The intersection of Japanese "traditions"

Awa washi paper

A collaboration between Awagami Factory in Yoshinogawa, Tokushima Prefecture and Pig Leather in Sumida, Tokyo. Awa Washi paper boasts a long history and is loved by many people for its water-resistant and tear-resistant properties, as well as its beautiful and unique texture. It is a traditional Japanese craft that has been passed down since the Nara period 1,300 years ago in Tokushima, Shikoku, and has been passed down to the present day. A new leather has been born that combines the traditions of Awa Washi paper and 100% domestically produced Tokyo pig leather.

Awagami Factory boasts 1,300 years of history

"Awagami Factory" is the general name for the Awa Washi brand, which has a history of 1,300 years.
We are not only protecting and passing on the traditional culture of washi paper, but also creating new materials, and are freeing washi paper from the world of "tradition," developing various techniques and researching materials. We listen to our users' voices and aim to be a new base for spreading washi culture that can be fully utilized in modern living spaces and for the next generation.

Naturally growing paper mulberry and abundant water

Important conditions for producing washi paper are an abundance of clean water and that the plants used as raw materials grow in abundance in nearby mountains and fields and are easy to harvest.
The Awagami Factory is located in Yamakawa-cho, Yoshinogawa City, Tokushima Prefecture, which is an ideal location for these conditions. The water used is underground water from the Kawada River that runs through the town, and the raw materials, such as paper mulberry and neri plants, grow naturally in the nearby Kotsuzan mountain range.
It is said that the name Takakoshiyama is a pronunciation variation of "kozo," but in addition to the fact that the raw material grows naturally there, there are many place names that are derived from papermaking, which shows that papermaking has been thriving here since ancient times.

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A fusion of different materials: Tokushima Awa Washi paper and Tokyo pig leather

A fusion of different materials. Is it washi paper or leather?
A new material has been born that combines the traditions of Awa Washi paper, a traditional Japanese craft that has been made in Tokushima, Shikoku for 1,300 years, with 100% domestically produced Tokyo pig leather.
Awa washi paper, Asa Rakusui-shi, is made by filtering hemp fibers and using water droplets to create a lace-like texture.
The washi paper is then bonded to 100% domestic pig leather at a leather processing factory in Japan.
The traditional look of washi paper and the strength of domestically produced leather express Japan.

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