2025.06.1

Washi Paper Explained｜What Makes Japanese Paper So Strong, Beautiful, and Unique

📝1. What is Washi? Definition and Meaning

What does “Washi” mean?

The word washi (和紙) combines two kanji: wa (和), meaning “Japanese” or “harmony,” and shi (紙), meaning “paper.” It refers specifically to traditional Japanese paper made using time-honored techniques and natural materials. Unlike modern industrial paper, which is mostly made from wood pulp, washi is often handmade and reflects centuries of craftsmanship and culture.

What is Washi? Definition and Meaning

What makes washi different from regular paper?

Washi is made from long fibers extracted from plants like kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, and gampi. These fibers give washi its unique properties: it’s incredibly strong yet light, soft to the touch, and often slightly translucent. Each sheet is slightly different, giving it an organic, handmade feel. Washi is also breathable and highly resistant to aging, which is why some washi documents have lasted for over a thousand years.

Why is washi culturally important in Japan?

More than just a writing surface, washi has been deeply woven into Japanese life. It was used for religious texts, art, screens, lanterns, and even clothing. In the Edo period, people wore paper garments made of washi. Today, washi remains a symbol of Japanese aesthetics—valued not only for its function, but for its natural beauty and the spirit of craftsmanship it represents.

📝 2. The Birth of Washi: How Paper Came to Japan

Paper was not born in Japan

Although washi is a uniquely Japanese creation, paper itself did not originate in Japan. The invention of paper is credited to Cai Lun of the Chinese Han dynasty around 105 CE. This early paper technology traveled along with Buddhism, eventually reaching Korea and then Japan in the early 7th century. According to historical records, paper was introduced to Japan by a Buddhist monk named Doncho, who came from Goguryeo (an ancient Korean kingdom) in 610 CE.

Why Japan developed its own paper style

Once the technique arrived, Japan began to adapt and refine it using its own natural resources and aesthetic values. Instead of using rags or hemp as in China, the Japanese experimented with native plants such as kozo, mitsumata, and gampi. The result was a paper that suited the Japanese climate and cultural sensibilities—lightweight, flexible, and beautiful. By the Nara period (710–794), Japan was producing its own distinctive form of paper that would later become known as washi.

Early uses of washi in Japanese society

In ancient Japan, washi played an essential role in religious and government activities. It was used for copying sutras, making official records, and even writing poetry. The oldest surviving Japanese paper document, the Hyakumanto Darani, dates back to the 8th century and still exists today—an early example of washi’s durability. As paper became more accessible, its uses expanded into daily life, influencing art, literature, and rituals.

📝 3. How Washi Was Made: The Traditional Craft

The raw materials: Kozo, Mitsumata, and Gampi

Traditional washi is made from the inner bark fibers of three native plants: kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, and gampi. These plants were chosen not only for their abundance in Japan, but for the unique quality of fibers they produce. Kozo is the most widely used—it yields long, strong fibers that create tough and breathable sheets. Mitsumata offers a smoother finish and is often used for finer papers. Gampi, prized for its natural gloss and strength, is more difficult to cultivate and therefore considered a luxury material.

The hand-making process: From harvesting to drying

The washi-making process is meticulous and time-consuming. After harvesting the plant bark, it is steamed and stripped. The inner bark is then boiled with lye (alkaline ash water) to soften the fibers and remove impurities. Next, the fibers are rinsed in clear water and beaten by hand until they form a fine pulp.

This pulp is mixed with water and neri, a viscous substance extracted from the tororo-aoi plant (a type of hibiscus). Neri helps suspend the fibers evenly in the vat. The artisan then uses a bamboo screen called a su to scoop the mixture and rhythmically rock it back and forth to form a sheet. Finally, the sheets are pressed, dried, and inspected one by one.

The strength of tradition: Why handmade washi lasts centuries

Handmade washi can last for centuries. Its long fibers are tightly interwoven without the need for adhesives or harsh chemicals, making the sheets resistant to tearing, insects, and aging. Ancient texts, artworks, and government documents preserved on washi paper still survive today, a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship behind every sheet.

📝 4. The Cultural Role of Washi in Japanese Society

Washi in religion: From sacred texts to Shinto rituals

Washi has long held spiritual significance in Japan. In Buddhism, it was used for copying sutras with great care and reverence. The durability of washi made it ideal for preserving sacred texts over centuries. In Shinto, washi plays a role in rituals—shide, the zigzag paper strips seen at shrines, are made from washi and believed to ward off evil. These uses reflect a deep respect for the material and its purity.

Washi in the arts: Calligraphy, painting, origami

Artists have favored washi for centuries. Its texture and absorbency make it ideal for calligraphy and ink painting. The paper holds brushstrokes beautifully without bleeding, enhancing expression and nuance. Washi is also used in origami, where its strength allows for intricate folds while maintaining form. Traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints were often created on washi, which absorbed color richly and evenly.

Washi in daily life: From the Edo period to today

During the Edo period (1603–1868), washi was found in all aspects of daily life. It was used for books, umbrellas, sliding doors (shoji), accounting books, and even clothing like paper kimonos (kamiko). People valued washi not just for utility, but for its elegance and connection to nature. Even today, you can find washi in items like gift wrapping, lampshades, stationery, and luxury packaging—each adding a touch of Japanese refinement.

📝 5. Washi vs Western Paper: What’s the Difference?

Fiber structure and strength

The most fundamental difference between washi and Western paper lies in the fibers. Washi is made from long, strong plant fibers—typically kozo, mitsumata, or gampi—which are manually processed to preserve their natural length. This makes washi extremely durable, tear-resistant, and breathable. Western paper, on the other hand, is usually made from wood pulp, where fibers are shorter and broken down during industrial production. As a result, Western paper tends to be smoother but weaker and less resistant to humidity or time.

Cultural attitudes toward paper

In the West, paper has historically been seen as a disposable, utilitarian product. In Japan, however, paper has long been treated as a meaningful material—something that embodies nature, spirit, and aesthetics. This cultural reverence for paper is reflected in the care taken to make, use, and even reuse washi. For example, old washi sheets were sometimes repurposed into protective covers or remade into new sheets, a practice rooted in the Japanese ethos of “mottainai” (waste not).

Washi’s recognition as a UNESCO heritage

In 2014, traditional washi-making techniques were inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This recognition acknowledged not just the craftsmanship, but also the cultural value embedded in washi—its connection to nature, community traditions, and sustainable practices. Washi is not just different in materials; it represents an entire worldview of respect, patience, and harmony.

📝 6. Washi Today: How Tradition Meets Innovation

Washi in modern design and packaging

In recent years, washi has found a new place in contemporary design. Its unique texture and natural look make it a favorite for luxury packaging, product branding, and stationery. From gift wrapping to premium sake labels, washi adds a layer of elegance and authenticity that modern materials often lack. Many Japanese companies now incorporate washi into their product identity to evoke tradition and craftsmanship.

Washi in global art and exhibitions

Washi has gained international attention in the art world. Contemporary artists, both Japanese and international, use washi in paintings, installations, and mixed media works. Its strength, translucency, and tactile beauty provide creative possibilities that Western paper cannot offer. Washi-based exhibitions have been held in museums across Europe, North America, and Asia, helping to introduce the material to a wider audience.

Digital printing on washi: Challenges and breakthroughs

Traditionally, washi was incompatible with digital printing due to its absorbent surface and fiber irregularities. However, recent advancements in printing technology and ink formulations have opened the door to new possibilities. Specialized inkjet and laser printers, along with coating treatments, now allow for high-quality digital printing on select types of washi. This innovation is bridging the gap between tradition and modern mass production.

📝 7. Summary: Why Washi is More Than Just Paper

Washi is more than just a medium for writing or wrapping—it is a cultural artifact that embodies the Japanese way of life. Its long fibers, handmade processes, and deep connection to nature distinguish it from mass-produced Western paper. Every sheet of washi tells a story: of craftsmanship, patience, respect for materials, and beauty in imperfection.

From its roots in ancient Buddhist sutras and Shinto rituals to its modern roles in art, design, and even digital printing, washi has proven itself to be both timeless and adaptable. It has survived centuries not only in physical form—thanks to its durability—but also in cultural relevance. It continues to serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation, the past and the present.

What makes washi truly special is the philosophy behind it. It reflects the Japanese sense of “mottainai” (waste nothing), harmony with nature, and the pursuit of understated beauty. In a world where speed and efficiency often dominate, washi reminds us of the value of slowing down and appreciating the details.

Whether you encounter washi in a calligraphy scroll, a piece of origami, a luxury package, or a work of modern art, it carries with it the essence of Japan. Understanding washi is not just learning about paper—it’s learning about a culture, a mindset, and a tradition of care that continues to inspire the world.