Washi: The Wonderful World of Traditional Japanese Papermaking

Papermaking is thought to have been introduced to Japan in the year 610 CE by a Korean monk Doncho. This was recorded in the Nihon Shoki, or The Chronicles of Japan, in 720, and in the over 1300 years since, washi, or Japanese paper, has developed a long history intimately tied to Japanese culture. 

When the Chinese methods of making paper were first introduced to Japan, the Prince Regent at the time, Shotoku, believed the paper was too fragile. He found that the fibers needed to be stronger and more flexible. As such, he encouraged the use of kozo, or mulberry, and hemp fibers. Farmers became early adopters of these methods as well as the ones at the forefront of the papermaking craft. They would simply cultivate both kozo and hemp alongside their other crops and harvest them during the lean winter months. This would allow them to create paper when they would otherwise be unable to work in their fields. Additionally, the ice water of winter was perfect for papermaking as it is free of impurities, which could potentially lead to discoloration.

As these papermaking techniques spread throughout Japan, this original process slowly changed. Craftspeople began using kozo alongside neri, a viscous solution that would aid in the even suspension of plant fibers in the water. This allowed for more consistent and even paper. As the craft developed, so did the idea of the relationship of the papermaker to the ingredients, the papermaker and their paper, as well as the paper and the one who eventually used the paper. This interconnectedness, which is so closely tied to Buddhism and other aspects of Japanese culture, became an integral part of many traditions and arts.

However, during the Meiji period in the late 1800s, Japan went through a sort of cultural revolution. This was a time when Japan was thrust into the world of Imperial nations vying for power in a global society. Leaders at the time decided Japan needed to revolutionize and adopt many Western traditions and practices. One of those was the use of Western paper. Despite a shift towards machine-made paper, washi still holds an important place in Japanese culture. The strong yet flexible paper is still prized. It is used for religious purposes in both Buddhism and Shinto and is an irreplaceable component in crafting traditional goods like fans and umbrellas. Washi is also a key feature in different elements of traditional architecture.

The art of making washi is still strong today. Many people are at the forefront of conservation efforts as the skills of papermakers are a cultural tradition that cannot be lost to time. Additionally, as interest and appreciation for this craft grows, so do the arts that incorporate it. Installations and exhibitions worldwide showcase the wonder of washi in new and inventive ways. This is making space in the world for more people to see and experience the beauty and history of Japanese paper.

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.