sugi 杉

Also written 椙. A white or red Japanese cedar tree, also called cryptomeria. Japanese cedar is an excellent and widely used wood for construction and for structural detailing in traditional architecture, including for *shōji 障子 and *fusuma 襖 frames. The grain is straight. It has a lovely scent but may be somewhat oily. The sapwood is a light, whitish yellow or white. The heartwood varies from a reddish brown to a deep red brown. Strong, light weight and easy to work, it is also durable. It withstands dampness, and because of its aroma, it is relatively termite proof.