It has been believed in Japan since ancient times that white paper leads to God.
Despite its fragile look carefully and elaborately made washi has the type of strength that will lead the world into the next epoch,
thus reflecting the spirit of the people of lnaba.
Washi was once overwhelmed by western paper and went through an unfortunate epoch of use. However, Inshu Washi has constantly overcome those dark periods because of its authenticity and a pioneering spirit, backed by tradition. It came in the form of the development of a new type of calligraphy paper called "Inshu Gasenshi", the launch of machine production. and the production of handiwork paper supported by folk craft movements Because of its outstanding quality the products all outperformed those produced elsewhere, and continue to be cherished by calligraphers and paper lovers throughout Japan. The ideal balance between a traditional hand craft and efficient machine production is a characteristic of Inshu Washi today,
Shoji paper made of kozo, although without any actual print, has a unique fiber texture and lustrous surface, thus providing a sense of what it's made of, which is a characteristic of washi.
The name hanshi (half-size paper) derives from the fact that sheets of washi made by cutting the basic handmade washi (48.48 cm x 33.33 cm) into half (24.24 cm x 33.33 cm) were used for calligraphy. Hanshi made of Inshu Washi is generally renowned for its fine and smooth texture.
Gasenshi is a type of Japanese paper used for calligraphy. It was actively produced ln the Edo period as purveyor paper for the feudal domain of Tottori. Its production as calligraphy paper began in the 1950-60's. The Inshu Gasenshi currently manufactured with "Kozo" for 60-70% of the whole production all over Japan.