Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a master carpenter. After completing my training, I began working in earnest on health-conscious housing. That was 45 years ago. At the time, Japan was in the midst of rapid economic growth, and stylish Western homes using traditional methods like mortar, plywood, and reinforced concrete (RC) were being built one after another.
While working on various projects, I began to notice that my second daughter was experiencing worsening lung problems. I wondered if her symptoms could be related to the new homes we were building. Around the same time, more and more people were reporting feeling unwell in newly built homes. After investigations, it was revealed that chemical substances in building materials and paints were the cause. This condition came to be known as “Sick House Syndrome.”
Determined to do something, I started my own construction company. I frequently received consultations from people experiencing similar symptoms. Many had been told, “The materials used in your home may be to blame.” We began taking measures like using plasterboard and anti-mold coatings. As a result, some symptoms improved. Encouraged by this, we decided to take the issue of “healthy housing” seriously and committed ourselves to finding better solutions.
I began thinking, “Aren’t we sacrificing people’s health for the sake of Japanese homes? We can’t just ignore this—we have to act.” So began our challenge to develop a safer paint that could help reduce the effects of Sick House Syndrome and mold.
However, this required expert knowledge and an appropriate research environment. Fortunately, we were able to collaborate with Professor Yoshida of Shizuoka University, from whom we gained important insights on moisture and air quality.
After repeated testing, we completed an interior finishing material called “Shinchokushitazuri Kōhō Kabe” (New Direct Undercoat Wall) in the winter of 2001. This coincided with growing public concern over Sick House Syndrome and indoor air pollution. Our product attracted national attention, and we launched a model home called “A Healthy House with All Rooms Plastered”, which showcased the benefits of our innovation. At one point, inquiries from builders and designers across the country flooded in.
The defining feature of the “Direct Undercoat Method” I developed is that it allows for a single coat without needing an underlayer. This innovation eliminated a major hurdle in traditional wall plastering.
One of the weaknesses of typical plastering was that the base layer could become uneven or discolored. In standard practice, inconsistency in workmanship due to undercoat absorption was a concern. To solve this, I developed a method known as the “Colata Process,” which creates a base coat with stable finish quality. This innovation was gradually recognized in the field as a legitimate and effective technique.
With this, the first wave of satisfied customers began to say things like “I want to go back to my own home,” a sentiment that reaffirmed our goal to create a healthy home environment. Many of our customers were pleased.
However, despite our efforts to follow procedures carefully, unexpected complaints began to surface. Many of these were traced back to issues with the undercoat. Based on extensive field experience, I learned that the key to promoting the “Direct Undercoat Method” was to focus on the quality of the materials and ensure that the base coating was done only after fully learning the method — otherwise, cracks and poor adhesion could occur.
At that point, I decided to work with veteran craftsmen to implement the new process. We ran multiple trials with a focus on practical application and base treatment techniques. While the difficulty of undercoat preparation remained high, most of our veteran team managed to adapt their skills to the new method, bringing their pride and craftsmanship to the job. That said, not everyone succeeded — some, when trying to apply their past methods, caused more complaints. These challenges were painful and mentally draining.
Still, I had confidence. We confirmed there were no problems with the paint material itself. All these experiences became lessons, and today, they are one of my greatest assets.
The next big issue we faced was how to reduce costs and improve workability. With the guidance of Professor Yoshida, who had supported us since the beginning, we refined the paint materials and verified that a safe, stable formula was essential. Through overcoming many obstacles, we gained valuable insight.
Utilizing these lessons became my mission. That’s how JAPAN WALL was born — a new interior finishing material developed not just for performance but for reducing labor and cost. It’s with pride that we now introduce it to you.
JAPAN WALL is a next-generation cream-type interior finish that combines ease of use, aesthetic softness, and moisture regulation. Traditional plaster finishes often relied on skilled labor and posed consistency issues. But even seasoned professionals faced challenges when applying cream-based paints. We believed that creating a product anyone could apply easily — a true “everyone-can-use” material — would change the game.
So we developed JAPAN WALL as a cream paint that could be applied with either a trowel or a roller, offering versatility, functionality, and a calm presence that blends harmoniously with a space.
JAPAN WALL transforms the idea of “plastering walls” —
From trowels to rollers…
From traditional finish to functional design…
Cream paint JAPAN WALL is here to transform.
I have long believed that nurturing skilled workers (both veterans and newcomers) is key to addressing labor shortages. On remodeling job sites, diverse challenges demand what I call “multi-skilled craftsmanship.” To meet those demands, JAPAN WALL is not just a paint — it’s a medium that helps foster talent.
With features that support efficient and beautiful application, even with rollers, JAPAN WALL opens the door for newer or less-experienced workers to succeed. For example, JAPAN WALL allows roller-finished walls to appear like artisan-crafted surfaces, complete with design textures and stain resistance.
By enabling new workers to produce attractive and satisfactory results, JAPAN WALL contributes meaningfully to today’s evolving needs in housing.
Job sites are people-powered. The added value of JAPAN WALL lies in how it helps grow people — that’s why I see it as a paint that nurtures.
JAPAN WALL will continue to play a role. Along with enhancing air quality, it provides an appealing aesthetic foundation for “emotionally resonant indoor spaces.”
As we considered how to expand JAPAN WALL’s reach, I realized the need to align with both current challenges and the future of the housing industry. My goal was to create a paint that supports the essential role of local builders — especially in times of emergency or reconstruction.
In difficult moments, local contractors step up. I wanted JAPAN WALL to be a reliable tool for them, offering competitive business opportunities and strengthening their foundations. I truly believe JAPAN WALL can be a pillar of support for local construction businesses and the communities they serve.
You may have noticed that we don’t simply refer to JAPAN WALL as a “paint” (塗料) but instead as a “coating asset” (塗財) — this is intentional. The word “zai” (財) implies “something of economic value.”
This reflects our desire for JAPAN WALL to be more than just a finishing material. We want it to be a medium that creates added value — value that grows with time and use. We believe that such value, when shared, becomes a common resource for everyone involved.
In this way, JAPAN WALL aims to be a unique, irreplaceable presence in Japanese housing — a paint that nurtures a new era of building culture in Japan.
We chose the name JAPAN WALL to reflect two hopes:
1. That the material would be made in Japan
2. That it would be used by people in Japanese communities
With this name, we wish for JAPAN WALL to contribute to the creation of emotionally rich homes suited to Japan’s unique climate. Our hope is that JAPAN WALL becomes a trusted part of daily life for many.
To those who have supported us up to this point, we offer our deepest gratitude.
We hope JAPAN WALL can contribute to solving local social challenges. Our message is simple:
JAPAN WALL is about people.
We aim to create a visible, human-centered network of shared values and ethics.
And we sincerely hope we can open the door to a brighter future — together with you.
