Ecchu Washi is the collective name for handmade washi paper produced in three areas: 'Yatsuo Washi' in Yatsuo, Toyama City; 'Gokayama Washi' in Nanto City; and 'Hiruya Washi' in Asahi, Shimoniikawa District. It was designated a METI-designated Traditional Craft in 1984. Its history is ancient: the 'Zushoryoge,' compiled in 774 during the Nara period, records Ecchu (present-day Toyama Prefecture) as a papermaking region, and 'Ecchu-kuni-shi' (Ecchu Province paper) is also mentioned in documents preserved at the Shosoin Repository. Records in the Heian-period 'Engishiki' show that washi from Ecchu was paid as tax. In the Edo period, the second lord of Toyama Domain, Maeda Masatoshi, promoted the Toyama medicine trade, which sharply increased demand for Yatsuo Washi as material for medicine wrappers and kakebacho (customer ledgers used by traveling medicine peddlers). Made from kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, and ganpi fibers, all three areas share a durable, warm texture, while Yatsuo Washi is known for its vivid katazome stencil-dyeing technique and Gokayama Washi for combining strength and whiteness through methods such as yukisarashi (snow bleaching). Today it is widely used for everything from everyday items to interior goods and crafts.
Origin
The history of Ecchu Washi dates back to the Nara period. The 'Zushoryoge,' compiled in 774, records Ecchu Province as a papermaking region, and documents preserved at the Shosoin Repository also mention 'Ecchu-kuni-shi' (Ecchu Province paper). The Heian-period 'Engishiki' records that washi from Ecchu was paid as tax, showing that the region was known as a papermaking center since ancient times.
History
During the Genroku era (1688-1704) of the Edo period, the second lord of Toyama Domain, Maeda Masatoshi, promoted the Toyama medicine trade, expanding demand for Yatsuo Washi as material for medicine wrappers, kakebacho customer ledgers, and peddlers' bags. Meanwhile, Gokayama, then under Kaga Domain, and Hiruya mainly produced shoji paper. In 1984, the three production areas were collectively designated a METI-designated Traditional Craft under the name Ecchu Washi.
Features
A feature common to all Ecchu Washi is its durable, warm texture, made from kozo, mitsumata, and ganpi fibers; it is water-resistant and gains luster and softness with use. Yatsuo Washi uses a resist-paste 'katazome' stencil-dyeing technique to create vivid patterns, while Gokayama Washi is bleached through 'yukisarashi,' laying kozo fibers out on snow — each production area has its own distinct techniques and character.
Techniques
Katazome Stencil Dyeing (Yatsuo Washi)
A technique in which resist paste is applied to washi in a pattern, the paper is dyed with pigments or plant dyes, and the paste is then washed away. Because the dye penetrates deep into the paper fibers, the pattern remains beautiful even when the paper is folded.
Yukisarashi Snow Bleaching (Gokayama Washi)
A traditional technique in which kozo fibers are spread out on snow during the snowy season and naturally bleached by the combined action of sunlight and snow, bringing out the paper's whiteness without using any chemicals.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Processing raw materials
The bark of kozo and other trees is steamed and stripped, then boiled until soft while impurities are removed.
- 2
Removing debris
Dust and impure fibers are carefully removed by hand from the boiled raw material.
- 3
Beating the fibers (kokai)
The fibers are beaten to loosen them, making them easier to disperse evenly in water.
- 4
Papermaking (kamisuki)
The fibers are scooped up using a sukesu (a bamboo screen and frame) to form each sheet of paper one at a time.
- 5
Drying
The freshly made sheets are pasted onto drying boards or a drying machine to dry and finish.
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Artisans & Workshops
有限会社桂樹舎
A workshop in Yatsuo, Toyama City, that carries on the tradition of Yatsuo Washi today. It produces washi goods such as letter paper and small accessories, centered on katazome stencil-dyed washi developed in collaboration with the dyeing artist Serizawa Keisuke.
Official site →How to Buy
- 桂樹舎
- A workshop that manufactures and sells letter paper, notebooks, and small accessories made with katazome stencil-dyed washi. Items can also be purchased online.Where to buy →PR
- 高岡地域地場産業センターZIBAオンラインショップ
- The online shop of ZIBA, a facility that carries Ecchu Washi and other traditional crafts of Toyama.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
桂樹舎 紙漉き体験
富山県富山市八尾町鏡町668
An experience where visitors scatter katazome cut-paper pieces to make an A3-sized sheet of washi. The cost is 500 yen, it takes about 10 minutes, and the finished paper can be taken home the same day. Reservation required.
View details →FAQ
Q. What region does Ecchu Washi refer to?
A. It is the collective name for handmade washi from three production areas: Yatsuo Washi in Yatsuo, Toyama City; Gokayama Washi in Nanto City; and Hiruya Washi in Asahi, Shimoniikawa District. It was designated a METI-designated Traditional Craft in 1984.
Q. What is the difference between Yatsuo Washi and Gokayama Washi?
A. Yatsuo Washi is characterized by vivid patterns created through katazome stencil dyeing with resist paste, while Gokayama Washi is characterized by bleaching kozo fibers using techniques such as yukisarashi snow bleaching to bring out strength and whiteness.