Yūkyū Paper

The village of Gokayama in Toyama prefecture is famous for its steep thatch-roofed houses known as gassho-tsukuri. In this historical village they have been making a type of Etchū paper for more than 1200 years using methods passed down through the generations. From the preparation of the paper mulberry (kōzo) fibers to the molding of each sheet of paper, they have kept their ancient techniques, producing superior quality Japanese paper known as Yūkyū washi.

From the care of the mulberry fields in spring, to the summer mowing, to the autumn harvest, to the stripping of the mulberry bark in winter and bleaching it in the snow (yuki zarashi), all is done by hand in the traditional way with minimal use of chemicals. Pure mulberry paper made this way has both grace and strength. Even after a thousand years neither this kind of paper nor the ink written on it have changed color. For this reason, since 1949 yūkyū paper has been used to repair Kasura Imperial Villa and to conserve documents designated as Important Cultural Properties. 

By reaping time in November, the mulberry bushes will have grown as high as three to four meters, and once the cold sets in and the leaves have almost all fallen, it is time to harvest. 

When snow begins to fall, the black bark (kurokawa), or outermost bark is scraped or peeled off by hand, leaving only the inner bast fibers.

The prepared mulberry fibers are then set in a cauldron with soda ash and stirred while boiling. After two to three hours, the boiled mulberry fibers are then moved to a water tank to wash off the lye with running water.

The clumped fibers are broken down into individual strands and any remaining dust and debris are completely removed. Next the fibers are strengthened by beating. This completes the preparation of the raw material. 

The beaten mulberry fibers are stirred into a vat filled with water and a viscous extract taken from the aibika plant (tororoaoi, also hibiscus manihot). The paper sheets are formed one by one by scooping up the fibers on a screen set into a deckle (frame). 

A variety of products are made from yūkyū paper such as gift envelopes, place mats, and accessories. 

At the Higashinakae Japanese Paper Processing Production Union they are accepting internships to experience the handmade Japanese paper manufacturing process. This program was created in hopes of continuing this historic Japanese paper production and of supporting those who come to the internship.