mr. asano is in charge of a big project. the project is a collaboration between a leading university. the aim is to construct a high-rise building using non-combustible lumber. the elastic nature of wood allows vibrations to be absorbed. because of these attributes, wooden buildings are known for being resilient to earthquakes. mr. asano believes it is desirable for japan to continue with a lifestyle that chooses lumber as its main resource. disaster may strike again. he is determined to contributing to the materials that can withstand damage. >> translator: non-combustible lumber is useful for building a nation. and we will be able to provide special places. >> reporter: is it possible to build a whole non-combustible town? mr. asano aims to take up the challenge. >>> people in northeastern china are dealing with heavy amounts of snow. we're told more in the world weather forecast. >> yes. northeastern china as well as southeastern russia and north korea are seeing heavy snow. we have a video