Economic theory states that capital is a substitute for labor and the Japanese housing market is an excellent example of principal. Capital, in the form of pre-cutting machines, is replacing job site labor. Demand for OSB in Japan has been very soft . Oriented strand board in Japan is used only on a limited basis for subfloor, roofing, and wall panels. One reason for the soft demand is that a majority of panels used in Japan are for concrete forms rather than for panels in residential construction.
Japan prefers south sea hardwood plywood for concrete forms.
To download the full report on Japan pre-cut softwood lumber click here.