Breakthrough Fire Approvals Achieved to Advance Midrise Wood Construction in Japan
We are proud to announce a significant achievement for the wood construction sector in Japan. Canada Wood Japan, together with the Japan 2×4 Home Builders Association, has secured two new 90-minute fire-resistant certifications for interior wall assemblies, which have now been officially published. This milestone represents a crucial step forward in the development of platform-frame midrise timber buildings across the country.
The importance of these streamlined approvals cannot be overstated. Until recently, builders were restricted to 2-hour fireproof approvals that required three layers of gypsum board encapsulation on both sides of the assembly. With the new certifications, the requirement has been reduced to two layers of gypsum board per side. This change will significantly improve construction efficiency by lowering both labor and material demands. It directly addresses the pressing challenge of a skilled carpenter shortage while also advancing Japan’s sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
This success marks the first stage of a broader strategic initiative to achieve cost-competitive 90-minute approvals across all key building assemblies. Our immediate focus is on obtaining equivalent approvals for exterior walls in FY2025–26, followed by staircases in FY2026–27. Attaining these certifications will unlock the full potential of midrise timber construction and signal a new era for the industry. We remain committed to working closely with regulatory bodies and our valued industry partners to deliver these innovations and open new demand for Canadian forest products.