Japanese Washi Paper: The World’s Thinnest Paper

Washi paper was once a necessity in the lives of the Japanese even to this day. They used this paper for just about anything creative that they can think of with the likes of writing on them and painting them on umbrellas, lampshades, and sliding doors. However, their demand today is not as high as it once was because of the changes in lifestyle among the Japanese. Also, the Japanese ways have been influenced heavily by the Westerners. Even so, the influence of cultures goes both ways. The Japanese have also helped spread the awareness of washi paper and the practice of using this thin paper among the Westerners. You'll want to know more about Japanese Washi paper today. 

Japanese washi paper has gained an Intangible Cultural Heritage status from UNESCO for its 1300 years of history. Unfortunately, Washi paper has gone through many challenges, especially when it comes to attracting new consumers. This scenario has led to the market value of washi paper dropping by over 50 percent in the previous two decades.

Fortunately, things are changing today and, in the future, when it comes to the use of washi paper. A small workshop in Japan has come up with the idea of creating washi paper for different purposes. With the knowledge that washi paper can be created to be used in many ways, people in Japan and from around the world will become more interested in it once again.

Japanese washi paper is considered the world's thinnest paper. This product has helped save historical documents at major libraries and museums from decaying. Some of these documents include those from Washington's Library of Congress, the British Museum in London, and the Louvre in Paris. Unlike Western paper, washi paper is both more durable and flexible. They don't disintegrate into small pieces once they get old, unlike most Western paper. You'll want to know more about How is Washi paper made. 

Traditional washi paper is handmade and manufactured from mulberry or Kozo plants. Both of these plants are rich in fibers that are longer than the materials used in creating paper from the West like cotton and wood. If you look at old Japanese books between the seventh and eighth centuries, you will observe that they remain in excellent condition. Thanks are due to the fibers from the Kozo or mulberry plants.

If you are wondering where to buy washi paper, you can get them from either washi paper distributors or washi paper suppliers. These suppliers are increasing in numbers from around the world owing to the popularity of washi paper. There are many uses to washi paper, often involving your creativity. This material is most commonly used in creating origami and writing calligraphy. Learn more about Japanese washi paper here: https://youtu.be/0mAc3UkCHqE