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Washi, The Timeless Beauty

May 15, 2025



Washi, The Traditional Japanese Paper: The Timeless Beauty is Transforming into New Modes





View attachment 777

Washi Bouquet for the First Wedding Annivesary by Kami Asakura



Washi paper is durable, versatile and lasts for 1000 years.

The first papermaking process was developed during the Eastern Han period in ancient China

and it was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks as far back as 610 AD. Japan’s own papermaking

technique was established at the beginning of the 9th century. With Japan’s deeply rooted culture

of innovation,kozo, gampi and mitsumata plants were added to make it more textile like material.

Some 1000 years old documents done on Washi paper have been preserved in the Shosoin Repository,

the oldest National Treasure House in Nara.



Washi remains the paper of choice for artistic works. One of the popular art forms is calligraphy

which has enriched Japanese daily lives and influenced their esthetics for centuries.

Calligraphy is the art of lines and a mindful practice



View attachment 778

Bursting Brushstroke



Washimaking requires a large amount of quality icy water during the cold winter months.

Thanks to be ”Country of Water”, many regions have developed their own types of Washi

using different plant ingredients available.



Nishijima Washi is one of them with a 600-year history and the Washi paper of choice for calligraphers.

Blessed with the natural spring water of Fuji River flowing from the Southern Japanese Alps,

this Washi has the ideal characteristics such as snow white, thin and slightly moist texture that makes

the ink well absorbed and yet smudged and scratched, creating the beauty of its brushstrokes.



Nishijimawashi Kamisuki Park is now celebrating a grand opening with various activities to offer.

Whether you are a Washi enthusiast or a newbie, this hands-on Washimaking event is perfect for anyone

looking to get unwind while experiencing the centuries- old practice.






View attachment 779

Fluffy Elegant Washi Wedding Dress



Washi is known for its outstanding properties including incredible strength, lightness,

UV protection,breathability and excellent biodegradability, transforming Washi into

a material suitable for various applications in furniture, décor, fashion, and even

farming materials. Washi has continued to inspire researchers exploring

with transdisciplinary approaches.



Any inquiries, please feel free to contact us.



May Sato

Program Director forestchado@ymail.ne.jp

Umezono Inn https://umezono.info





CHADO YOJO ONSEN

The CHADO YOJO ONSEN is a health restoration program through

a mindful bowl of Matcha and Onsen health benefits. It is based

on the principles of Japanese Tea Ceremony, or Matcha meditation

by incorporating ONSEN. THE CHADO YOJO is to help individuals

recover from Depression, Post Surgery, Injury Rehabilitation,

and other various medical conditions with help on hand at your own pace

in the Onsen with a myriad health benefits while staying tranquil yet

vigorous nature at Mt. Fuji West.



SHIMOBE ONSEN TOWN

More than 600 years old Shimobe Onsen Town is designated

one of Japan’s top 100 therapeutic Onsens by the Health Agency and

the favorite wellness destination by physicians. It is not only a sanctuary

for Onsen enthusiasts but also a destination that beacons exploration and

discover from Minobu Kuonji Temple, the leading Buddhist temple headquarters,

Washi workshop/museum, world paper-cutting art museum to Olympic

class cycling, marine sports, trailing through the Motosu Lake, the World Heritage Site.

Easy access, only two hours away from Tokyo.



xxx xxxxx