Japanese Hemlock

The Hemlock currently used in Japan is mostly North American Hemlock ("Bei-Tsuga"), and domestic Japanese Hemlock has become rare.

English Name	Japanese Hemlock
Scientific Name	Tsuga sieboldii
Other Names	Toga, Hon-Tsuga
Family	Pinaceae (Pine family)
Origin	Japan — from Kanto southward on Honshu, as well as Shikoku, Kyushu, and Yakushima
Appearance	Coarse texture, straight grain, clearly visible annual rings Growth rings are distinct, narrow, and uniform Sapwood is white Heartwood ranges from pink to dark reddish-brown Clear distinction between sapwood and heartwood
Wood Properties	Has a distinctive aroma Heartwood has moderate durability; easy to process Slightly light and soft Properties vary significantly depending on region
Applications	Used for construction materials, packaging, vehicles, pulpwood, railway sleepers, tools, sliding door sills (shikii), and lintels (kamoi)
Product Examples	Sawn timber, building materials