Ina Valley, Nagano Prefecture | Yamatowa Co., Ltd.
Wood is shaved as thin as paper. This is “Shinshu Shiki,” made from red pine grown in the Ina Valley.
Package (Long)Example of Use (Rice Balls)
01About the Maker
Turning a Forest Tree into a Part of Your Daily Life
Shinshu Kyogi Shiki is a natural wooden wrapping material made by Yamatowa in Shinshu’s Ina Valley. These paper-thin wooden sheets are designed for the table and kitchen.
Faced with spreading pine dieback in the Ina Valley, Yamatowa sought new uses for Japanese red pine. Shiki was developed with the aim of linking everyday use of wood with care for the forest.
02How Thin Wooden Wrapping Sheets (Kyogi) Are Made
Reading the Wood, Shaving It Thin
Felled trees are cut into square timbers, then planed thin and dried. Although the process may seem simple, the craftsman’s experience and intuition are essential for achieving a uniform thickness while accurately assessing the wood’s properties.
Each piece features a unique wood grain and a subtle scent of red pine. Unlike paper made by pulping wood into fine particles, this is the distinctive character of thin wooden wrapping sheets (kyogi)—made by using the wood itself in thin layers.
03How to Choose the Right Size
Choosing a Sheet for Lining or Wrapping
Short measures 24 × 15 cm and Long 48 × 15 cm, with 20 sheets in each pack. Short suits lining dishes or making a drop lid for simmering; Long suits wrapping larger ingredients or steaming.
Middle measures 42 × 12 cm. The cord-included version offered in our shop contains 20 kyogi sheets and 10 hinoki cypress cords. Use it to wrap rice balls or cut it to the size you need.
04How to Enjoy It
Start by Wrapping a Rice Ball
Lightly moisten the thin wooden wrapping sheets (kyogi) with water before wrapping the rice balls; the rice won’t stick as easily. Tie with cypress string and carry in the wooden wrapper. This is an easy way to incorporate this method into your daily packed lunches.
Use it as a liner under fried foods to catch excess oil, or place it in a steamer basket for steaming. Cut it to fit your ingredients or dishes, and try incorporating it into your daily life—even just one sheet at a time.
05Product Information
Before You Pick It Up
Product Name
Shinshu Kyogi Shiki — Thin Wood Wrapping Sheets
Maker
Yamatowa Co., Ltd.
Ingredients and Features
Slats made from Japanese red pine from the Ina Valley. Available in three sizes: Long, Short, and Middle. The Middle size comes with a cypress cord.
Before using this product, please review the instructions for use and precautions.