Numata ukimoku is a traditional Japanese woodworking technique in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, that craftsmen use to transform blocks of cedar wood into vases, planters, pen holders, tea tables, trays, furniture, and other items. Craftsmen carefully select the pieces of wood based on their grain and often char them lightly to further accentuate the grain. The beauty of the finished pieces makes these products suitable for a wide variety of settings.