The Paper that Ended the War

Jan 20, 2025

「EP.04」白石和紙

SHIROISHI WASHI
Miyagi Prefecture

「transcript」

In 1945, as Japan signed the surrender that marked the end of World War II, printed on Shiroishi Washi. One official famously said, “They say Washi paper lasts 1,000 years, so let this treaty last 1,000 years as well.”

Unlike ordinary paper that is made out of wood chips, Washi is crafted from tree bark that has long, interlocking fibers, and this unique structure makes Washi so durable that it’s said to last over 1,000 years.

Out of all the washi papers, Shiroishi Washi from Miyagi prefecture **stands out. Its legacy dates back to the Edo period, when Lord Date Masamune encouraged the cultivation of kōzo trees, a key material for washi. This initiative led to Shiroishi becoming a renowned hub for washi production, for its exceptional quality and high output, that it was often presented to the shogunate and Imperial Court, becoming the go-to choice for official documents.

Shiroishi Washi isn’t just strong, it’s versatile. It can be stripped into smaller pieces and weaved into a fabric, and if you pair it with paste made out of konjac powder, and applied to washi paper it strengthens further to create Shiroishi Kamiko, which allows it to be dyed and printed for everyday items like wallets, book covers, and even full-sized handbags. Once this strengthened paper is softened again through kneading, becomes a beautiful white fabric, with insulating properties, that made it an ideal material for clothing in the cold regions of Tohoku. This has even caught the attention ISSEY MIYAKE, creating a range inspired by this beautiful craft.

Unfortunately, there are no longer any legitimate craftsmen making Shiroishi washi today or any of the fabrics. However, a local citizen group called Kurafuto has inherited the techniques and continues its production. However, Shiroishi Kamiko still remains with two workshops in Shiroishi still producing smaller accessories to last a further thousand years and more.

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