[VILLAGE Report vol.13] The first in Japan among washi papers | Tottori Prefecture

From Shimane to the neighboring prefecture. This time, the story is about paper.

The very first among Japanese washi papers nationwide

Inshu washi is, In 1975, it was the first washi in Japan to be designated as a national traditional craft product so designated.

There are washi-producing regions all over Japan. Mino, Echizen, Tosa. Among them, Tottori was the first whose name was called.

Its history spans about 1200 years. Within the prefecture, it is made in Aoya-cho and Saji-cho in Tottori City.

Why Did It Become Number One?

The answer is written in Tottori Prefecture’s explanation.

Through the development and production of calligraphy papers such as gasenshi, craft paper, and dyed paper, it surpassed other production areas it says.

What matters is the word “development.”

It did not become number one by preserving old things exactly as they were. It looked at what calligraphers wanted and kept creating new paper. As a result, it is widely used by many enthusiasts and calligraphers.

Protecting tradition and creating something new are not opposites. Rather, production areas that stop doing the latter are the ones that disappear.

A Small Answer Called Oil-Blotting Paper

In Tottori Prefecture’s list of specialty products, “Inshu washi oil-blotting paper” appears.

When I found it, I thought, of course.

The techniques used to make paper for calligraphy are now inside a makeup pouch. How to intertwine the fibers, what thickness to make it, how to make it absorb just the right amount. Papermaking knowledge can be used just as it is.

A 1200-year-old technique is controlling today’s shine. As someone who works with cosmetics, this was a small discovery.

Yumihama Kasuri and the Place Where Things Are Made

Tottori also has another nationally designated Yumihama kasuri appears.

Also, in Saji there is the Inshu Washi Traditional Workshop Coming Saji where you can experience papermaking.

Oita has a training center for bamboo craft, and Tottori has a papermaking workshop. Prefectures that keep their production areas alive always provide an “entry point.”

Next issue, we leave the Chugoku region and head to Shikoku.

References: Tottori Prefectural Government, “Inshu Washi,” “Yumihama Kasuri,” “Tottori Handwork,” and “Inshu Washi Oil-Blotting Paper”; Tottori City, “Inshu Washi Traditional Workshop Coming Saji”; Tottori Prefecture Official Tourism Site

—The Value Village Editorial Team