This is Japanese Ash, found only in Japan.  The attempt is made to slice the logs only when there is promise of the famed “peanut” figure as seen in the photo.  These special logs show a very tortured growth, resulting in the beautiful interlocking, swirly and bubbly grain pattern.  They are typically sliced on the half round to accentuate that grain pattern.  Coloration is typically from an almost white to grey with intermittent areas of straw color.