GEKKOSO CIRCULATION CHALLENGE /

Charcoal grown from logs

原木から育てている木炭

The charcoal used for drawing is made from willow trees that have been carefully grown in the garden of a former Gekkoso staff member and charcoal craftsman living in Kanagawa.

Select fully grown branches and cut them down after the leaves have fallen. Place the branches in a jar of water to overwinter. In early April, peel off the bark and dry thoroughly. Burn for about nine hours in a handmade kettle, adjusting the heat according to the wind, humidity, and condition of the firewood. Wait overnight for the fire to go out naturally. Once the kettle has cooled, take out the charcoal, being careful not to break or chip it. When the charcoal hits each other and makes a high-pitched sound, it is fully carbonized and Gekkoso's proud charcoal is complete.

From growing the logs to going through a mind-boggling process, a single piece of charcoal is born. The foundation of manufacturing is aesthetic sense and love. This is what makes a big difference from mass-produced products.