washiJuly 19, 2026

Sekishu Washi

Sekishu Washi (石州和紙) is a washi produced in the Iwami region in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, manufactured mainly in Misumi-cho, Hamada City. The tradition was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1969 and as a Traditional Craft Product by METI in 1989. In 2009, Sekishu Washi (Sekishu Hanshi) was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

History

According to local tradition, the poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro is said to have taught papermaking techniques to the people of Iwami Province during the Keiun and Wado eras, approximately 704–715 CE. Documentary evidence of the region's paper production appears in the Engishiki, compiled in 927 CE, which lists Iwami Province among 42 paper-producing provinces in Japan.

During the Kamakura period, the Yoshimi clan and Masuda clan, who divided Iwami Province between them, actively promoted paper production within their respective territories and distributed the paper to central regions. The craft continued to develop through the Edo period, when the Tsuwano and Hamada domains implemented strict paper monopoly systems. Standards for materials and sizes were also established during the Edo period, which dramatically improved productivity. By 1894 (Meiji 27), the number of washi-producing households in the region had reached 6,377.

Washi production declined rapidly during and after World War II. In response, the Sekishu Washi Cooperative Association was established to preserve the traditional techniques passed down through generations. The craft also developed international connections: in the early 1980s, Bhutan lacked high-quality paper and relied heavily on imports. In 1986, Misumi-cho (now Hamada City) accepted technical trainees from Bhutan and gifted equipment for hand papermaking to the country.

Techniques & Production Process

The primary raw materials used in Sekishu Washi are kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, and ganpi — three plant fibers traditional to Japanese Washi Paper production. Tororo-aoi (sunset hibiscus) serves as an auxiliary material, functioning as a formation aid that helps distribute fibers evenly during the sheet-forming process. These materials and their careful preparation are central to achieving the paper's characteristic durability and texture.

How to Identify Sekishu Washi

Sekishu Washi is characterized by being strong yet soft to the touch. This combination of physical resilience and tactile suppleness distinguishes it from many other regional washi varieties and has historically made it well suited for use as shoji (sliding door) paper, among other applications.

The Craft Today

Sekishu Washi is currently produced by 4 workshops, all located mainly in Misumi-cho, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. Despite the sharp contraction from the peak of 6,377 producing households recorded in 1894, the craft retains its multiple national and international designations. Contemporary applications of Sekishu Washi include cultural property restoration, calligraphy, award certificates, and the production of Iwami Kagura masks and snake bodies. The paper has also been adopted for lamp shades in JR West's luxury sightseeing train, the TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze. Regional washi traditions from neighboring prefectures — such as Inshu Washi from Tottori — share comparable production environments along the San'in coast. Other notable Japanese handmade papers include Echizen Washi from Fukui, Tosa Washi from Kochi, Mino Washi from Gifu, Nishinouchi Washi from Ibaraki, Ogawa Washi from Saitama, Uchiyama Gami from Nagano, Awa Washi from Tokushima, Ozu Washi from Ehime, and Yamakawa Washi from Fukuoka.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sekishu Washi produced?

Sekishu Washi is produced in the Iwami region in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, with current production centered in Misumi-cho, Hamada City.

What designations does Sekishu Washi hold?

Sekishu Washi has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property (1969) and as a Traditional Craft Product (1989). In 2009, Sekishu Washi (Sekishu Hanshi) was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

What raw materials are used to make Sekishu Washi?

The main raw materials are kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, and ganpi. Tororo-aoi (sunset hibiscus) is used as an auxiliary material during the papermaking process.

What is Sekishu Washi used for today?

Current applications include cultural property restoration, calligraphy, award certificates, and the production of Iwami Kagura masks and snake bodies. It has also been used for lamp shades in JR West's TWILIGHT EXPRESS Mizukaze luxury sightseeing train.