"WASHIKA" Bags : Where Tradition Meets Elegance

Handcrafted in Gifu, Japan, "WASHIKA" Bags made out of Japanese handmade Washi paper from Mino and cowhide leather.
Artisans infuse heritage into each stitch, a tribute to timeless craftsmanship.
Discover culture, discover "WASHIKA" Bags.

Gifu's craftsmen have put their heart into making bags from Gifu's specialty material

Gifu Prefecture is known as the heartland of Japan.
Washi is produced in the Mino region, located in the heart of Gifu Prefecture, known for its rich history and unwavering commitment to papermaking techniques.
Beyond Mino lies Hida, which is blessed with a rich natural environment. The bounty of nature is celebrated in its unspoiled forests and serene mountain ranges.
Mino's verdant landscape and tranquil surroundings are a constant source of inspiration for the craftspeople involved in the creation of WASHIKA bags.

Mino inherits a legacy of Washi craftsmanship

For centuries, Mino has been at the forefront of traditional Japanese papermaking and has passed on the revered art of papermaking from generation to generation. At its heart flows the clear Nagara River, whose pure, soft waters are essential for making the delicate fibers of Washi.
Mino's craftsmen carefully make each sheet of Washi in accordance with traditional methods. The result is an unparalleled Washi paper that combines strength and texture, a paper in which the traditions of Mino are alive and well.

Approach to Sustainability through Bag Crafting at WASHIKA

We strive to minimize our environmental footprint and propose a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature. Washika's bags are crafted using traditional Japanese paper, with local artisans dedicated to the process.
This sustainable bag primarily utilizes environmentally friendly materials, with Japanese paper as the main component. Japanese paper boasts low environmental impact, crafted through traditional methods. Additionally, natural materials such as Konjac-biki and persimmon tannin dye are employed in the processing of the paper, reducing the environmental burden in the bag manufacturing process.

Local artisans handcraft these bags, showcasing their skills in design and finishing touches, adding warmth and unique features to the products. By supporting local artisans, positive impacts are generated within the community.

This sustainable bag, a fusion of Japanese paper, leather, and the craftsmanship of local artisans, represents a step towards a sustainable future. Please consider experiencing this product that combines the utilization of natural materials with support for the local community.

The Appeal of Washi

History of Washi

Washi paper is deeply intertwined with Japan's history and culture. It has been widely used for various purposes due to its unique texture and durability. While Western paper is primarily used for record-keeping, printing, and packaging, Washi paper has found its place in architecture, craftsmanship, art, and all aspects of daily life.

Traditional Japanese homes have extensively used washi paper for sliding doors (shoji), room dividers (fusuma), and folding screens (byobu). The distinctive texture of Washi paper contributes to regulating light and air inside rooms, creating beautiful traditional Japanese spaces. It is also utilized as material for items like fans and traditional umbrellas, appreciated for its durability, enhancing the beauty of these traditional Japanese items.

Furthermore, Washi paper is known for its longevity, with a lifespan exceeding 1000 years, in contrast to Western paper, which is said to last around 100 years. The Shosoin Treasure House in Nara houses the oldest existing Japanese paper from the year 702 AD. Washi paper is made from long, thick fibers and is free from chemical additives, making it highly resistant to deterioration.

Handmade Washi Paper Culture

The culture of handmade Washi paper plays a particularly significant role in the production of Washi paper. Handmade Washi paper is crafted by artisans using traditional techniques, known for its delicacy and high quality. This traditional technique of papermaking was recognized as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2014, signifying its uniqueness on an international scale.
The Washi paper used in WASHIKA bags is meticulously handcrafted by artisans in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, maintaining its quality and beauty rooted in tradition. The process of making handmade washi paper is a time-consuming and labor-intensive one.

It starts with the use of the kozo plant, rich in fibrous content, which is heated, boiled, and then continuously stirred to extract the fibers. "Tororo aoi," or hollyhock, is added to this mixture. This plant, a member of the mallow family, produces large yellow flowers and blooms in late summer. Its roots are mixed into the pulp, forming the solution for papermaking. This solution is poured into a "mold" and used to create each sheet of paper.

Throughout this lengthy process, Washi paper is transformed into a material with beauty, durability, and a delicate texture. Washi paper is a symbol of Japanese culture, and its versatility and quality are highly regarded both domestically and internationally. Products made from washi paper combine beauty and practicality, offering value as sustainable products. WASHIKA bags serve as an excellent example that allows you to experience the charm and history of washi paper through the combination of washi paper and leather, creating beautiful bags.

Genuine Washi Bags

The most distinctive feature of WASHIKA bags is the use of handmade Washi paper itself. Many products referred to as "washi paper bags" are made from fabrics woven from Washi paper threads or coated with vinyl, but our bags showcase the beauty of Washi paper without such processes.

Additionally, we employ a unique technique called "Konjac-biki" to use Washi paper as a bag material. This technique imparts natural strength and resilience to Washi paper, making it suitable for use as a bag material. While maintaining the unique lightness and thinness of Washi paper, our bags offer practicality and allow you to enjoy their beauty for a long time.

Peace of Mind Even When Wet

Unlike ordinary paper, the traditional handmade Japanese paper used for WASHIKA bags is extremely strong. Even when wet with rain, it does not become brittle like ordinary paper products, but returns to its original state when thoroughly dried.
We have prepared a video demonstrating the strength of WASHIKA bags to water damage, so please take a look. Washi will not tear or lose its shape even if force is applied while soaked in water.

From everyday use to special occasions, you can use it with confidence in any situation!

The Charm of Wrinkles on the Surface

WASHIKA's Washi paper bags possess a unique charm that evolves over time. The fine wrinkles engraved on the surface develop a distinctive texture as you use the bag, resulting in a one-of-a-kind accessory. As time passes, these wrinkles deepen, creating a stronger connection between the user and the bag.

We invite you to explore the numerous beautiful bags created from the combination of Washi paper and leather, and experience our passion for traditional Japanese craftsmanship and quality.