In April, the American Lumber Standard Committee’s Board of Review approved the design values of two-by-four dimension lumber for sugi (Cryptomeria japonica, or Japanese cedar). This follows approval granted in April 2024 for hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa, or Japanese cypress). This latest approval allows Japanese cedar to be used for building in the United States… Until now, exports of domestic timber have been on the rise, but roughly 50% of it had been exported as logs to countries such as China. Given that two-by-four construction is the standard method for homebuilding in the U.S., this new approval is expected to lead to an expansion of exports. …Sugi and hinoki are widely used as building material in Japan. However, gaining broader acceptance in other countries requires building trust. The U.S. recognition of its design strength is a significant step because it provides numerical evidence that Japanese cedar is suitable for architectural use.