A project called "Matayuki-Matasachi", which reuses apple crate in Aomori, is currently using crowdfunding to raise funds.

The project started by an apple box store in Aomori, furniture makers, and architects. Apple crates are used to transport apples, and are said to have been on the market since the 20th year of the Meiji era. Craftsmen manually nail one by one and produce. Each box contains 60 to 70 apples (about 20 kg).

Dai Ubazawa, who is the representative of the project and runs an apple box store in Itayanagi, Aomori, said that the background behind the launch is the fact that apple crate is discarded every year. "It's not an accurate number, but about 20% of the wooden boxes shipped with apples come back," he said.

"As a box store, I look at the site where craftsmen are making wooden boxes. I feel lonely because the boxes are still being used but are being discarded at the shipping destination because of the transportation costs to return them." ..

With the money raised, the project will collect old apple crates and use them as furniture materials, and release the first set of tables and stools. The prototype table and stool retain the texture of the wooden box, and the letters such as variety and size written in the market are kept. “I made a lot of trials and made many trials so that I could use them as furniture for a long time,” says Uzawa.

Supporters will be provided with a return set that includes a table and four stools, a coaster that uses the same red pine wood as the wooden box for apples, and a wooden box that comes with apples without leaves.

“This project is an attempt to re-evaluate and revitalize the industry related to apples as a culture. I am happy that the scenery with apples can be sympathized with the coolness,” says Uzawa.

Call for support until 23:59 on April 27th.