Washi Paper Making Workshop

Japan House is pleased to host an washi (Japanese paper) workshop featuring Fukushima artist Shinya Terasawa as part of the Kogei: Traditional Arts and Crafts project. Guests will learn about the washi craft process and history, then they can learn to make a postcard from pulp to take home!
From the late 17th century during the Edo period, Fukushima Prefecture, like many other regions of Japan, actively protected and promoted industries to increase cash income. One of the major industries at that time was handmade washi production, particularly Kamikawasaki Washi, which continues today as a traditional craft. The Kamikawasaki district of Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, was the largest producer of washi in the region, especially shōji paper (paper used for traditional sliding doors). The craftsmanship of Kamikawasaki Washi has been recognized as a Fukushima Prefecture-designated Important Intangible Cultural Property (craft technique). Today, it is carefully preserved and passed down by the local community, with the Washi Denshokan (Traditional Paper Heritage Museum) in Nihonmatsu City serving as a central hub for its preservation.

Reservations are required, no walk-ins or observers will be allowed due to limited space inside and the hands-on nature of the workshop. Guests will be provided with all supplies but are asked to wear clothing that they don't mind getting wet.

*Please feel free to bring a small leaf or flattened flower that you would like to embed in your postcard. :)

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Shinya Terasawa is a washi paper craftsman based in the Kamikawasaki Washi (Traditional Japanese Paper) Folklore Museum. The Kamikawasaki area of Nihonmatsu City is a production area of handmade washi paper with a history of about 1,000 years, and this facility was built in 2001 with the aim of passing on and preserving Kamikawasaki washi paper. He operates the workshop within the museum where visitors such as tourists and students can observe the washi paper-making process and experience making washi paper. In 2021, he launched a project called Washito, dedicated to the promotion of Kamikawasaki washi.

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Kogei ​(工芸)​ translates to traditional arts and crafts. ​​Arts and crafts include disciplines such as ceramics, textiles, woodworking, lacquerware, papermaking, and other means of artistic expression that involve considerable understanding of traditional methods and techniques. Artisans hone their skills to create objects that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Kogei artists and their produced objects are valued for their rich history that reflect intangible cultural heritage spanning hundreds of years, as techniques and processes are passed down from generation to generation. A category of kogei is mingei​, (民芸), which translates to “folk crafts,” and is formed from ​minshu ​(民衆), meaning common people, and ​kogei ​(工芸). Art critic and philosopher Soetsu Yanagi created this term and the ​mingei movement in the 1920/30s to distinguish the value of everyday items made for ordinary use for the common person.

The Kogei exhibition and programming are supported by the Japan Foundation New York through the U.S.-Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program. Japan House is proud to highlight the traditional arts and crafts of Fukushima and feature the stories of Fukushima. This program is also partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Japan House is located in the Arboretum at the University of Illinois at 2000 S. Lincoln Avenue between Kirby/Florida and Windsor Road. Parking is available in the lot to the north of Japan House (F-31 at St. Mary's Road and Lincoln) and to the south of Japan House (F-32 on Lincoln across from the Vet Med complex). Spaces are marked with a placard and must be paid with Mobile Meter (https://mobilemeter.us/) or Park Mobile (https://parkmobile.io/ ) phone apps, or by calling 217-207-3033. Parking is free on the weekends and after 5pm on weekdays!

There are bike racks near both parking lots. The MTD Raven and Silver comes near Japan House on Lincoln Ave but buses also service PAR/FAR and you may walk from there to Japan House.

The front door is located on the north side of the building.

Questions about accommodations or accessibility?

Please email japanhouse@illinois.edu if you have any questions.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Yes, ticket transfers are possible with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice and if there is space in the new time requested. Please contact japanhouse@illinois.edu if you have any questions.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You do not have to bring your ticket. We will just need your name to check in.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

The purchaser of the ticket can go to "My Tickets" and change the name to whomever will be attending.

What is the refund policy?

Your registration is refundable if you contact us at japanhouse@illinois.edu at least 72 hours before the date of the event. Due to the preparation required for supplies, we unfortunately do not allow for refunds after the refund deadline. We hope that you can consider the fee as a donation to support the programming instead.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

The hariko workshop does not require any arts and craft experience but please note that participants should be comfortable with getting a little messy since there is painting. All are welcome to register but younger guests must be in attendance with a responsible adult guardian at all times. Accompanying adult(s) must also register with a ticket.

What is Tomonokai? How can I support Japan House?

Tomonokai are "Friends of Japan House." The Tomonokai program was established in 1998 with a goal of supporting Japan House programming and events and promoting an understanding of Japanese Arts and Culture. This tax deductible membership entitles you to special member benefits including discounts on events and merchandise, and vouchers for private tea ceremonies.

Japan House is non-profit and fully relies upon the generosity and kindness of supporters to continue to provide our campus and community vibrant programming that is immersive, engaging, and most importantly, that celebrates diversity! Consider becoming Tomonokai, or Friend of Japan House, or support by clicking here.