Stories and Craft Workshop for Students
On October 5, 2025, Kumamoto University’s Faculty of Education hosted a special Wood Education Workshop in celebration of World Wood Day 2025, titled “Fun Wood Stories and Crafting Class”. The event brought together 22 students—11 from grades 3 and 4, and 11 from grades 5, 6, and junior high school—for a hands-on exploration of wood, nature, and sustainability. Led by Professor Hirotsugu Taguchi from Faculty of Education, the workshop aimed to engage the next generation in environmental awareness through creative activities.Workshop for Elementary Students (Grades 3-4)
From 9:00 to 11:00 AM, 11 elementary students took part in a woodcraft session led by 4th-year student Mr. Maeda. The workshop focused on teaching the children how trees combat climate change through photosynthesis and how wood contributes to carbon storage. To spark their interest, students created wooden "Cupid arrows," demonstrating wood's unique shape-memory properties. This fun activity highlighted wood's lightness, strength, sustainability, and environmental benefits, igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
During the Lecture by the Instructor
Try Crafting by Hand and Observe the Fascinating Recovery from Compression Deformation
Presenting the Masterpieces Created by Our Participants
Workshop for Upper Elementary and Junior High School Students
Meanwhile, Professor Taguchi guided older students through a series of engaging activities. They learned about tree growth, annual rings, and the fibrous structure of wood. Hands-on experiments included a bubble experiment with balsa wood, counting rings on logs, and a quiz on tree shapes and leaves. After the educational session, students used recycled materials—donated by Shinsan Jyutaku Co., Ltd.—to create their own crafts. This crafting portion allowed students to express their creativity while fostering environmental responsibility.
Recycled Wood Materials Provided by Shinsan Jyutaku Co., Ltd.
Our Participants Turning Waste into Treasures with Their Own Hands
Fostering a Love for Wood and the Environment
The workshop exemplified Mokuiku (木育)—Wood Education—a concept that uses wood to teach children about environmental stewardship. Participants not only gained knowledge about wood’s environmental importance but also developed a deeper appreciation for the material. By creating their own projects, students learned how wood can contribute to a sustainable future.
At Kumamoto University, we are dedicated to nurturing future environmental leaders through hands-on educational experiences like this. These workshops are an essential part of our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness in the community.