OZU WASHI
Meticulously handcrafted by artisans using the traditional Nagashi-zuki technique.
Ozu Washi - thin, resistant, and exquisitely beautiful.
"Ozu Washi," handcrafted Japanese paper from Ozu City and Uchiko Town in Ehime Prefecture, is a traditional craft with over 1,000 years of history, designated as one of Japan's National Traditional Crafts in 1977. Washi manufacturing has thrived in the region since the Heian period, with the distinct form of "Ozu Washi" established in the mid-Edo period. Ozu Washi is crafted primarily from plants such as Kozo (paper mulberry), Mitsumata (paper bush), and Gampi (paper mulberry), creating paper that is both thin and exceptionally resistant to ink smudging.
For this reason, Ozu Washi is crafted into a variety of products, including calligraphy paper, shoji sliding door screens, kite paper, and colored Japanese paper, and is particularly valued in quality as calligraphy paper. The traditional techniques of blending raw materials, glue, and water in a Sukifune (boat-shaped papermaking tank) and forming the paper with a deckle-equipped sudare have been passed down through generations, preserving the craftsmanship to this day. Its unique texture can only be created through meticulous handmade craftsmanship.
For this reason, Ozu Washi is crafted into a variety of products, including calligraphy paper, shoji sliding door screens, kite paper, and colored Japanese paper, and is particularly valued in quality as calligraphy paper. The traditional techniques of blending raw materials, glue, and water in a Sukifune (boat-shaped papermaking tank) and forming the paper with a deckle-equipped sudare have been passed down through generations, preserving the craftsmanship to this day. Its unique texture can only be created through meticulous handmade craftsmanship.
- Fusion with Traditional European "Gilding" Technique
- Hiroyuki Saito, representative of Ikazaki Shachu Inc., has been a pivotal figure in revitalizing interest in Ozu Washi, a craft that proudly boasts a history of over 1,000 years. Ozu Washi gained global recognition around 2018, not just as paper, but as an art form. When Mr. Saito visited Paris, he met Gabor Ulveczki, a designer renowned for his gilding wallpaper using metallic foil, and was deeply impressed by his gilding technique. He saw the potential in combining this technique with Ozu Washi, resulting in the creation of Gilding Washi. Gilding Washi is now being processed into a variety of products, including postcards, accessories, and wallpaper, expanding the possibilities of washi both in Japan and internationally. Gilding Washi has been incorporated into the design of "Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and "Auberge Uchiko" in Uchiko Town, enhancing their ambiance and attracting visitors.
Creator Introduction
CEO of Kazuki Shachu Inc.
Hiroyuki Saito
Born in Kanagawa. Worked for about 13 years as a systems engineer and salesperson at a telecommunications IT company. Inspired by the appeal of Ozu Washi, Saito founded Ikazaki Shachu Inc. in July 2008 in Ikazaki, Uchiko-cho, Ehime Prefecture, to carry on this traditional papermaking technique. As a Japan Brand Certified Company, Ikazaki Shachu Inc. specializes in the production and sales of products made from Ikazaki handcrafted Japanese paper. Received the "MITSUI Golden Takumi Award" in 2018. Ikazaki Shachu has exhibited at numerous exhibitions both in Japan and abroad, collaborated with renowned companies and institutions, and has built a well-known reputation.
Ikazaki Shachu Inc.
- Address
- c/o Tenjin Sanshi, 1240-1 Hiraoka, Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun, Ehime Prefecture 795-0303
- TEL-FAX
- 0893-44-4403
- Business Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00
Sales method
- Price: Gilding Washi From JPY 3,300 (Size: Height 48 cm, Width 66 cm)
- Direct purchase available. (Payment: Cash, VISA, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, Diners)
- Authorized Dealer: Ikazaki Shachu Shop, Jugomangoku MASARU Dogo Shop, Iori Matsuyama Shop, Tobeyaki Kanko Center Ennosato
- Custom orders available. (decors, wall decorations, and interior designs using gilding and Ozu Washi are negotiable.)
- International shipping available.
Estimated delivery times and costs *As of January 2025
China, Korea, and Taiwan 5 days or more. JPY 2,200 for up to 1 kg, JPY 4,400 for up to 3 kg.
Oceania, Middle East and Europe 10 days or more. JPY 4,400 for up to 1 kg, JPY 8,800 for up to 3 kg.
United States (including overseas territories such as Guam) 14 days or more. JPY 5,300 for up to 1 kg, JPY 10,300 for up to 3 kg.
*Delivery times are estimates only and do not include customs clearance.
*Delivery times may vary and delays may occur due to shipping methods, customs clearance, and local handling conditions. - Bulk orders welcome. (Please inquire for details.)
- Workshop Experience Available
(1) Gilding workshop experience.
(Required time) Approximately 1 hour (Fee) JPY 1,650 per person *Admission included.
(Workshop details) Freely design by applying metallic foil to Ozu Washi.
Finished Product Size: Height Approximately 55 cm, Width Approximately 40 cm
*Minimum 2 participants required. *By reservation only.
(2) Handcrafted Japanese paper workshop experience.
(Required time) Approximately 1 hour (Fee) JPY 1,650 *Admission included.
(Workshop details) From pulp formation to dewatering and drying.
Finished Product Size: Height Approximately 55 cm, Width Approximately 40 cm.
*Minimum 2 participants required. *By reservation only. - Examples:"Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu" (Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture) and "Auberge Uchiko" (Uchiko Town, Ehime Prefecture).
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