washiJuly 14, 2026

Inshu Washi

Inshu Washi (因州和紙) is a washi produced in the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture — the former Inaba Province — with documented origins dating to the first half of the 8th century. It was designated as a Traditional Craft Product by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1975, the first such designation for any washi in Japan.

History

Washi production in Inaba Province is among the oldest in Japan, with origins traceable to the first half of the 8th century (Nara period). The oldest surviving example is the Inaba no Kuni Miyake Keicho Dankan, a document from the Shosoin archive dated 721 (Yoro 5). This early specimen was evaluated as inferior on account of its poor color and uneven thickness. By 765 (Tempyo Jingo 1), washi produced in the province was made from kozo (paper mulberry). According to the Engishiki (967), Inaba Province presented 70 kin of washi to the imperial court, indicating its established role as a tribute product.

During the Sengoku period and into the early Edo period, Kamei Korenori, the first lord of Shikano Domain, opened Natsutomari Port in Aoya and exported Inshu Washi aboard vermilion-seal ships. The Kamei clan also implemented protective measures for kozo and ganpi, both key raw materials. Subsequently, the Tottori Domain, which governed all of Inaba, established a paper guild (kamiza) to regulate the supply and demand of washi. The oldest written record explicitly documenting papermaking in Saji Valley dates to the Kan'ei era (1623–1643).

Cultivation of mitsumata for ornamental purposes began in Saji Village around the Tenmei era (1780–1790). Because ganpi is difficult to cultivate artificially, mitsumata was adopted as an alternative raw material from the late Edo period, and it began to be used for papermaking in Saji Village around the Tempo era (1830–1840). During the Meiji period, washi made solely from mitsumata was sold nationwide under the product name Saji River Special Product Fudekirezu. In the Meiji period, the opening of the San'in Main Line near Aoya and the construction of a tunnel through the Nagaohana lava plateau caused large amounts of spring water to emerge, which was then channeled into papermaking in the Akaodan district. At the peak of production in the mid-Meiji period, more than 1,300 factories were in operation.

In the Taisho era, the total production volume of Western paper in Japan surpassed that of washi. During the Pacific War, kozo paper produced in Inaba was used as a raw material for balloon bombs. Under the education system established in 1947, only hard-tipped pens were taught in schools, reducing demand for calligraphy paper; brush calligraphy education was reinstated in the elementary school curriculum guidelines announced in 1958 and fully implemented from 1961. In the early Showa period, folk craft paper production influenced by Yanagi Muneyoshi began in Aoya-cho, and dyed paper using botanical dyeing was produced. From the mid-1950s to mid-1960s (Showa 30s), the Inshu Washi industry began producing gasenshi for calligraphy and crafts, along with craft paper.

Inshu Washi was certified as a Traditional Craft Product in 1975 (Showa 50), the first such designation for washi in all of Japan. In 1996 (Heisei 8), the papermaking soundscape of the production area was selected as one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes by the Environment Agency. In 2002, Inshu Washi (Inshu Gasenshi) was used for the wallpaper of the new Prime Minister's Official Residence.

Techniques & Production Process

Inshu Washi is produced primarily in the former Aoya-cho and former Saji-mura areas, now part of Tottori City. The principal raw materials historically include kozo (paper mulberry), ganpi, and mitsumata. Because ganpi is difficult to cultivate artificially, mitsumata became the predominant fiber in Saji, while kozo remained important in Aoya. The industry has also introduced partly mechanized machine-papermaking methods and adopted pulp as a partial raw material as part of modernization reforms.

One characteristic technique is nagashi-zuki (flow papermaking), in which mitsumata fibers dissolved in water are lifted on a screen mould. The distinctive "chap-pon, chap-pon" sound produced during this process is the specific soundscape that was selected for Japan's 100 Soundscapes in 1996. Contemporary research is also being conducted on the manufacture of tires for space exploration vehicles using Inshu Washi's lightweight and durable three-dimensional papermaking technique.

How to Identify Inshu Washi

The most recognized variety, Inshu Fudekirezu — a hanshi-format paper made solely from mitsumata — is characterized by smooth brush movement, non-fading ink, and long-lasting quality, making it particularly suited to calligraphy and ink painting. The 721 Inaba washi in the Shosoin was noted for poor color and uneven thickness, reflecting the quality standard against which later production was measured. The "chap-pon, chap-pon" sound of the nagashi-zuki process is a recognized auditory feature of the production environment, acknowledged by its selection for Japan's 100 Soundscapes. Among the designations that distinguish the craft, "Inshu Saji Mitsumata Paper" and "Inshu Aoya Kozo Paper" are recognized as Intangible Cultural Properties of Tottori Prefecture, reflecting distinct fiber-based traditions within the broader Inshu Washi category.

The Craft Today

Inshu Washi currently accounts for 60 to 70 percent of Japan's total production of gasenshi (calligraphy and ink painting paper), making it the largest producer in the country for that category. However, the number of active producers in Aoya has declined sharply from the peak of more than 1,300 factories in the mid-Meiji period; only 20 to 30 producers remain in Aoya today. The production areas — the former Aoya-cho and former Saji-mura — are both incorporated into Tottori City. "Inshu Saji Mitsumata Paper" and "Inshu Aoya Kozo Paper" hold designation as Intangible Cultural Properties of Tottori Prefecture, and the papermaking soundscape of the production area was selected as one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes in 1996. Research into new industrial applications, including three-dimensional papermaking techniques for space exploration vehicle components, represents one avenue of contemporary development for the craft. Inshu Washi can be viewed at Aoyama Square (伝統工芸青山スクエア), operated by the General Foundation for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, located at 8-1-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Inshu" refer to in Inshu Washi?

"Inshu" is the historical name for Inaba Province, which corresponds to the eastern part of present-day Tottori Prefecture. The craft takes its name from this former province.

When was Inshu Washi first designated as a Traditional Craft Product?

Inshu Washi was certified as a Traditional Craft Product in 1975 (Showa 50), and it was the first washi in Japan to receive this designation from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

What are the primary raw materials used in Inshu Washi?

The main raw materials are kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, and ganpi. Because ganpi is difficult to cultivate artificially, mitsumata was adopted as an alternative raw material from the late Edo period. The industry has also incorporated pulp as a partial raw material as part of modernization.

What share of Japan's calligraphy paper does Inshu Washi produce?

Inshu Washi accounts for 60 to 70 percent of Japan's total production of gasenshi (calligraphy and ink painting paper), making it the largest domestic producer in that category.

How has the number of producers changed over time?

At the peak of production in the mid-Meiji period, more than 1,300 factories were in operation in the Aoya area. Currently, only 20 to 30 producers remain in Aoya, reflecting a significant long-term decline in the number of active workshops.