Tokushima ・Kochi Study Tour Report

As I mentioned in a recent blog, I am (CURRENTLY) the director of the ” Tokyo hyogu kyozi naiso bunka kyokai,” an association of mounting masters in Tokyo and other suburbs of the Kanto region.
My main responsibility is “planning study tour ・ operation”. After about 10 months of preparation, we were able to successfully implement the study tour. This time, we would like to report on the study tour.

■ Study Tour Overview

This study tour was a joint training by the Tokyo hyogu kyozi naiso bunka kyokai and the Tokyo Mounting Interior Design Vocational Training School, and lasted three days and two nights.
We visited places directly related to the work of mounting, such as Awa Washi and Tosa Washi papermaking factories, Awa indigo dyeing factory, paper industry technology center, and historical museum. However, it was a very stimulating and educational trip, as we were able to experience up close the work and sites that we are not able to come into contact with in our daily work.

■1st day (Tokushima)

Departed Haneda Airport for Tokushima Airport.
After lunch, the first stop was the Ai no Yakata (Indigo House). Through the historic mansion and museum, visitors learned about the depth of Japanese indigo dye culture.

Next, we went to the ” Awa Washi Traditional Industry Hall (Awagami Factory). The tour included a visit to the machine-made washi workshop and the ink-jet printer used to make washi. In the paper-making experience, participants colored the paper to create their own original washi. In addition, a wide variety of washi samples and sample books were provided as souvenirs, allowing visitors to experience the wide-ranging appeal of Awa washi.

■2nd day (Tokushima → Kochi)

In the morning, we experienced indigo dyeing at the Hon Aizome Yano Factory. I was impressed by the indigo color, which deepened with each dyeing process, using wax to prevent dyeing. I tried dyeing with a gradation in mind.

After lunch, we strolled through the streets of Udatsu, which flourished as a center of indigo production. After enjoying the historical townscape, we moved on to Kochi.

In the afternoon, we went to the Tosa Washi Craft Village. We heard directly from the papermakers, Mr. Hiromasa Hamada, Mr. Ryoji Tamura, ・ Mr. Hiroshi Tamura, and Mr. Kaiu Uchida, and learned about the characteristics of each paper and the thoughts that go into its production.
We also had the opportunity to hear from them at a reception in Kochi City in the evening, which was a very valuable time for us, as we were able to listen to their stories that we normally would not have been able to hear.

Day 113 (Kochi)

In the morning of the last day, we visited Katsurahama beach and Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum. these was the only sightseeing during this study tour (laugh).

The afternoon was finally the highlight of the training. We visited the Kochi Pre fectural Paper Industrial Technology Center, ・, Shikishi Paper Mills, and ・, Ino-cho Paper Museum.
At the Kochi Prefectural Paper Industrial Technology Center, we were able to observe valuable sites such as the analysis of washi fibers.
At Shikishi Paper Mills, we saw up close the production process of ultra-thin washi used for the restoration of cultural properties, and learned about the company’s policy of using 100% domestically produced raw materials. In addition, we were able to experience one step in the process of making washi: shaving the brown or black parts from the outer skin of a mulberry tree with a knife to make a beautiful white skin. The skin was removed with a special heguri knife. It was a tricky process, but it felt great to peel off the skin smoothly and successfully.

At the following “Ino-cho Paper Museum,” visitors could learn about the history of Tosa washi, the process of making washi, and even purchase paper from a variety of workshops.
There was so much to see and do that many visitors said, “I don’t have enough time! The exhibits were so extensive that many visitors said they did not have enough time to see them all. I myself purchased several pieces of Tosa noriwagucho-gami and others.

The three-day event was a great reminder of the importance of connecting directly with the production sites of paper and other crafts in the work of a mounting artist.

■Impressions

During this study tour, we visited the production areas of traditional Japanese crafts such as “washi” (Japanese paper) and “aizome” (indigo dyeing), and were able to experience firsthand their skills and enthusiasm.
Although I am usually in the position of using finished paper and rips, I think my awareness of mounting work has changed greatly by learning about the efforts and history of the craftspeople behind them.

Although I still have much to learn as a mounting craftsman, the three days I spent at the workshop reaffirmed in my mind the importance of being sincere in dealing with materials.
I will continue to devote myself to making the most of what I have learned in my daily work.