A 'Surprise' in Ogawa, the Town of Washi
February 23, 2026
Hello everyone. Recently, I visited the town of **Ogawa** in Saitama Prefecture, a place famous for its traditional **Washi** paper.
There is a learning center in the town where anyone can experience the craft of making paper by hand.
Phone: 0493-72-7262
Safety and Peace of Mind in Japan: A Cultural Surprise
When I parked my car and walked into the facility, I didn't see anyone at first. I thought it might be closed since it was Sunday, but I soon found the staff working diligently in the workshop at the back.
Having lived in Mexico, my "security radar" went off automatically. I was amazed to see vintage machinery and tools left completely unlocked and accessible, allowing anyone to walk in freely.
The Secret of Strength: Washi Business Cards
During my visit, they were crafting paper specifically for business cards. They explained that they blend fibers from the **Kozo** (mulberry) plant with standard paper pulp. This combination creates a unique paper that is durable enough for professional use while maintaining the beautiful texture of traditional Washi.
The Kozo fibers give it a natural, slightly yellowish tint.
Standard pulp used for regular paper.
This blending technique results in surprising durability. Can you spot the difference in texture from these photos? The one on the left is made of 100% washi.
Forged in the Winter Chill
It was late February, and the morning air in Ogawa, nestled among the mountains, was quite biting. Despite the cold, the artisans were working with their hands in icy water—a necessary condition for producing the highest quality Washi fibers.
The center still uses and maintains traditional tools from years ago. If you ever visit Japan, I highly recommend a trip to Ogawa to witness this living history.
One-of-a-Kind Colors
At another location, I found these vibrantly colored Washi papers. Since it's impossible to recreate the exact same pattern twice, every single sheet is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.
