Abelmoschus manihot, Inshū washi paper, Aoya district

Water and raw fibers are combined in a papermaking vessel called a "sukifune," and stirred to loosen up the fibers. Next, a viscous agent called "sana" is added and mixed to evenly distribute the fibers. "Sana" is a term used in Inshu for this specific transparent liquid made from the roots of the abelmoschus maihot plant.