[Today’s Japanese word “Washi”]

Today’s Japanese word is “Washi” (Japanese paper).

“Washi” is the paper of ancient Japanese.
It refers to paper made in Japan against “Western paper” from Western countries.

The general feature of “Washi” is …
• Fiber is long markedly in comparison with “Western paper”.
• Thin, tough and long life (It is said that there is the life of “1, 000 years or more”.).
• Unique texture
(These differ depending on the type and use.)
Also, the price of it is expensive. Because raw materials are limited, and the productivity is low, too. “Washi” is the handmade product.

“Washi” is also used for restoring cultural assets all over the world.
Furthermore, it is used as a material of Japanese paper money.
※The old Japanese house was made of wood, grass, soil and “Washi”. It’s amazed, isn’t it?

Well, there are several kinds of “Washi”.
It is classified by raw materials.
“Asa-gami” or “Mashi” is made from “Asa” (hemp) and others. “Kouzo-Gami” is made from “Kouzo”（mulberry tree). Other “Washi” is made from “Mitsumata” (a type of plant, called a paperbush), “Ganpi” (a plant name), or “Mayumi” (a spindle).

The production area of “Washi” is dotted throughout Japan.
However, in late years raw materials and a factory decreased.
And, “Washi” by the traditional manufacturing method has decreased.