"CRAFT TOURISM ECHIZEN"　Challenge the possibilities of Japanese paper and open up the future of Echizen Japanese paper

2023.04.19

Challenging the possibilities of washi and opening up the future of Echizen washi

Challenging the possibilities of washi and opening up the future of Echizen washi

The "now" of Echizen washi spreads out in the storehouse built in the Taisho period. Large Japanese paper, lacquered Japanese paper that looks like leather, business cards made of Japanese paper that can be torn off and handed over... Sugihara Shoten's gallery-cum-store "Washiya" has a creative world beyond imagination.

"It's the result of the craftsmen's spirit of challenge. Compared to other production areas, Imadate has stronger ties between craftsmen and wholesalers, and I think it's important that they work together."

That's what Yoshinao Sugihara says. He is the 10th generation head of the store, which has been in the wholesale business since 1871 (Meiji 4).

Since the shogunate and feudal lords' protection disappeared, craftsmen have pursued unique paper making, and wholesalers have cultivated a place where their skills can be put to use.

Echizen washi is diversifying from traditional washi, such as the Dajokan bill, the first banknote issued by the Meiji government, washi paper for paintings that attracts first-class painters, and interior materials that color modern architecture. It is a walk of challenges that have been opened up.

In this context, Mr. Sugihara promoted Echizen washi as a material that expresses the spirit and traditional beauty of Japan, and through the creation of his own unique products, has gained recognition in the fields of architecture and art.

“I make products based on what I want, so I think it’s interesting that I’ve absorbed it, and that’s what gives me strength as a wholesaler.”

Mr. Sugihara says, "It was the result of meekly implementing the hints I got from meeting people." Now, overcoming the unwritten rule that wholesalers don't show up, what Sugihara Shoten handles has become a brand.

In the process of expanding the market to Paris, London, and New York, Mr. Sugihara says that seeing Japan from the other side of the ocean strongly reaffirmed the wonders of Echizen washi. This makes us believe that "Echizen is the world's best washi production area," and it is a driving force that stimulates the craftsmen's creative motivation by working even more vigorously to develop new fields and create products.

“Because it is the wholesaler’s job to support an environment in which craftsmen can devote themselves to creation.”

http://washiya.com/