A paper made in solely in Japan, washi is used in a variety of projects from toys to traditional arts. Washi is even used commonly to cover the caddies used to store tea, though matcha green tea is traditionally stored in a wooden caddy. Washi is usually made from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumada shrub, or the paper mulberry. It has also been known to be made from bamboo, hemp, rice, or wheat. The process for making washi came from the Chinese method of making paper and is considered to be tougher than wood-pulp based paper.
Traditionally, the washi paper-making process is different from making normal paper in that it requires little to no chemicals. The making of japanese washi was done during the winter as a way for farmers to supplement their income. Another reason for making washi during the winter is the presence of cold running water at hand. Cold water is known for preventing the spread of bacteria, which can wear away the fibers in the paper. The cold also makes the fibers contract and adds a crisp feeling to the paper.
There are two main forms of washi paper making processes: Nagashi-zuki and tame-zuki. Nagashi-zuki creates a thinner washi paper while tame-zuki creates a thicker washi paper.
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