Echizen Washi facts for kids

Echizen washi (越前和紙) is a special kind of Japanese paper. It's made in a place called Echizen, in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Echizen washi is known as the best in Japan. It's top quality, comes in many types, and lots of it is made here.

There are many kinds of Echizen washi. Two very important types are Echizen Hoshoshi and Echizen Torinokogami. These have been named important cultural treasures of Japan. This amazing paper is made from natural materials. The main ones are Kozo, Mitsumata, and Gampi plants. Sometimes, hemp and wood pulp are also used.

The Long History of Echizen Washi

Echizen washi has a very long history. It's been made for about 1,500 years! Old documents from the 4th and 5th centuries show that Echizen washi existed even back then. Some people think it was made even earlier.

In the beginning, Echizen washi was used for writing Buddhist scriptures, called sutras. Later, around 1341, a type called “Echizen-hosho” became popular. It was used for important official papers by powerful people. The paper-making grew with help from the government and local leaders.

In 1661, the first Japanese paper money, called “hansatsu”, was printed in Fukui Prefecture. It was made in the Echizen washi areas. Later, in 1868, the first official Japanese banknotes, "Dajokansatsu", were also made here. The government chose Echizen washi because it was the best quality paper in Japan.

Echizen: The Birthplace of Paper Money

During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Fukui area started making its own paper money. This money could be used for buying and selling things only in that area. It was one of the first places in Japan to use paper money.

Later, in the Meiji era (1868-1912), paper from Goka, which is Echizen washi, was used for the government's banknotes. Even though today's Japanese yen banknotes are not printed on Goka paper, the paper made here was the start of modern Japanese money.

The Legend of Kawakami Gozen

There is a special story about how Echizen Washi began. Long ago, a mysterious woman appeared near the river in Goka. She told the villagers that their mountains were not good for farming. But she said they could use the clean river water to make paper.

She taught them how to make paper. The villagers were very thankful. They asked her name, but she only said, "I live upstream on the Okamoto River." Then she disappeared. The villagers called her Kawakami Gozen, meaning "the lady of the upper reaches." They built the Okamoto shrine for her. She is now known as the goddess of paper-making.

Where Echizen Washi is Made

The Goka area is where Echizen washi is produced. It includes five villages: Oizu, Otaki, Iwamoto, Shinzaike, and Sadatomo. Paper making has been happening in this area for a very long time, since the 6th century, and it continues today.

Places to Visit and Learn About Washi

Echizen Washi Village

The Echizen Washi Village is a great place to learn about this special paper. It has several interesting spots:

• Udatsu Museum and Workshop: Here, you can watch skilled artisans making Echizen washi. They use old tools and traditional methods.
• Paper & Culture Museum: This museum explains the history of Echizen washi. You can learn how it's made and see many examples of how it's used.
• Papyrus House: At Papyrus House, visitors can try making their own Japanese paper. It's a fun way to create something unique!

• Echizen Kamisuki Uta (Echizen Paper Making Song)

Images for kids

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  A beautiful sheet of Echizen washi paper.

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  Natural materials used to make washi.

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  More natural plant fibers for paper making.