High school students take on Tosa washi paper-making! Experiencing traditional techniques, they felt the warmth of paper.

The Day the High School Students Came to the Workshop

The other day, local high school students visited the Inoue Handmade Washi Paper Workshop (Tosa City) for a career experience program.

It was a day when our usually quiet workshop became just a little livelier.

The time spent with the students, who gathered with the desire to "try making washi paper" and "see the work of artisans,"

became a day full of insights for me as well.

1. Touching the Origin of Paper — A Day Beginning with the Craftsman's Explanation

First, we showed them the raw materials for washi paper, such as kozo bark, and the tools used for papermaking.

The sound of fibers being beaten, the sound of flowing water, the scent of the paper's raw materials.

Though a little nervous in this unfamiliar space,

the students handled each item with keen interest.

Students listening intently to the craftsman's explanation. Their serious expressions are striking.

2. Let's Try Paper Making! — The Challenges and Delights of Handcrafting

Next, the students tried their hand at actual paper-making under the guidance of artisans. Holding the paper-making frame, the moment they gently lifted it from the water's surface, white fibers spread before their eyes, forming a beautiful sheet.

"It's harder than I thought to make it uniformly smooth!" "The amount of pressure really changes the paper completely!" — such voices rose, creating a time filled with both smiles and serious concentration.

　　Students learning paper-making techniques alongside artisans. With careful hands, 　　　　　　　　　　　　they pour their hearts into each sheet.

3. Feel the warmth of handmade craftsmanship ― Japanese paper collage experience

In the afternoon, we challenged ourselves to create "chigiri-e" art using Japanese paper. Everyone chose their favorite colors and made Haruno High School's mascot, "Harunon." The finished pieces overflowed with each person's unique personality, warmth, and cuteness.

　　　　　Challenging myself to create works using handmade Japanese paper. The 　　　　　　　　　　　moment of intense concentration is dazzling.

4. Reflection and Realization — Lessons Learned from Paper Making

After the experience, the students discussed their individual impressions. Even those who seemed anxious at first, wondering "Can I do this well?", ended up smiling and saying things like "I want to try more" and "It's fun to make things with my own hands."

The act of papermaking itself is packed with important elements that textbooks cannot teach: concentration, meticulousness, and gratitude toward nature. Through the experience of creating a single sheet of paper, it seemed they sensed that "behind every creation lies human intention."

5. Connecting to the Future ― Preserving Culture Through Community and Youth

What struck me throughout this day was that it is the "unwavering gaze of the younger generation" that connects traditional crafts to the future. Activities to share the appeal of Tosa washi are never one-sided; through these encounters, we too gain new perspectives.

We'd be delighted if making washi became a way for them to discover their region. And if they ever visit this workshop again someday—let's make Tosa washi together then.