00:00Why do builders in Japan purposely burn their wood?
00:03Well, this is a 300-year-old technique called yakasugi, and there's an important reason
00:07behind it.
00:08As it's been used everywhere, from furniture to temples, not because of its unique black
00:12look, but for something much better.
00:13Because by forming a makeshift chimney with a few wooden planks, they start a fire in the
00:18middle, allowing the flames to evenly coat the inside with heat, which they burn just
00:21enough to scorch the inner layer without destroying the wood completely.
00:25As after the fire's put out and the planks are cleaned, they're left with a strong carbonized
00:29layer that not only stops bugs and mold from spreading, but it makes them more resistant
00:33to fire.
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