Trends In Japan: Tech and Lifestyle

Traditional Washi Paper: Contribution from Japan

Washi paper is one of Japan's generally major, and frequently overlooked, artistic piece. During 1,300 years of creation it has framed the foundation of numerous other Japanese artistic expressions. Indeed washi paper is so deep-rooted in Japanese culture, there are actual towns construct around washi paper making. 

In the most basic of terms, washi paper simply means traditional Japanese paper, 

wa (和) meaning Japanese and shi (紙) meaning paper.

*What is Washi Paper?

~ Although today it’s an iconically Japanese cultural element, the roots of washi paper production can be traced back to China. In around 610 CE the technique of handmaking paper was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks who used it to write sacred sutras.

~As it has done so well throughout history, Japan adopted this paper-making method and improved it, adding more textile-type materials to the paper production process such as kozo (mulberry) and gampi fibers as a way to strengthen the paper, extend its longevity, and increase its versatility.Winter was typically considered the best paper-making season

*How is Washi Paper made?

~ Ideally the perfect time of the year to make washi is the dead of winter, when water is naturally frozen and free from impurities, offering the freshest, most natural ingredients for paper making. The methods and materials will vary depending on what style of washi you’re going to make, because Japan’s various regions each have slightly different different techniques. For the sake of covering all bases we’ll keep this a little more general.

STEPS:

1. Harvesting: Firstly you need the materials for the paper. Most washi paper uses kozo, and mitsumata, two shrubs that are generally cultivated, and gampi which is typically wild. Usually these are harvested during the colder months of December and January.
2. Steaming, stripping and selecting: To separate the parts of the plants you need, the branches must first be steamed. Once it’s soft and ready to strip, the bark is carefully removed and dried. The dry bark is then boiled, and any impurities are spotted and removed. Following that the pre-paper solution is beaten by hand to loosen fibres before it becomes a sheet.
3. Sheeting: This is probably the most recognizable part of the process of making washi. This is when the pulpy paper solution is starting to take its final shape, albeit in a very loose form. From here the paper pulp is spread out onto a mat, and the mat is shaken to help the fibers become entwined. Once a desired size and thickness is reached, the excess water is poured off from the solution.

  Final steps: After being left to dry overnight, the almost ready-to-go sheets are subjected to a few more aesthetic steps before they reach their final washi form. The paper is pressed to remove any extra water, the sheets are then separated, brushed to remove any invasive textures and left again to complete the drying process in the sun. These large dry sheets form the foundation from which the washi is cut.

*What is Washi Used For?

~ Rooms are divided by partitions made from washi, Japanese paper. ... They prevent people from seeing through, but brighten up rooms by allowing light to pass. As paper is porous, shōji also help airflow and reduce humidity. In modern Japanese-style houses they are often set in doors between panes of glass
~ This includes printing. Due to the special absorbency of washi, as well as its strength and texture, it can be used for various printing techniques.
~ Truly, there are many uses to washi. Aside from decorative purposes, there are many other ways to use washi in one’s daily lives