Ozu Washi is a shop that sells traditional Japanese paper in Tokyo. This is not just any store, besides selling all kinds of different high-quality products based around traditional paper, they also have workshops, a museum, Shoran exhibition and an art gallery. They have been around since 1653, and their location has never changed. Our team got the chance to take a look at this special place and experience everything Ozu Washi has to offer and loved it! Today, we’re interviewing Nao Tanaka, a representative of their company, so that they can tell us more about their fascinating store and all the other things they have to offer.
The store: Picture by Ozu Washi
Hello Tanaka-san! First of all, could you tell us a little about yourself and what your role is within Ozu Washi?
Ozu Washi was founded in 1653 and has been in business for 370 years this year. Initially, it was a paper wholesaler of handmade Japanese paper.
I oversee the handmade Japanese paper experience workshop located within the store. My role involves explaining to customers how our handmade paper is made. I share the allure of washi and support its application in art projects.
Japanese paper: Picture by Ozu Washi
Can you give an overview of what Ozu Washi is about, including its mission, history, and how it started 370 years ago?
We aim to inherit and pass on the traditional culture of Japanese paper handed down in Japan for a long time. We strive daily to make more people aware of the charm of Japanese paper and work toward this goal.
Japanese paper: Picture by Ozu Washi
Can you tell us about the history of Japanese traditional paper?
The world’s oldest known paper is believed to be hemp paper, featuring a map discovered in Houba-tan, China, dating back around 179 BC. Scholars estimate it was produced between 179 BC and 142 BC. Paper manufacturing was established in approximately 105 AD by a Chinese official named Cai Lun. Japan acquired knowledge of papermaking around 610 AD from a monk named Doncho from the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo. Over time, advancements were made to the raw materials and manufacturing techniques, creating Japan’s distinct washi paper.
Ozu Washi: Picture by Ozu Washi
Ozu Washi has been around for a long time, can you take us through the challenges Ozu Washi has faced over the years?
One hundred years ago, Tokyo was struck by a colossal earthquake called the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. The buildings of Ozu Washi collapsed because of the fire and earthquake. The Great Depression followed, and Ozu Washi experienced many challenges. However, due to the dedicated efforts of its workers, it has become what it is now.
Experience studio: Picture by Ozu Washi
Ozu Washi also provides workshops and has an experience studio, can you tell us more about this?
At our workshop, we provide opportunities to experience making Japanese paper firsthand and witness the process through demonstrations. You can bring home the completed paper on the same day.
Ozu Cultural Classes offers classes in different types of art, including calligraphy and sumi-ink painting. While many classes are for extended periods, some teachers provide short 2-hour experience courses, some catering to English-speaking participants.
Shoran exhibition: Picture by Ozu Washi
Can you tell us about the Ozu Washi Shoran exhibition?
In this section, we feature artisans who make Japanese paper by hand from different areas in Japan. We sell and display Japanese paper. Additionally, we exhibit Japanese paintings and artwork created using washi to introduce the new realm of Japanese paper.
Experience studio: Picture by Ozu Washi
How do you see the future of Ozu Washi?
In Japan, washi was a daily necessity used for many purposes, including shoji (paper screens) and fusuma (sliding doors). Nowadays, we no longer have as many chances as possible to use washi because our lifestyle is changing, and this will keep happening more and more.
At Ozu Washi, we will keep trying to make washi easier for more people to use and work with in the future.
We would like to thank Ozu Washi for this exclusive interview and their incredible insight into the world of traditional Japanese paper! Whenever you are in the area you should make sure to take a look at this fascinating shop!
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