Washi, or Japanese paper, has a long history stretching back almost 1400 years. For most of that time washi was a valuable commodity, inextricably linked with daily life in Japan. In recent years however, western style mass produced paper has become mainstream and washi has mostly slipped out of daily use. Some craftspeople keep the old skills alive however, and one upcoming artisan lives right here in Kagoshima.
This time we speak to our good friend Haraguchi Keiko, a young washi craftsperson who has created a name for herself through her designs for light fittings using traditional Japanese paper. We joined Haraguchi in her studio for a quick chat about how she was influenced by Danish architecture and design, how washi is made, and the soothing aesthetics of soft light cast through washi paper.
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Satsuma Washi Studio
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People of Kagoshima
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Produced by STORi STUDIOS
Alo Japan.