What is "Washi"?

Japanese handmade paper is

called Washi. Washi is most commonly made from one of three plants: Kozo (paper mulberry), Mitsumata, and Ganpi.

A wooden screen is

repeatedly dipped in liquid containing plant fibers and gently shaken to spread the liquid evenly, thus binding the fibers and creating a durable form of tear-resistant paper.

UNESCO added the Mino Washi

made in Gifu to the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. 

Japanese paper, Washi, was born 1300 years ago. It is impossible to make Washi with really good quality without clean water.

Mino washi made in Mino city in Gifu prefecture is famous brand as the specific kinds of washi because of its strength and thinness.

Washing the branches of Kozo tree, soaking them into the clean river, boiling them, combing the paper... in those each process always require water.

There are still some professional Washi makers in Mino but most of them are older people. Our traditional skills to make Washi is danger of dying out.