tourism

The Nao Washi craft began hundreds of years ago when the village chief at the time, Yoshisuke Nodomi, learned papermaking techniques in Chikugo Mizoguchi-mura (modern-day Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture) from the founder of Kyushu’s paper industry, Shonin Nichigen, and brought this knowledge back to Nao. The region is naturally rich in the materials indispensable to washi-making: clear water and kaji mulberry. The long fibers of the kaji tree give Nao Washi its unique thinness and strength, characteristics that lend to its use in shoji screens, fusuma sliding doors, and paper lanterns. The kaji mulberry’s long fibers also allow for various materials to be infused into the paper itself, creating the potential for a diversity of creative expressions.

Though there were more than 100 washi workshops in Saga Prefecture’s Nao region during the early 20th century, Nao Tesuki Washi is the only one that remains. The entire process of papermaking happens here, beginning with the cultivation of the kaji mulberry trees used to make paper pulp. Due to its thinness and durability, Nao Washi is used for restoring items of cultural importance across Japan, such as parade floats of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Karatsu Kunchi Festival, lanterns used in the Hakata Yamakasa Festival, and sacred objects of the Yutoku Inari Shrine.

Nao Tesuki Washi collects almost all of its raw materials from the surrounding mountain village. The area is also rich in spring water essential for washi production. Walk through the tranquil mountain village of Nao with a washi craftsperson, and head to the mulberry fields behind the workshop. Along the way, collect plants and flowers to infuse into the washi you will make later. After taking a close look at kaji, the same raw material used to make paper at Nao Tesuki Washi, head back to the workshop to learn about the process that turns the tree into paper.

After mixing finely-separated kaji fibers and a viscous liquid made from the sunset hibiscus plant (tororoaoi) in a large tub filled with well water, create washi with a 970 x 670 mm wood-framed papermaking tray. This is unique experience in which you will be able to use the same tools as craftspeople do, rather than smaller versions often used in more basic papermaking experiences. With the help of a system of bamboo springs that hang from the ceiling, move the papermaking tray back and forth, and side to side. Arrange the flowers and plants you’ve gathered onto the washi, and brush the finished washi onto a steam boiler for drying. You’ll be able to take home the finished washi right away.