Mahogany?
Mahogany has been known as one of the most precious woods in the world for a long time and it is highly valued – especially in Europe and America. Mahogany from the Republic of Honduras, in South America, is called “Honduras mahogany” and it is considered the best in the world. However, the logging of Honduras mahogany has been banned by the Washington Convention. Therefore, not only African mahogany and sapele, belonging to the same “Meliaceae” family as does Honduras mahogany, but also lauan of the Dipterocarpaceae family, and matoa of the Sapindaceae family are all called “Philippine mahogany” and “Solomon mahogany” and are seen in the market.
Among these African mahoganies, those logged mainly in the Republic of Liberia, in West Africa, are known for their even and stable tissue and the ease of processing – regardless of their firmness.
Therefore, it is broadly used in Europe in place of Honduras mahogany for furniture and interior decorating material. The thickness which makes it possible to cut wide plates from it, is also a point of attraction. The wide plates cut from it can be used in many ways and provides the best way to create unique wood products. The more coating that is applied to it, the better the veins appear and the glossier it becomes. And as time goes by, it becomes a deep red-brown. In this state, the wood will be enjoyed for a long time.
The Republic of Liberia is located on the west coast of Africa and has a population of about 3.4 million. It started as the migrant settlement for the freed slaves from America in the early 19th century and in 1847 it became independent as the first republic in Africa. 
The country had developed economically with mining, natural rubber production, agriculture and forestry. However, since the civil war started in 1989, it remained in a state of war for 15 years. It resulted in 270,000 deaths and 790,000 refugees and a totally battered economy.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected as the first female President in Africa in 2005 and the country began its move toward democracy. 
However, there are still many war orphans and there are many burdens the people of Liberia face in rebuilding their country.
Therefore, we established NPO “Liberia National Investment Commission” in Japan to support Liberia’s reconstruction. And as one of the specific measures, we have implemented the “Trade Climate Maintenance Support Project.”. Products to promote international trade are essential to the independent restructure. “ART of ANGEL WOOD” is one of the projects implemented to promote mahogany export by Liberia.
