Paper mulberry, Kurotani paper

While washi is also made from the mitsumata plant and Diplomorpha Sikokiana, the main raw material is paper mulberry. This is because paper mulberry grows faster than these other two types of flora. Also, while the mitsumata plant and Diplomorpha Sikokiana are suited for postcard and letter paper, paper mulberry is better for making long items such as shoji doors and scrolls. The harvested paper mulberry is lined up lengthwise and put into a steamer.