Understand/Experience/Buy
Yanase Ryozo paper mill is located on the approach to Okamoto-Otaki Shrine, which is dedicated to the goddess of paper making.When I looked around the RYOZO SHOP, the manager, Mr. Yasuhiro Yanase, asked me, “Would you like to see the factory work?”Behind the aged glass windows, five women, including the third generation owner, Kyoko Yanase, are hard at work making paper.
Ryozo has long been involved in the production of wrapping paper and wrapping paper for Japanese confectionery shops, and is known as Ryozo when it comes to thin washi, a paper so supple and thin that it has become a specialty.Among them, “Kanagata Rakusui-shi,” which was revived after a gap of more than 30 years, is a one-of-a-kind technique that only Kyoko can produce.
“The mold is placed on the finished washi before it dries, and water droplets are sprinkled on it.That's all there is to it, but it's hard to get the pattern evenly distributed like that,”
Yasuhiro points to the Washi paper as delicate as lace is decorated.The patterns of the molds and the unexpected patterns created by the water droplets intermingled intricately, creating a once-in-a-lifetime beauty.It is easy to see why people who caught their eye and stopped by the store are attracted by the rich expression of washi and end up staying longer.
“This is not so much a store as a rest stop where you can stop by while walking around town.It is a place to enjoy Echizen washi by looking at washi from various mills, peering into workshops, talking with craftspeople, and spending time freely,”
The small area for a break is another reason to stay for a long time.Visitors can enjoy origami with Echizen washi paper and view proposals for incorporating metal mold Rakusui-shi and Echizen washi crafts by artists into their daily lives.
In 2020, Yasuhiro and his team will further expand their activities.Established its own paper-making instructor certification and begin training personnel to provide hands-on papermaking experienceat local children's groups and events.The purpose is to increase the number of people with knowledge of papermaking and to convey the appeal of washi more widely.
In addition, with artisans licensed as cooks and nutritionists in the factory, a project for an artisan café using an empty house on the approach to the factory was also started.We will create a path for them to work as craftsmen and make use of their special skills as well.
“I would like to make this a center where customers can casually interact with craftspeople and where washi lovers can gather,”
We want to connect papermaking and paper lovers and make Echizen washi more accessible.The starting point of this desire is the smiling faces of paper lovers who look at washi with sparkling eyes.
Text / Kumie Satou
