Abstract
This paper studies how lumber companies, builders and public administrations in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido have been cooperating toward promoting the use of local Japanese larch in constructing houses. Cooperation among downstream industries (e.g., builders and architectural firms), lumber companies and public administrations in this region has promoted the use of local Japanese larch in the construction of detached housing. The builders and architectural firms have taken a leading role in establishing this cooperation. Further, lumber companies have established distribution systems for this housing material, at the request of the builders and architectural firms. Furthermore, public administrations have provided indirect support to enhance collaborative relations. This has increased housing construction that uses Japanese larch, and a nongovernmental organization has been formed to promote houses made with this material. Some limitations to the current approach have been identified: It is difficult for a nongovernmental organization to take the initiative, because it lacks human resources, and the cooperation of forest owners and forestry cooperatives has not been enlisted.
