Factory Tours
The paper manufacturer, “Yamada Brothers (Keitei) Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd.,” located in the local area of Echizen Washi, was founded in 1882 by the sixth-generation Yamada Kyubei, who transitioned from the silk farming industry to paper manufacturing (specializing in hōsho paper). The company has carried on the name “Kyubei” through successive generations. The seventh-generation Yamada Kyubei worked on producing paper for stock certificates, bonds, and securities(as known as Kyokushi), while the eighth-generation Yamada Kyubei transitioned from hand papermaking to machine papermaking. Currently, the ninth-generation serves as the chairman, and the tenth-generation serves as the president. They are focusing on environmentally friendly washi production, including traditional “watermarked washi,” colorful “composite washi,” non-wood pulp certified *“Yoshi paper,” and “Unka paper,” which is made from 98% recycled paper.
