Make traditional Tosa washi paper using a recycling technique

【STORY】

After arriving at Tosawashi Inoue Tesuki Kobo, you will be welcomed by Mrs Inoue, the current 4th generation washi maker and will have a tour of the atelier where handmade high quality paper is produced using traditional techniques.
Mrs Inoue will explain about the history and characteristics of Tosa washi and will show you the raw material kozo (paper mulberry), the bark of which is used for making Japanese paper. 

The experience will continue with a demonstration of almost all steps in washi paper making – something that is rare to see in most other washi studios.
Mrs Inoue will show you how kozo bark is boiled, cleaned off the impurities, and beaten with a stick.
You will also see how the gluing paste is made of the roots of tororoaoi (sunset hibiscus). Finally, you’ll try your hands at beating old washi paper and dissolving it in water to produce new paper art: either a colorful kakejiku hanging scroll, a paper lamp shade or a paper bag.
Local tea and sweets served at the end will wrap up the experience.
Using sustainable methods such as recycling and natural ingredients from Kochi’s terroir, you will understand the value behind Tosa washi paper and the importance of preserving this craft for the next generations.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Learn about traditional ways of making Tosa washi paper in a washi studio with over 120 years of history.
• See almost all steps of making washi paper presented in details by a 4th generation craftsperson.
• Try your hands at making new washi paper from recycling Tosa washi.
• Choose between making a colorful kakejiku hanging scroll, a paper lamp shade or a paper bag.
• Enjoy the quiet rural area near one of Japan’s clearest water basins: Niyodo River.

【SCHEDULE】

Choose from two start times, 10:00 or 14:00.

[10:00 / 14:00] Arrive at Tosawashi Inoue Tesuki Kobo.Explanation about Tosa Washi and its making
[10:10 / 14:10] Demonstration of washi-making techniques
[10:30 / 14:30] Recycling paper and creating new washi
[11:10 / 15:10] Tea break with local tea and sweets　
[11/20 / 15:25] Making kakejiku scroll, lamp shade or paper bag from the dried washi
[12:00 / 16:00] End

・If you like to be picked up, please tell us in advance. In this case you will be asked to arrive at JR Ino Station 30 minutes before the start of the activity (9:30 or 13:30)
　Please indicate your request in the "Request" box on the reservation form.

・You will choose between 3 washi products to make: kakejiku hanging scroll, a lamp shade or a paper bag.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Tosawashi Inoue Tesuki Kobo　[MAP]
  2776 Otsu, Takaoka-cho, Tosa-shi, Kochi, 781-1102
  
• Access：
  ・By train: 15 minutes by car from Ino Station on the JR Dosan Line
  ・By car: Immediately after exiting Kochi Expressway Tosa IC
• Language support：Japanese, English（optional）
• Included：
  ・Guide fee
  ・Activity fee
  ・Tea and snack
  ・Apron
• Clothes：We will give you an apron, but please note that your clothes might get a little wet. 
• Free WI-FI： No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style) 
• Other things to note：
  In this activity you will use a beating stick.
  Please carefully follow the safety instructions provided by the host.
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100% 

※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.