The origin of binchotan charcoal:
The original form of binchotan is said to have been introduced to China more than 1,200 years ago (more precisely from the 7th century) by Kukai, a Japanese Buddhist monk who had travelled and studied in China. His main area of activity was in the mountains of what is now Wakayama Prefecture (formerly Kishu, a region renowned for its charcoal production and the birthplace of binchotan). From these mountains, its use spread throughout the country (it has also been verified that Japan has been producing charcoal since very ancient times, as evidenced by discoveries in ruins dating back three thousand years). Since its introduction by Kukai, charcoal has been improved and has evolved into its current form. The name "binchotan" was given to this special charcoal three centuries ago. It was created by Bichoya Chozaemon, one of the craftsmen who contributed to its current form. Binchotan is the result of the contraction of Boncho and Tan, Boncho being the contraction of Bichoya Chozaemon and Tan meaning charcoal. Binchotan therefore meant Boncho's charcoal.
Focus on Tosa Binchotan charcoal imported by Nishikidôri and a visit to the Morimoto San charcoal operation (Kôchi Prefecture)
Tosa Binchotan charcoal, imported by Nishikidôri
Binchotan charcoal is a dense and extremely hard oak charcoal that sets itself apart from ordinary charcoal, notably through its very long burn time. Bin-chotan owes its name of white charcoal to the whitish colour of its surface (due to rapid cooling during production with a mixture of earth, sand and ash), its metallic interior colour and its crystalline sound when the pieces are struck against one another.
Binchotan is a sought-after and rare charcoal: it possesses many proven and surprising properties that we have chosen to detail in another article: "Everything you need to know about Binchotan". Discover our Binchotan barbecues.
Since spring 2018, Nishikidôri has been offering Tosa Binchotan from Morimoto San's operation in Kôchi Prefecture.
Bin, Toku, Maru, Wari, Ikkyu Ko, Daï: each denomination has a specific shape and dimensions.
Visit to Morimoto San's Tosa Binchotan operation
Nishikidôri imports its binchotan charcoal from Kôchi Prefecture (formerly Tosa), Japan.
Tosa binchotan (from the former region of Kôchi) is a modern product. Indeed, its regular production only began about a hundred years ago. The ubamegashi and arakashi oaks found in the mountain-slope forests are either state-owned or privately owned, with concessions granted for set periods and areas — thereby preventing disastrous deforestation.
Each harvest automatically leads to maintenance and new planting where necessary. Indeed, the trees are neither felled whole nor uprooted, which facilitates their regrowth (allow almost 30 years).
There are now only around thirty binchotan producers still practising their craft in Kôchi Prefecture. They produce 720 tonnes of this precious charcoal annually.
The trade attracts very few candidates, as binchotan harvesting is both complicated and dangerous. The oaks are situated on mountain slopes, which are difficult and arduous to access. Unfortunately, their felling causes fatal accidents every year (falls being frequent and serious).
Tree felling takes place daily, but exclusively in fair weather conditions.
No work for our woodcutters on rainy or snowy days.
Tosa Binchotan is produced from Arakashi or Ubamegashi oak trees.
At Morimoto San's, 7 tonnes of Tosa Binchotan are produced per month!
Our supplier, Morimoto San, aged 69, a binchotan master for 40 years, cuts 10 tonnes of oak wood per day. He transports it from the mountain to his kilns by suspension, at a rate of 1 tonne per trip. The daily 10 tonnes only yield 800 kg of binchotan! Morimoto San has 6 kilns and produces 7 tonnes of charcoal per month.
The quantity may seem significant, but it is negligible in view of the strong and constant demand. This charcoal is highly prized as it burns hot and for a long time.
Visit to the Tosa Binchotan operation at Morimoto San's, our supplier.
Binchotan production requires 20 days
Wood cut in the mountains is sawn into 170 cm sections. It is then placed in a kiln made of earth and bricks, called a "baï". This kiln measures 360 cm high, 340 cm wide and 400 cm deep.
Fresh wood is placed inside and the fire is lit. The kiln door is then closed, reducing the supply of oxygen. Combustion is almost nil; the green wood will slowly dry out and dehydrate over 10 days.
Then the fire is activated while always limiting the supply of oxygen. Combustion takes place at a low temperature. This stage is called carbonisation and lasts around 10 days. The kiln temperature then reaches up to 1,300°C or even higher.
At the end of these last 10 days, the kiln door is opened. Air enters and stokes the combustion. This crucial step is known as activation or "kamadashi". The temperature at the kiln entrance easily reaches 600 to 700°C.
It then takes twelve hours of labour to empty the incandescent kiln using special poles.
Tosa Binchotan: straight out of the kiln… At Morimoto San's.
Binchotan charcoal is born, almost pure carbon. When struck, it produces a metallic, even crystalline sound. Its density is such that it is very heavy in the hand and almost as hard as steel.
Binchotan is commonly called white charcoal, owing to the whitish colour of its surface. This is due to rapid cooling as soon as it leaves the kiln, as it is covered with a light greyish mixture of earth, sand and ash. This method stops its incandescence.
Visit to Morimoto San's operation, Tosa Binchotan: Ubamegashi and Arakashi finished products.
What does Nishikidôri offer on its online shop?
The classification of binchotan covers 12 categories and follows a well-defined vocabulary:
- BIN for long
- TOKU for short
- MARU for round (log shape)
- WARI for half-moon or wedge shapes
- IKKYU for general use, with no specific length or shape
- KO for small
- DAI for large / big
We import only Ubamegashi oak in the following categories:
- BT01 Bin-wari ø 35-60 mm, length 220-240 mm
- BT02 Bin-maru ø 25-40 mm, length 220-240 mm
- BT03 Bin-daimaru ø 40-60 mm, length 220-240 mm
- BT04 Bin-komaru ø 18-25 mm, length 220-240 mm
- BT05 Toku-maru ø 25-40 mm, length 150-220 mm
- BT06 Toku-komaru ø 18-25 mm, length 150-220 mm
- BT07 Toku-wari ø 30-60 mm, length 150-220 mm
- BT08 Ikkyu ø 30-60 mm, length 50-150 mm
