Bend and Hold: Maintaining Traditions at Saito Wood

Awaiting me at the exit of the Shizuoka train station, Takuya welcomes me with a slight bow of the head and a firm handshake. He was able to pick me out of a crowd of more than fifty people getting off the Shinkansen (bullet train), so immediately I felt a bit out of place, as if everyone knew I was not from there.  His first question was whether I had eaten, which I later learned is a common courtesy bestowed upon your guests in Japan. I usually only have coffee for breakfast, but nonetheless the gesture made me feel very welcomed.

Shortly afterwards, we proceed to drive approximately 30mins outside the city center to visit the Saito Wood production factory. Located in a painted green warehouse, I am greeted by a small entourage, amongst them Noboru Saito, Takuya’s uncle and the factory manager. I was expecting a much larger operation considering their presence in Japanese society, but obviously what lacks in size was more than compensated in an efficient enterprise. Touring the factory was a delight, as Takuya would later explain to me that his grandfather built many of the first plywood presses at the inception of the company. They have since modernized their machinery, but what remains is a dedication to the highest quality of molded plywood products in Japan.

Along the way back to Shizuoka, we take a slight detour to view Mt. Fuji from its southwestern perspective before I am afforded the opportunity to meet Takuya’s parents and the rest of the Saito Wood staff in their offices and showroom. The community aspect surrounding the brand was evident throughout my visit, and a big reason why I felt each and every product produced is crafted with such attention and care. I am honored to be able to call Takuya and his family my friends, and I hope you enjoy our interview illustrating the three generations of the Saito Wood brand.

The interview was conducted in English and Japanese. Both languages are published so as to not lose any meaning in translation for native readers.

“When we think about new products, we have to design them in a way that takes twisting and warping into account, which is the biggest challenge.” – Takuya Saito

How many people are involved in the manufacturing of Saito Wood products?

TS: Our company employs fifteen people – ten in the factory, and five in the management division of the company.

What is your favorite aspect of working with bent plywood?

TS: You can produce unique curves that are striking and beautiful, of the sort that aren’t possible when working with solid wood. It’s also light, strong, and easy to work with.

What is the greatest challenge?

TS: When molded plywood is pressed, it warps and twists, and controlling that during production is difficult. When we think about new products, we have to design them in a way that takes twisting and warping into account, which is the biggest challenge.

What is your favorite Saito Wood product?

TS: I like our small, medium, and large-sized Ayous waste paper baskets. These products are “Saito Wood” to me.

Can you explain the steps in making the Ayous Paper Waste Baskets?

TS: The production of this item begins with the raw wood being cut into a fan-shape 0.6 mm thick. Next, glue is applied and the wood is inserted into a metal mold. The mold is then inserted into a large kiln and heated for about 20 minutes at 100 degrees centigrade. After that, the wood is taken out of the metal mold, and trimmed along both edges. Finally, the bottom plate is fitted in, and the basket is finished.

Lastly, what is the future direction of the brand?

TS: We intend to continue making paper baskets and trays. It is a simple goal, but in this day and age, achieving a simple goal is not a simple matter.