Shingu-shoko Launches "Wood CHIPS -MIZUNARA," Infusion Chips Born from Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Offcuts

Shingu-shoko Co., Ltd. (Location: Otaru, Hokkaido; President: Eijiro Sakaguchi), a company involved in private forest management, wood product manufacturing, and sales of agricultural and forestry machinery, has started selling its new product 'Wood CHIPS-Mizunara,' made from Hokkaido Mizunara oak, co-developed with contemporary artist Kei Arabuna. 'Wood CHIPS-Mizunara,' which allows you to easily enjoy a sense of aging just by adding it to your favorite drink, are wooden chips made by thinly cutting Mizunara wood and applying a charring process and branding to each side. This process makes it easier for the components (tannins) contained in the Mizunara wood to dissolve, adding further flavor to the drink. ■ Transforms into a new taste just by steeping The method is simple: just put 'Wood CHIPS-Mizunara' into your favorite drink for 5 to 20 minutes. This alone allows polyphenols (tannins) to penetrate the drink from the charred back side of the 'Wood CHIPS-Mizunara,' similar to the inside of a whiskey aging barrel, giving the taste depth and adding a smoky flavor obtained from charring. The taste changes depending on the steeping time, so please adjust to your liking. ■ Ainu patterns designed with official certification The surface of WoodCHIPS-Mizunara is decorated with Ainu patterns. This is based on our desire to express respect for the Ainu people who have protected Hokkaido's nature and traditions, as we believe that we were able to create such an item because of Hokkaido, since it is manufactured in Hokkaido using Hokkaido-grown Mizunara wood. The printed Ainu patterns have been certified by the Akan Ainu Consuln for correct use of Ainu culture and have also been supervised by them. ■ Produced by contemporary artist Kei Arabuna Kei Arabuna Born in Tokyo in 1987. Spent his childhood in Hokkaido and was fascinated by its natural beauty and culture. Later grew up in Tokyo, becoming interested in the roots of what moves people. A contemporary artist who expresses the coexistence of human society and nature from a unique perspective while working closely with natural materials and bringing out their characteristics. With the concept of not letting 'mottainai' (wastefulness) end with 'shikatanai' (it can't be helped), he creates art works that utilize regional resources, traditional crafts, etc. He then instills the messages contained therein into products and projects, producing them for companies and local governments. Artist's Comment 'In a corner of a vast factory, neatly arranged offcuts of Mizunara. They were not to become the main products of a major timber company and had lost their purpose. I felt that even if the material is not large, it is filled with many stories. I have infused this small piece with the culture and warmth of the Hokkaido forest, the original aroma of Mizunara, and the delicate skill of the craftsmen.' Biography 2011 Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art, Department of Fine Arts, Sculpture Major 2016 'Art Fair' Louvre Museum, Paris 2022 Invited to 'Ino Art Meeting' (hosted by The Museum of Art, Kochi) 2023 'Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Grand Tea Ceremony' Ishikawa Governor's Award 2024 'Uda City, Nara Prefecture Fur and Leather Industry' Art Director ・Space production for highway service areas ・Space production for hotel lounges ■ Product Details Wood CHIPS-Wood CHIPS -MIZUNARA 2 pieces Price: 2,200 yen (tax included) Wood CHIPS-Wood CHIPS -MIZUNARA 5 pieces Price: 4,950 yen (tax included) Size: Total length approx. 50mm Material: Domestic natural solid Mizunara wood *No preservatives or antiseptics used ■ Contact Information Shingu-shoko Co., Ltd. Zenibako Factory 2-32-1 Zenibako, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0261 TEL: 0134-62-2011 FAX: 0134-61-2011 MAIL: mizunara@shingu-shoko.co.jp Shingu-shoko Co., Ltd. Trade Name: Shingu-shoko Co., Ltd. Representative: President Eijiro Sakaguchi Head Office Location: 2-1-1 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032 Headquarters Location: 5F Shingu Building, 2-4-2 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0016 Founded: 1906 (Meiji 39) Established: 1919 (Taisho 8) Capital: 100 million yen Business Content: Import/export and manufacturing/sales of agricultural and forestry machinery products, Import and manufacturing/sales of wood products, Manufacturing/sales of wooden housing components and preservative-treated wood, Import/sales of wood-burning stoves URL: https://www.shingu-shoko.co.jp/