Moriki Paper, in cooperation with washi craftspersons and studios throughout Japan, has been devoted to supplying a wide variety of washi to more than 30 countries around the world since its establishment as a washi specialty business in 1925.

We know through documents which date from before the eighth century that washi can be preserved for more than 1000 years, and it is now being used in the preservation and restoration of materials, documents, and works of art in libraries and museums not just in Japan but around the world. Especially overseas, beginning in the time of Rembrandt in the 17th century, and later in the works of Picasso, Chagall, Dali, and other artists, washi has long been favored as an art medium, and these artists’ many artworks are even now preserved in their original state. Further, in more than just traditional uses such as shoji and fusuma, even now washi has a wide variety of applications in interiors, lighting, decoration, crafts, stationery, and more; washi is being used to create things which leave a lasting impression. The idea of preserving important things on washi – even today – is a way of thinking that we would like to spread around the world.

At the same time, washi has both warmth and yet also formality, and is a craft which expresses the unique aesthetic sense of the Japanese. Japan is the only country that makes a wide range of papers in various locations; papers of different thickness, texture, pattern, color, etc. The wonder of washi – borne from the distinct sensibilities of the Japanese – leads one to realize the greatness of Japan itself!

As for all traditional crafts, washi included, if the number of users does not increase, the industry itself will not be able to continue. It is therefore our mission to increase the understanding of the wonder and potential of washi – whose new uses can only be discovered by knowing the material deeply – and in this way increase the demand for washi in order to create an environment in which the washi makers can devote themselves wholeheartedly to their traditional craft work.

We take it as our obligation to visit each papermaking area directly, to fully understand washi’s characteristics and potential, and to correctly convey the knowledge we get direct from the papermakers to our customers. We will continue to do our best to supply the appropriate washi to meet the needs of each and every one of our customers.

Takao Moriki, President