Sekishu Kachiji Banshi [Sakurae-cho, Gotsu]

A new style of washi that incorporates traditional techniques into modern life

On the morning of the third day after waking up at KAZENOKUNI, a hot spring resort surrounded by nature, Miwa Ishihara visited a Japanese washi paper studio “Sekishu Kachiji Banshi” adjacent to the lodging.

When she stepped into the original shop “Kaze no Gallery,” softly lit through lampshades made of handmade washi, the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Sasaki, greeted her with warm smiles coming from the back office.

Sekishu is another term for Iwami-no-Kuni. Here in Iwami, washi making has been flourishing since the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and Iwami has been considered one of the leading washi production areas in Japan in terms of the number of washi makers and the quality of the washi. In recent years, the number of washi makers has decreased, and only a few workshops are making washi paper using traditional methods. However, Sekishu Kachiji Banshi is also one of the most valued. Mr. Makoto Sasaki, the sixth generation of the family, continues to make washi here in order to pass on the traditional techniques of paper making. He also wants as many people as possible to know the beauty of washi and its potential as a material.

The day of the interview was a few days before the traditional process of “Sodori,” in which the raw materials for washi are steamed in Koshiki (a traditional steamer for washi). He said, “I'm going to do “Sodori” the day after tomorrow," and took her on a tour to the Koshiki, which is designated as a cultural asset, and to the Sodori hut.

At the workshop, Miwa was able to make washi, which is popular with tourists. She tried to make a lovely small lamp with little flowers. The first step was to pick the petals of the colorful and pretty flowers that Mr. and Mrs. Sasaki grow around the workshop. Then, she added the flowers during the papermaking process.

With Mr. Sasaki's careful instructions, Miwa made good progress in making her lamp.

How did the finished product turn out?

“The light becomes softer when it passes through the washi, and the light is soothing. I hope we could pass the gentle touch of washi, with each piece individually made by Mr. and Mrs. Sasaki, on to the next generation,” said Miwa.