Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
Washi, or traditional Japanese paper handmade from a mulberry tree is known for its beauty and durability. You can experience washi paper making in the western Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture, as the region has produced high-quality traditional paper since a couple of hundred years ago. Process of making washi paper includes peeling the bark off from a mulberry tree, drying it in air, cleaning the bark after boiling, beating the boiled bark to get it softened, mixing it with glue and water in a pool, and scoop some with a rectangle board into the shape of paper. It is fun of hand-making your own paper throughout these demanding, time-consuming process.
