【Sample】KUSU HANDMADE

Camphor trees (Kusunoki), known since ancient times as "insect-repelling trees," are aromatic trees that naturally grow in warm regions like Kyushu. The natural camphor extracted from their branches and leaves has insect-repelling, deodorizing, and relaxing effects, and has long been used in insect repellents and pharmaceuticals.

This time, we visited Nakamura Co., Ltd., which operates the aroma goods brand KUSU HANDMADE, creating products that leverage these characteristics of camphor trees.

We will introduce the story behind the birth of KUSU HANDMADE, a brand that has produced numerous eco-friendly products using Kyushu-grown camphor trees, and share the brand's vision.

We visited Kanzaki City in Saga Prefecture. Upon arriving at the company and getting out of the car, a pleasant and refreshing scent of wood filled the air, even though we were outdoors.

The person who responded to our interview was Ms. Mitsuyoko Nakamura, the President and Representative Director.

Creating Health with Generations-Passed-Down Camphor Wood

Why did they start making products using camphor wood in the first place? The history goes back to Mr. Nakamura's great-grandfather.

About 70 years ago, Mr. Nakamura's great-grandfather was a lumberjack in Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, known as a furniture town. "At that time, camphor wood chests were the mainstream for bridal furniture, so my great-grandfather mainly cut and sold raw camphor logs," says Mr. Nakamura.

The company was incorporated in 1974. While the business content changed over time, they consistently dealt with camphor wood. From his father's generation, they began manufacturing and selling building materials.

Approximately 30 years ago, when his father started handling building materials, was a time when cheaper and easier-to-install materials began circulating in the construction industry instead of wooden ones. "Sick house syndrome" was prevalent due to the impact of chemical substances. Mr. Nakamura's father, described as a "health enthusiast," started manufacturing and selling building materials with the concept of "building homes entirely with natural materials," driven by the belief that "building materials can make both houses and people healthy. Health must start from the home."