You may have seen a plethora of cultural items that you may recognize as Japanese cultural items, such as origami or sliding screen doors. But did you know that the material used to make these items, is in itself also a cultural item? In fact, UNESCO has recognized this as another of Japan’s cultural heritage. This material is called washi (和紙), in English, referred to as washi paper, it is known for its durability and versatility and is used for a multitude of things in Japan. You might have already owned an item made from washi paper without realizing it!

Products Made From Washi Paper

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Washi paper is known to be more durable and more flexible than regular paper because of its fibers, allowing for unique adoptions in many Japanese items. You’ll see them commonly as decorative papers for gift wrapping or as envelopes for gift money that serve as presents for important ceremonies like weddings. They act as the surface for many mediums of Japanese artwork, like scroll paintings or ukiyo-e woodblock paintings. Moreover, they are surprisingly often found near fire, like paper lamps (with candles inside), and to wrap ingredients for cooking on a stove. Even yen bills are all made with washi paper!

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It doesn’t stop there, however. Washi paper’s durability has numerous applications that exceed our expectations. If you haven’t heard, the giant Kaminarimon lantern in Asakusa is made of washi paper! It lasts for a whole decade, which is impressive considering its size. In comparison, smaller items made with washi, such as scrolls, can last centuries. The material is also found in artisanal & experimental items like a watch, a speaker, architecture, and even a functioning car.

The History of Washi

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Paper-making originated in China and was introduced to Japan in the 7th century through Buddhist monks who sought to reproduce sutras with paper. Initially, the material utilized was coarse, making writing difficult. However, in Japan, the abundantly available paper mulberry plants offered a surface that is softer and easier to write on, thus pushing for discoveries on utilizing this plant for paper production. This led to the invention of a uniquely Japanese way of paper-making, and the byproduct was washi paper.

During the Heian period, washi paper was prominent among the ruling class. They used it to write poetry and create paper screens to decorate their houses. The Samurais would perform ceremonial origami made from washi paper in important ceremonies. During the Edo period, washi production eventually spread to the working class, creating entertainment like the ukiyo-e for the common folk. Making washi paper also served as additional income for farmers during winter crops. 

How Washi Paper is Produced

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For over 1,500 years, the techniques and knowledge of creating washi have been passed down to generations of families. The most prominent producers are located in Echizen City in Fukui Prefecture, Mino City in Gifu Prefecture, and Tosa City in Kochi Prefecture. 

Washi paper is made from the bark of a family of paper mulberry plants in Japan called kozo. The bark is stripped from the plant’s branches, boiled, and washed from impurities. Then, the material is pounded by hand or machine to break up the fibers. Afterward, these fibers are immersed in water and mixed with a viscous liquid called neri to keep the fibers evenly separated. The liquid is scooped into a screen and is sloshed around—this movement causes the fibers to intertwine, creating stronger bonds. Lastly, the liquid is put into sheets and dried under the sun. After drying, a washi paper will thus be created.

Washi Paper for Sustainability

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In modern times, washi contributes to increasing efforts to promote sustainability. For one, it is used in art conservation, and its remarkable adaptability and durability have drawn international attention to the restoration of old artworks worldwide. Ultra-thin washi paper can also be used to fix and conserve torn old library texts.

The lack of kozo farmers has pushed for alternatives, leading to the invention of food waste washi paper, using wastes from onions or orange peels combined with smaller amounts of kozo. These vegetable papers were then used to create paper bags, bowls, and notebooks. Washi paper is also used as a replacement for animal skin in shamisen guitars in kabuki. It is a better substitute for synthetic leather, offering a more vigorous sound. In more modern applications, washi is used to create socks, jeans, washi tape (usually for art), and washi tatami mats for ordinary consumers.

Washi paper is a remarkable material that has stood the test of time. It is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and everyday life, built from centuries of craftsmanship. Washi paper continues to find new uses, and now, with a growing role in sustainability, making it an enduring symbol of Japanese ingenuity and heritage.

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