This was one of your finest video documentaries ever! I was completely fascinated by the artistry and technical virtuosity of the Ishikawa team. This is what makes Japan such a fascinating country; in a subtle way, the nearest equivalent in Europe is, I think, Italy which has retained its wonderful artisanal culture in the world of paper, inks and writing instruments. Thank you for a memorable 25 minute visual treat!
Fascinating & amazing. Years ago I was a Customer Service Representative for paper production in Chicago. This video brought back all the hundreds of paper quality elements I learned about and applied back then. Thank you for allowing me to revisit these processes and ongoing roots of hand made paper production. Quite the journey.
Awesome! I was kind of worried that people wouldn't want to get that granular, but it was so interesting for me, so I went with it! I'd love to pick your mind hahaha!
Seriously! As I talked to different people, they were all like (I’m third generation, my father started the business, I’m fourth generation etc). It was an eye opening!
I can't believe this video is free on youtube, and instead of a premium documentary. Absolutely fantastic video that utterly enthralled me! It came at a good time while I was working with long rolls of packing paper the entire time I watched lol.
This is a beautiful video. Thank you for what must have been a very time- and labour-intensive documentary to make. It wouldn't be out of place on an episode of Mr Rogers' Neighborhood.
This video makes me cry for all the right reasons. Japans appreciation, diversity and tradition in making glorious paper. The absense of neon, tv-screens all showing different things, pumping music,. Gimme the serenty of picking dust out of washi pulp any day. I search the i/net for pen show near me (or with location) and it pipes up "did you mean pirate show?" "there are lots of shows near you!" or gives me a list of vape pen shows... Or pen shows in other parts of the world I can't and can not afford to travel to. But I can watch this as many times as I want 💙 From the land where the best stationery is found in miniso 😿
Pirate shows?! Wow, that's pretty wild! I'm so glad to connect with my viewers over fountain pens and paper and it really makes me happy you like this video. Hope I can continue to make vids you enjoy. Take care💖
Hey, I don’t know where you’re based but I’ve come to learn that most place do have pen shows but they’re badly advertised. If you can give me a rough region I can try to look for some conventions.
@@SarahSrinivasan I'm in Mexico, just outside Cancun. If you could find something that doesn't involve getting on a plane, that would be marvellous! Thank you so much in advance for looking
So, you have KOKUfest that does seem to have a section for Korean stationery. I also found a ‘Mexico Guadalajara·Office Stationery Exhibition2025’ Which leads me to believe I just need to train my search a bit more. It would be very strange for Mexico to have an office stationery expo but not a normal expo. Stationery pal seems to deliver there. Though you probably will not get fountain pens you can get some nice stationery. Tombow or other stuff. There also seem to be some Mexican shops selling ink and nice pens: Miguel Angel in Mexico City or Montblanc in Guadalajara. Both should be able to ship to you with more ease than something international. Cancun seem way to focused on music and New Mexico is interfering with my results for Mexico City I would also give Miguel Angel a call as they’re likely to be the center of the fountain pen/stationery scene in Mexico. I’ll continue looking. If you happen to call them, please do let me know what they say. It’ll greatly help my search.
Your videos are just marvelous in every way videos can be marvelous. It's an honor to have you back in the U.S. Edited to add: I teared up watching the lady checking the sheets of paper - no idea why, really. Just so beautiful.
Thank you so much! I agree--it was my favorite clip as it kind of summed up my feeling about the whole paper making process. It's part of the reason I enjoy the paper.
I'm really going to miss your travels in Japan. I lived there for 8 years when I was very young, so it's a bit nostalgic, even though everything has changed since the 80s.
Thank you so much! I now am interested is so many kinds of paper. I’m currently checking out some cotton paper and really enjoying the different textures and properties.
Thank you for this beautiful documentary, Alesa. I am awed by the beauty and strength of the paper, as well as the meticulous care that goes into making it. Paper plays such an integral role in recording the history of humanity, and I can feel the presence of all that history in what you have shared with us. It was also delightful to see the doodles and artwork of your pen club members. What a fun way to try out this special washi paper.
I've been obsessed with paper for the past few years, and started making book blocks and junk journals. This informative video was amazing thank you, and thank you for providing the link on how to purchase this amazing Wakami paper!! I just ordered the torinoko washi paper notebook x3. Again thank you, ❤~Gina
Hi Gina! Thanks for your lovely comment! So glad you got the paper-it is very different. The textured side is almost a bit fuzzy and will continue to be so as you use it more. It almost feels alive. I hope you enjoy it!
Absolutely fascinating. I had no idea about the museum aspect- I think it's marvelous that older traditions are surviving like this across cultures and national boundaries like this. Thank you for another wonderful video!
This has been such an amazing presentation. Thank you for introducing us to Cute Things from Japan. This new to me website made me be such a careful spender. I limited myself to only the washi paper as I wish to not regret any purchase…oh the joys of trying to live within my means. ❤
Thanks for this in-depth video on the manufacture of washi paper and its versatility. NHK is a station on TV (CH 480 where I live in the DC area) and much of their programming is devoted to to various aspects of Japanese living: Trains, culture, medicine, industry, sumo, shrines, history and historic Japanese eras, food, hand-made crafts and manufacturing (with techniques handed down for hundreds of years) and many other aspects of Japanese and even foreign life. I was a kid in Japan during the American occupation after WWII, living at Camp Drake/Momote Village from approx 1948-1951. Just outside Camp Drake there were Japanese farmers' residences. Many of the fondest memories of my youth derive from my time there. I was amazed that shoji was used in the uninsulated outer walls of a farmhouse, as well as inside, and that a habachi alone was used to heat the house. Those houses were COLD in the winter-time.
Thank you so much for this dreamy film. This is what makes Japan, I think. If it is important to have good quality control you need to slow down and we saw that they were not rushed while inspecting the paper. It also reminded me, that there is a trinity of paper, the mark making substance and the mark making tool.
What a beautiful documentary. Your passion and the passion of those who engages with the artful making of the paper shines through. Your narration is equally engaging - rhythmically paced and impassioned
@@InkyRocks Yet ink is made to be *used.* Are shingles better when stored in a warehouse instead of being put on a roof? Enshrine a cake rather than eat it?"Waste" more ink on our behalf, please. You do it so beautifully.
Thank You....Alesa for this informative video. Hope you are good. I am so greatful that I can sit here in the USA and write on Japanese paper with my fountain pens. It is absolutely amazing that they are working with which looks like 1930's -1940's machines and work 10 times harder to get this process done. And can say they did a perfect job. Because it shows in the finished product.
I was so glad that i was getting this recommended on so many videos, bc I’ve been into scrapbooking vids recently, and this was always one of the first three vids that was recommended. I would’ve never sought this vid out, but I’m glad that I still got the chance to wash it. I’m a writer, and I love learning about the history and craft of paper, pens and other utensils that writers used over the years before computers/typewriters. I knew that the Chinese ppl invented paper, but I never thought that Japan would have such a rich history as well. It makes sense tho, bc they’re so closely related, geography wise. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful knowledge!
Oh, that's a gorgeous video. It's genuinely amazing to see the whole process, reminds me when I was shown the way paper was made on a tiny school trip locally, just much more refined and careful. Like, as a both stationery lover and production engineer it was truly a feast to behold. Something about japanese facturing really draws one in, they really do stick to "don't fix it if it ain't broken" philosophy, which is really something one could stick to, but then, I feel like outside Japan you very rarely have factories (or, manufactures in such case) that operate for so long under such focus, for lack of better word, management. Now I do feel itch in fingers craving to touch some of that paper, haha. The show of the way various people interact with paper was really fun too! Thank you so much for this video. It was really fantastic and satisfying.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. It really is a different paper. I like Western textured paper (like laid paper) but this is a totally different animal. It almost feels fuzzy, and with use, gets a bit fuzzier (on the textured side-the smooth stays the same). I’m just obsessed hahaha!
Omg. Any manufacturing videos are always interesting to watch, but making paper ? 🤩🤓 Working in manufacturing myself, I can’t help but notice the lack of safety gear 😢, but otherwise extremely fascinating. What an awesome experience.
It really was-I’m so glad I had a chance to experience this. I had to keep an eye out as I was filming, and then trying to listen to the explanations, and there were times I really needed to keep myself from falling over something. I had my hands full!
Love this video! Good paper can make such a difference for fountain pen ink. The Japanese make an art of paper and it was such a treat to experience it when visiting.
What a fascinating video, enjoyed it from beginning to end! Thank you for your labor of love getting so much footage and making two great videos for us on your trip. I was intrigued how they could turn an ancient tradition and bring it to our modern life. I really home Yoseka gets a hold of this paper so I can buy it to try it out too!
Thank you so much for always being so supportive! They are bringing the paper to the Yoseka Fair, but you can also get it online at CTFJ. I think she may be the sole distributer in the US--not sure.
Beautifully presented, Alesa, a long time subscriber, you have introduced me to many beautiful and interesting things. i will be replaying this one many times as well as introducing this presentation to my grandchildren, as i gave 7 of them fountain pens a couple of years ago , influenced by your passion for the craft. I can not say anything more. Cheers Peter from Aussie...
Hi Peter, thanks so much for your continued support. I'm so glad you like the video. I think it's awesome you gave your grandchildren fountain pens--you may have encouraged a budding artist or writer!💝
Outstanding video ma’am. I can honestly say your best to date and that’s saying something. I’ll dream of the California Pen Show, sadly I’m too far away in Englandshire - a billion miles away. A very fitting tribute to Japan and a fitting hurrah to your recent stay in that country. Thanks for all the inspiration, Amro. 😻😺👏👏
Thank you so much! I hope to make it out to Europe and film some interesting stores/shows. But I'll also be going back to Japan about once a year or so to visit--hopefully to make more vids too!
This was absolutely fascinating to watch. I have been away from the channel for a bit. (Heavy travel schedule) and was surprised to see you have returned to the US. This is a great video and I love every minute of it. Made me reach for a trusty Pelikan I haven't used in a while right after I watched it. Luckily I have some original Tomoe River paper to write on but now I'm in search of washi. Thanks for the re-awakening and glad to hear you're doing well. Fellow aviator. 🖋
@@InkyRocks Fortunately it didn't stop there. Had to go to the ink cache and fish out some "forgotten friends" there notably some Ama Iro and Shin-ryoku from Iroshizuku, requiring a second pen. LOL. I think you inspired me on some of these inks some time ago. Too fun! Keep up the good work. Love what you do for the community. Your Japan adventures inspire me as well. Yoi ichinichi yo. ステーブ
When I was a kid we had a class called "Technical Drawing" and I'm wondering how Washi would do for that purpose (You can use either pencil or black ink) it's been over 40 years since I've done any tech drawing - but you may have just sparked something! Fantastic work as always thanks! 🙂
Thank you! I had "Technical Drawing" too! I don't know if it would be any better than normal paper. It has a fuzzy textured side and that may be a bit of a problem for really precise lines. For me, the beauty of the paper is the feel of it. Having a smooth and textured side really wakes you up at the beginning of each page. But the tech drawing would be beautiful on it--like art!
Cynical as I am I suspected this to be click bait. I kept thinking, well, Fabriano only goes back to the 13th Century. But I am in awe of this and will watch it again and recommend it to many others. The Japanese mottainai comes through so clearly. Thanks for this!!!!
😅This was so inspiring, thank you. How does one obtain this paper? I cannot make it to the shows, is there a way to buy it? I am interested in the paper for watercolor painting😊
Thank you! Right now, for notebooks and pads, you can get them online at Cute Things From Japan. If you are looking for larger sheets, I'll ask Yoshikawa, though I'm not sure if he sells large sheets. You can buy the handmade ones in large sizes, but they are pretty expensive (I've seen them for like 50$ a sheet--very large)
Super inspiring video. I would love to buy paper that could be used in a printer as well as with a fountain pen, especially if it had texture as well. I wasn't sure from the video if that was a future product or something they have already achieved. Do they sell this paper in sheets oversees or just the notebooks?
Than you so much! Right now they just sell slim notebooks and pads of paper. I'm not sure if they will sell loose sheets as it probably depends on how well his stuff does. His niche in Japan is high end stuff for men (like it sells with wallets for men etc.) I thought that was interesting.
This is a specialty paper. You may be better served getting something like a Campus, Mnemosyne, or Rhodia as they fulfill that need and are cheaper. It is fountain pen friendly for normal use, but it's the "hand feel" of this paper: almost like cloth or pleather (of course, that is an exaggeration) that is the strength. And then you can use other mediums with it like Sharpie and water color etc.
@@InkyRocks …thanks, I’m familiar with the two brands you mentioned, and items from Yamamoto Paper, Tomoe River, etc. Just looking for something new in fountain pen ink friendly paper. This looked elegant. 👍
Please, what is the pen used at 23:35 ? Is it a size 6 nib ? Looks in metal and... very interesting :D Would you believe it ? I never used washi paper... and now I have a sudden urge to try it for some reason...
@@InkyRocks I have never seen such a Kaweco model... It looks « flat top » a few seconds later in the « group view »... and the section seems quite long. Anyway... no biggie :)
Thank you for another wonderful video. I'm always happy to see when you've posted a new story. I had the pleasure of making mulberry paper at a temple in Mae Hong Son, Thailand quite a few years ago, and this brought back good memories. I still have the paper I made, but don't dare test it as a single sheet is all I have. I hope you are doing well with the move. I know from personal (and short-lived experience) that the transition back after many years can be very difficult. Much thanks, InkyInspirations
So glad this brought back good memories for you-it’s pretty cool you made some paper! I’m doing as well as can be expected. Can’t wait to get some furniture though hahaha! Thanks!
![🎤 จับฉลากร้องเพลง x P’ #XXSIVK [EP.1] (2/2) เพื่อนจับได้คำไหน..ต้องร้องคำนั้น เริ่ม! 💓🎶 #MXFRUIT](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1bJvMJXmeS4/mqdefault.jpg)
Corrected subtitles and translations are up! Feeling a little rusty...
hi - there’s a separate video about the shrine? Don’t see it thanks
@@sjain8111 in the show notes their is a link to "Visiting the Land of Paper". It's in there!
This was one of your finest video documentaries ever! I was completely fascinated by the artistry and technical virtuosity of the Ishikawa team. This is what makes Japan such a fascinating country; in a subtle way, the nearest equivalent in Europe is, I think, Italy which has retained its wonderful artisanal culture in the world of paper, inks and writing instruments. Thank you for a memorable 25 minute visual treat!
Thank you so much! And thanks for your continued support for my channel. I do have going to Italy on my bucket list to explore their paper!
Fascinating & amazing. Years ago I was a Customer Service Representative for paper production in Chicago. This video brought back all the hundreds of paper quality elements I learned about and applied back then. Thank you for allowing me to revisit these processes and ongoing roots of hand made paper production. Quite the journey.
Awesome! I was kind of worried that people wouldn't want to get that granular, but it was so interesting for me, so I went with it! I'd love to pick your mind hahaha!
In the west, you are lucky to see 2nd generation anything. To have 4th generation, now that is dedication.
Seriously! As I talked to different people, they were all like (I’m third generation, my father started the business, I’m fourth generation etc). It was an eye opening!
I can't believe this video is free on youtube, and instead of a premium documentary. Absolutely fantastic video that utterly enthralled me! It came at a good time while I was working with long rolls of packing paper the entire time I watched lol.
Wow, thank you! So glad you liked it. These two vids just about did me in. Right in the middle of my move!
This is a beautiful video. Thank you for what must have been a very time- and labour-intensive documentary to make. It wouldn't be out of place on an episode of Mr Rogers' Neighborhood.
High praise indeed! Thank you so much--I love Mr Rogers. Thank you for your lovely comment!
This video makes me cry for all the right reasons. Japans appreciation, diversity and tradition in making glorious paper. The absense of neon, tv-screens all showing different things, pumping music,. Gimme the serenty of picking dust out of washi pulp any day.
I search the i/net for pen show near me (or with location) and it pipes up "did you mean pirate show?" "there are lots of shows near you!" or gives me a list of vape pen shows... Or pen shows in other parts of the world I can't and can not afford to travel to. But I can watch this as many times as I want 💙 From the land where the best stationery is found in miniso 😿
Pirate shows?! Wow, that's pretty wild! I'm so glad to connect with my viewers over fountain pens and paper and it really makes me happy you like this video. Hope I can continue to make vids you enjoy. Take care💖
Hey, I don’t know where you’re based but I’ve come to learn that most place do have pen shows but they’re badly advertised.
If you can give me a rough region I can try to look for some conventions.
@@SarahSrinivasan I'm in Mexico, just outside Cancun. If you could find something that doesn't involve getting on a plane, that would be marvellous! Thank you so much in advance for looking
So, you have KOKUfest that does seem to have a section for Korean stationery.
I also found a ‘Mexico Guadalajara·Office Stationery Exhibition2025’
Which leads me to believe I just need to train my search a bit more. It would be very strange for Mexico to have an office stationery expo but not a normal expo.
Stationery pal seems to deliver there. Though you probably will not get fountain pens you can get some nice stationery. Tombow or other stuff.
There also seem to be some Mexican shops selling ink and nice pens: Miguel Angel in Mexico City or Montblanc in Guadalajara. Both should be able to ship to you with more ease than something international.
Cancun seem way to focused on music and New Mexico is interfering with my results for Mexico City
I would also give Miguel Angel a call as they’re likely to be the center of the fountain pen/stationery scene in Mexico.
I’ll continue looking. If you happen to call them, please do let me know what they say. It’ll greatly help my search.
And in terms of ink Miguel Angel should most certainly solve your problem
Your videos are just marvelous in every way videos can be marvelous. It's an honor to have you back in the U.S. Edited to add: I teared up watching the lady checking the sheets of paper - no idea why, really. Just so beautiful.
It was a beautiful scene, like something out of a lovely painting.
Thank you so much! I agree--it was my favorite clip as it kind of summed up my feeling about the whole paper making process. It's part of the reason I enjoy the paper.
Love the depth of knowledge you have. Great narrative voice!😊
Thank you! This was SO much research hahaha!
I'm really going to miss your travels in Japan. I lived there for 8 years when I was very young, so it's a bit nostalgic, even though everything has changed since the 80s.
It HAS changed a lot, but the country side--not too much. I'll be going back about once or twice a year to see people, shop and of course film!
Amazing! Going to the Yoseka show, hope to meet you and see this amazing paper!
Awesome! Yoshikawa is excited to show comparisons of his paper to traditional washi. Please do say "hello", I'll be there all 3 days!
As a woodblock print collector, I always associate washi with that art form. But I also use gampi paper as a transfer paper in my own work.
That's awesome! I'm just so excited that fountain pen people know what gampi is--I'm impressed!
Omg! I used to live in Echizenshi as an ALT and made washi there before! So happy to see Echizen getting some love.
It’s really a gorgeous place! Nice to get away from Tokyo a bit!
Your narration is _perfect_ and sets such a calm tone
Thank you so much! I get grief for my pacing and voice so it’s nice to hear positive feedback!
As a paper connoisseur, I found your documentary fascinating
Thank you for posting !
Thank you so much! I now am interested is so many kinds of paper. I’m currently checking out some cotton paper and really enjoying the different textures and properties.
Thank you for this beautiful documentary, Alesa. I am awed by the beauty and strength of the paper, as well as the meticulous care that goes into making it. Paper plays such an integral role in recording the history of humanity, and I can feel the presence of all that history in what you have shared with us. It was also delightful to see the doodles and artwork of your pen club members. What a fun way to try out this special washi paper.
You put into words better than I did about the weight the history of the paper plays in my enjoyment of it. I’m so glad you enjoyed it-thank you!
I've been obsessed with paper for the past few years, and started making book blocks and junk journals. This informative video was amazing thank you, and thank you for providing the link on how to purchase this amazing Wakami paper!! I just ordered the torinoko washi paper notebook x3. Again thank you,
❤~Gina
Hi Gina! Thanks for your lovely comment! So glad you got the paper-it is very different. The textured side is almost a bit fuzzy and will continue to be so as you use it more. It almost feels alive. I hope you enjoy it!
Absolutely fascinating. I had no idea about the museum aspect- I think it's marvelous that older traditions are surviving like this across cultures and national boundaries like this. Thank you for another wonderful video!
I thought that was so interesting too! That was new information for me. Thank you-so glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks so much for sharing this fabulous video about washi paper. A true craft passed down from artisan to artisan for 1500 years. Amazing!!
It really is an interesting paper--I've been using it almost exclusively since April and I still enjoy it's unique characteristics. Thank you!
This has been such an amazing presentation. Thank you for introducing us to Cute Things from Japan. This new to me website made me be such a careful spender. I limited myself to only the washi paper as I wish to not regret any purchase…oh the joys of trying to live within my means. ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you enjoy your purchases and find good fun with them!💖
And the beauty of finding joy in the special things you can afford.
Missed your videos and glad to see you back ❤ Love the videos
Thank you so much! 💖💝🌸. It's good to be back, especially with kind viewers like you!
Thanks for this in-depth video on the manufacture of washi paper and its versatility. NHK is a station on TV (CH 480 where I live in the DC area) and much of their programming is devoted to to various aspects of Japanese living: Trains, culture, medicine, industry, sumo, shrines, history and historic Japanese eras, food, hand-made crafts and manufacturing (with techniques handed down for hundreds of years) and many other aspects of Japanese and even foreign life. I was a kid in Japan during the American occupation after WWII, living at Camp Drake/Momote Village from approx 1948-1951. Just outside Camp Drake there were Japanese farmers' residences. Many of the fondest memories of my youth derive from my time there. I was amazed that shoji was used in the uninsulated outer walls of a farmhouse, as well as inside, and that a habachi alone was used to heat the house. Those houses were COLD in the winter-time.
You were there earlier than me. Lived at Tachikawa-it’s now an awesome park!
Thank you so much for this dreamy film. This is what makes Japan, I think. If it is important to have good quality control you need to slow down and we saw that they were not rushed while inspecting the paper. It also reminded me, that there is a trinity of paper, the mark making substance and the mark making tool.
Awesome way to put it! It’s definitely a trinity. So glad you liked it-thanks!
What a beautiful documentary. Your passion and the passion of those who engages with the artful making of the paper shines through. Your narration is equally engaging - rhythmically paced and impassioned
Thank you so much! It's especially appreciated as I get critiqued for my voice quite often! So glad you enjoyed the vid!
This was WOW 😮 💜
Thanks so much!!!😊💝🌸
The fractals formed by the ink drops at 23:13 are amazing!
Thanks! I'll need to tell people that when they complain I'm wasting ink 😜
@@InkyRocks Yet ink is made to be *used.* Are shingles better when stored in a warehouse instead of being put on a roof? Enshrine a cake rather than eat it?"Waste" more ink on our behalf, please. You do it so beautifully.
@@Everywhere2 That reminds of a great saying I came across recently. "Ships are safest in harbor. But that's not what ships are for."
Fascinating video. A true appreciation for washi and the mindset of recycling paper!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
You've outdone yourself again. This video could (and should) be shown on NHK World.
Well I’m gobsmacked. You’ve rendered me unable to make a snarky reply. Thank you Jacob.
Thank You....Alesa for this informative video. Hope you are good. I am so greatful that I can sit here in the USA and write on Japanese paper with my fountain pens. It is absolutely amazing that they are working with which looks like 1930's -1940's machines and work 10 times harder to get this process done. And can say they did a perfect job. Because it shows in the finished product.
Thanks so much and it makes me happy you found this to be informative! I did a lot of research to make sure I understood everything.💝
@@InkyRocks Very thorough ! Ma'am!
Wow! What an amazing video. I think it should be enshrined in the Library of Congress. Thank you for your great work!
Thank you so much--so glad you enjoyed it!💝
What an absolutely wonderful deep understanding of the paper process that you shared with us.
So glad you thought so--thank you!
I was so glad that i was getting this recommended on so many videos, bc I’ve been into scrapbooking vids recently, and this was always one of the first three vids that was recommended. I would’ve never sought this vid out, but I’m glad that I still got the chance to wash it. I’m a writer, and I love learning about the history and craft of paper, pens and other utensils that writers used over the years before computers/typewriters. I knew that the Chinese ppl invented paper, but I never thought that Japan would have such a rich history as well. It makes sense tho, bc they’re so closely related, geography wise. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful knowledge!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback. I’m always curious how people come across my vids as I’m very niche.
Oh, that's a gorgeous video. It's genuinely amazing to see the whole process, reminds me when I was shown the way paper was made on a tiny school trip locally, just much more refined and careful. Like, as a both stationery lover and production engineer it was truly a feast to behold. Something about japanese facturing really draws one in, they really do stick to "don't fix it if it ain't broken" philosophy, which is really something one could stick to, but then, I feel like outside Japan you very rarely have factories (or, manufactures in such case) that operate for so long under such focus, for lack of better word, management. Now I do feel itch in fingers craving to touch some of that paper, haha. The show of the way various people interact with paper was really fun too! Thank you so much for this video. It was really fantastic and satisfying.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. It really is a different paper. I like Western textured paper (like laid paper) but this is a totally different animal. It almost feels fuzzy, and with use, gets a bit fuzzier (on the textured side-the smooth stays the same). I’m just obsessed hahaha!
This is absolutely fascinating! Thanks Inky Rocks for a great video and brief mental vacation.
So glad you liked it! Mental vacation is kinda what I’m going for in most of my vids-thanks!
Fantastic video seeing the process of making these papers. Thank you for taking us behind the scenes 😊
So glad you liked it! Thanks💖
It is absolutely fascinating. Thank you.
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
Omg. Any manufacturing videos are always interesting to watch, but making paper ? 🤩🤓 Working in manufacturing myself, I can’t help but notice the lack of safety gear 😢, but otherwise extremely fascinating. What an awesome experience.
It really was-I’m so glad I had a chance to experience this. I had to keep an eye out as I was filming, and then trying to listen to the explanations, and there were times I really needed to keep myself from falling over something. I had my hands full!
Love this video! Good paper can make such a difference for fountain pen ink. The Japanese make an art of paper and it was such a treat to experience it when visiting.
Thank you Shahriar! Glad you made it out to Japan--I hope to be a tourist in February hahaha! See you soon!
What a fascinating video, enjoyed it from beginning to end! Thank you for your labor of love getting so much footage and making two great videos for us on your trip. I was intrigued how they could turn an ancient tradition and bring it to our modern life. I really home Yoseka gets a hold of this paper so I can buy it to try it out too!
Thank you so much for always being so supportive! They are bringing the paper to the Yoseka Fair, but you can also get it online at CTFJ. I think she may be the sole distributer in the US--not sure.
Beautifully presented, Alesa, a long time subscriber, you have introduced me to many beautiful and interesting things. i will be replaying this one many times as well as introducing this presentation to my grandchildren, as i gave 7 of them fountain pens a couple of years ago , influenced by your passion for the craft. I can not say anything more. Cheers Peter from Aussie...
Hi Peter, thanks so much for your continued support. I'm so glad you like the video. I think it's awesome you gave your grandchildren fountain pens--you may have encouraged a budding artist or writer!💝
Wow, thank you for this in depth tour and information. Fascinating.
So glad you found it so! Thank you!
Counterpoint: Those drips look amazing all spidered-out!!
I know! I actually thought that might be a fun way to do ink swatches!
Fabulous video. I really enjoyed learning! Thank you!
Awesome! Glad you liked it!
Such interesting video, thanks 🙏
I'm so glad you thought so--thanks!
Fascinating process. Thank you for sharing.
It's pretty cool! Glad you liked it--thanks!
Many thanks for this fantastic video 👌 . A very informative video about washi paper.
Thank you! Glad you found it informative!
I really like the way Yoshikawa thinks. Makes me wanna open my own recycled paper mill lol
hahaha! That would be cool! He is pretty passionate about paper.
Outstanding video ma’am. I can honestly say your best to date and that’s saying something. I’ll dream of the California Pen Show, sadly I’m too far away in Englandshire - a billion miles away. A very fitting tribute to Japan and a fitting hurrah to your recent stay in that country. Thanks for all the inspiration, Amro. 😻😺👏👏
Thank you so much! I hope to make it out to Europe and film some interesting stores/shows. But I'll also be going back to Japan about once a year or so to visit--hopefully to make more vids too!
@@InkyRocks excellent - I look forward to hearing form you again!
Thank you for such an informative, well documented video. This was so informative and beautifully done.
Thanks so much! It was a lot of research, but enjoyable. I learned a lot making it!
This was absolutely fascinating to watch. I have been away from the channel for a bit. (Heavy travel schedule) and was surprised to see you have returned to the US. This is a great video and I love every minute of it. Made me reach for a trusty Pelikan I haven't used in a while right after I watched it. Luckily I have some original Tomoe River paper to write on but now I'm in search of washi. Thanks for the re-awakening and glad to hear you're doing well. Fellow aviator. 🖋
So glad this got you to use your pen! This paper is so odd that I want to try it with everything! Thanks fellow aircrew 🌎
@@InkyRocks Fortunately it didn't stop there. Had to go to the ink cache and fish out some "forgotten friends" there notably some Ama Iro and Shin-ryoku from Iroshizuku, requiring a second pen. LOL. I think you inspired me on some of these inks some time ago. Too fun! Keep up the good work. Love what you do for the community. Your Japan adventures inspire me as well. Yoi ichinichi yo. ステーブ
Wow, this was incredible! I really want to try this paper.
Thank you! It really is different: I want to say lush. It's not normal writing paper for sure!
Wonderful video. Thank you
Thanks so much!💝
Beautiful video, congratulations.
Thank you so much! 💖
I always enjoy your videos - entertaining, informative and fun. This one took it to to a new level. Thank you
Thank you so much--these two about did me in. Moving, and all the research and editing at the same time hahaha!
What a wonderful, and perfectly paced, documentary.
Thank you so much!😊
Just fascinating. Thanks for this insight into paper making.
So glad you liked it--thank you!
Really enjoyed this😀
I'm so glad! Thanks!
This is a fascinating video.
Thank you!💕
This is really interesting and informative.
Thank you--so glad you think so!
When I was a kid we had a class called "Technical Drawing" and I'm wondering how Washi would do for that purpose (You can use either pencil or black ink) it's been over 40 years since I've done any tech drawing - but you may have just sparked something! Fantastic work as always thanks! 🙂
Thank you! I had "Technical Drawing" too! I don't know if it would be any better than normal paper. It has a fuzzy textured side and that may be a bit of a problem for really precise lines. For me, the beauty of the paper is the feel of it. Having a smooth and textured side really wakes you up at the beginning of each page. But the tech drawing would be beautiful on it--like art!
Cynical as I am I suspected this to be click bait. I kept thinking, well, Fabriano only goes back to the 13th Century. But I am in awe of this and will watch it again and recommend it to many others. The Japanese mottainai comes through so clearly. Thanks for this!!!!
hahaha! It IS pretty click-bait-ish! I'm usually not this cheeky, but it seemed to fit. Thanks so much for your support!
Fabulous ❤
Thanks!
Amazing!
Thank you so much!😊
😅This was so inspiring, thank you. How does one obtain this paper? I cannot make it to the shows, is there a way to buy it? I am interested in the paper for watercolor painting😊
Thank you! Right now, for notebooks and pads, you can get them online at Cute Things From Japan. If you are looking for larger sheets, I'll ask Yoshikawa, though I'm not sure if he sells large sheets. You can buy the handmade ones in large sizes, but they are pretty expensive (I've seen them for like 50$ a sheet--very large)
Really interesting! Thank you!
Glad you found it to be!😊
Super inspiring video. I would love to buy paper that could be used in a printer as well as with a fountain pen, especially if it had texture as well. I wasn't sure from the video if that was a future product or something they have already achieved. Do they sell this paper in sheets oversees or just the notebooks?
Than you so much! Right now they just sell slim notebooks and pads of paper. I'm not sure if they will sell loose sheets as it probably depends on how well his stuff does. His niche in Japan is high end stuff for men (like it sells with wallets for men etc.) I thought that was interesting.
@@InkyRocks that is interesting
of course, the iconic Noguchi lamps are made with washi (originally, anyway).
I had to look that up--those are gorgeous!
I’m just looking for terrific fountain pen friendly A4 sheets. Is this in that realm?
This is a specialty paper. You may be better served getting something like a Campus, Mnemosyne, or Rhodia as they fulfill that need and are cheaper. It is fountain pen friendly for normal use, but it's the "hand feel" of this paper: almost like cloth or pleather (of course, that is an exaggeration) that is the strength. And then you can use other mediums with it like Sharpie and water color etc.
@@InkyRocks …thanks, I’m familiar with the two brands you mentioned, and items from Yamamoto Paper, Tomoe River, etc. Just looking for something new in fountain pen ink friendly paper. This looked elegant. 👍
@@edwardrutledge2765 Well, in that case, you would really enjoy this--nothing else like it!
Why not call the setting of the DC show 'Washi'ngton for the weekend :)
Missed opportunity 😂
hahaha! Seriously. And how did I possibly miss that?!
Please, what is the pen used at 23:35 ? Is it a size 6 nib ? Looks in metal and... very interesting :D
Would you believe it ? I never used washi paper... and now I have a sudden urge to try it for some reason...
Hahaha! I wonder why!? It’s a straight up Kaweco. I think the camera angle made it look bigger.
@@InkyRocks I have never seen such a Kaweco model... It looks « flat top » a few seconds later in the « group view »... and the section seems quite long. Anyway... no biggie :)
What gsm does this new washi paper come out to?
I'll ask. They didn't seem too concerned about that--it was more about the thickness and the contents.
@@InkyRocks I am mostly just curious, and it would give me an idea of how the paper is in relation to paper I know.
I'm amazed that no one wears gloves.
At the factory? It seems many sales people at department stores etc in Japan wear gloves, but not any paper people.
Thank you for another wonderful video. I'm always happy to see when you've posted a new story. I had the pleasure of making mulberry paper at a temple in Mae Hong Son, Thailand quite a few years ago, and this brought back good memories. I still have the paper I made, but don't dare test it as a single sheet is all I have.
I hope you are doing well with the move. I know from personal (and short-lived experience) that the transition back after many years can be very difficult.
Much thanks,
InkyInspirations
So glad this brought back good memories for you-it’s pretty cool you made some paper!
I’m doing as well as can be expected. Can’t wait to get some furniture though hahaha! Thanks!