Wooden Skyscrapers: How Japan’s Innovation Is Reshaping Cities Around the World

Sumitomo Forestry has announced an ambitious vision to construct a 70-story, 350-meter-tall wooden skyscraper by 2041, highlighting the potential evolution of timber architecture. The company is pursuing this goal through its research initiative known as the “W350 Project,” which aims to make the world’s tallest wooden high-rise a reality.

In recent years, sustainable urban development has become one of the greatest global challenges. Amid rising concerns over climate change, cities are looking for solutions that combine safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility. One innovation now attracting worldwide attention is wooden high-rise construction, led by cutting-edge Japanese technology.

Safety and Trust Built on Japanese Engineering

As a nation prone to earthquakes, Japan has refined advanced construction methods that prioritize safety and resilience. Today’s wooden skyscrapers are built with engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), offering strength equivalent to steel and concrete. Their lighter, more flexible structure also provides greater safety during seismic events.

A Landmark Project in Nihonbashi, Tokyo

A shining example is the Nihonbashi Honcho Mitsui Building “&forest” project. Currently under construction in central Tokyo, this building will stand 18 stories tall, reaching 84 meters in height, making it Japan’s tallest large-scale wooden office building.

The project uses approximately 1,100 cubic meters of timber, cutting construction-related CO₂ emissions by about 30% compared with conventional steel structures. Scheduled for completion in 2027, this development symbolizes the fusion of Japan’s rich traditions with its sustainable vision for the future.

Japanese Expertise Expands Overseas

Japan’s innovation in timber construction is not limited to its domestic market—it is gaining traction worldwide.

• Atlassian Central, Sydney, Australia

Rising 182 meters with 39 floors, this hybrid timber tower is one of the tallest of its kind globally. Japanese firm Obayashi Corporation plays a key role, integrating mass timber with renewable energy systems to set a new benchmark in sustainable skyscraper design.

• Dallas, Texas, USA – 7-story Timber Office Building

Developed with participation from Sumitomo Forestry, this project covers 22,500 square meters of office space. By using mass timber instead of reinforced concrete, the building significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and reflects the ESG-driven priorities of the North American market.

These international projects demonstrate how Japan’s engineering expertise is shaping the global conversation on sustainable cities.

The Atlassian Central building, set to become the tallest timber-hybrid structure in the world at 182 meters, is now under development. The site area covers approximately 3,500 m², with a total floor area of around 75,000 m². The building will rise 39 stories above ground with two basement levels.

From the second basement to the seventh floor, the structure will be built with reinforced concrete. From the seventh to the 39th floor, it will feature a hybrid system combining steel and timber, making use of CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber).

Construction began in August 2022, with completion targeted for 2026. The project is being developed by Dexus, a leading Australian real estate company. The site is located in Tech Central, a major technology hub.

Wood as the Future of Cities

Timber is more than just a building material. It offers natural warmth, regulates indoor humidity, and stores carbon dioxide throughout its lifecycle. Wooden skyscrapers not only bring comfort back into modern cities but also act as a powerful tool for climate change mitigation.

From Tokyo to Sydney and Dallas, Japanese wooden construction is redefining what urban living can look like. This is not just architecture—it is a vision of a safer, greener, and more human-centered future.