Inshū Washi paper- Aoya District

Aoya town faces the Sea of Japan, and as the Aoya-Kamijichi Archeological Site suggests, it has been a prosperous town since ancient times. Washi paper production developed along the Hikigawa River basin. Although the origin of Inshu washi is uncertain, a document with the seal of the Inaba province (part of present-day Tottori prefecture) is found on eighth-century documents in the collection of the Soshoin repository. Furthermore, a medieval historical record called the Engishiki (compiled between 905 and 927) records that paper from the Inaba province was presented to the Imperial court. These references suggest the history of Inshu washi goes back more than 1200 years. 

During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the focus of prefectural oversight in papermaking materials turned to the cultivation of paperbush. Modern bleaching techniques were also introduced as this time, and along with a sharp increase in demand, mechanical production of paper expanded (from about 500 factories earlier in the Edo period to more than 1300). This trend continued through the end of the Taisho period (1912-1926). Tantamount to this continued growth was the work of Fusayasu Kihachi (1852-1930), who dedicated himself to the development of Inshu washi by proactively promoting innovative techniques and winning prestigious awards like that at the Paris World Exposition in 1900.  

After World War II, the proliferation of office machines and rapid changes in lifestyle dealt a devastating blow to washi paper production and products such as thin office note paper and shoji (sliding door) paper. To counter this decline, Inshu washi production shifted its focus to specialty calligraphy, craft, and dyed papers, all of which have remained popular until today with washi aficionados and calligraphers.

Today, Inshu washi paper is also used to make novel accessories. Being both lightweight and durable, washi paper allows for a wide range of innovative designs.

The Inaba Paper Ancestry Monument was erected to memorialize those craftsmen and artisans involved in the long history  of paper making in the area, as well as, to wish for continued prosperity. An annual paper festival is held every May.

The remaining outer layer is carefully removed from the epidermis. This is done in a two-step process. The first step, called the "kagofumi," entails stomping on the bark pieces to soften the inner mulberry fibers. The second step, called the "kagonade," uses a knife to remove the damaged sections and knots by scrapping the pieces with the edge of the blade. Unlike general washi papermaking where usually only the inner part of the bark is used, a distinct characteristic of Ishu washi papermaking is that both the inner layer of bark and the greenish epidermis is used.

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. 

The papermaking process involves removing the wet sheets of collected fibers and overlaying them on top of each other. Once the water has been removed and they have dried, the stacks of paper are then cropped and finished. 

A water solution containing dissolved fibers is poured over a revolving reed screen similar to a conveyor belt, gradually removing water to expose an even layer of remaining fibers.

The rolled washi paper is then cut and cropped into standardized calligraphy paper sizes, which is bundled to be sold.

Paper made with mulberry fibers is optimal for a variety of lighting products. This washi paper allows for soft, diffused lighting popular in commercial facilities such as restaurants and shops, as well as, in private homes.

The Aoya Washi Kobo is a public papermaking workshop located at Aoya town in Tottori city that provides both instruction in traditional Inshu washi, and exhibition of local papermaking culture. Special exhibitions are regularly held, including the Akari-ten exhibition that introduces innovative applications of Inshu washi paper. There are also a variety of hands-on activities, which provide visitors the chance to make their own washi paper to create an original lampshade.