I engage in activities that reframe washi not merely as a traditional technique, but as a form of wisdom rooted in everyday life and place. From cultivating fields to plant mulberry seedlings—the raw material of washi—to making use of underutilized local resources, I have continued efforts to carry washi culture into the future.

The triangular lantern, business card holder, and children’s measuring tape presented here are products reimagined for contemporary life, each making use of the distinctive lightness and strength of Yamanaka washi. By conveying not only the techniques but also the philosophies, environments, and ways of living that underpin this tradition, I aim to allow people to experience the appeal of washi and its place of origin as something more than craft—something felt within everyday life.

gftf is dedicated to reinterpreting tradition not only as skill, but as place-based knowledge embedded in daily living. By cultivating fields to grow mulberry plants for washi production and utilizing overlooked local resources, gftf works to connect regional materials and cultural practices to the future. Yamanaka washi is not simply a craft; it is a living culture shaped by generations of coexistence between nature and people.

Believing that this “tradition beyond technique” is what will shape the next era of Cool Japan, gftf develops and communicates washi products that harmonize with contemporary lifestyles.

Yamanaka washi originates in Kawai Town, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture—an area blessed with abundant water and a climate marked by significant temperature differences, ideal for cultivating mulberry plants. In winter, a natural bleaching process known as yukizarashi exposes the fibers to snow, producing a clear whiteness without damaging the fibers.

Surrounded by mountains, this region is distinctive in that every step—from raw material cultivation to papermaking—is completed locally. This continuity allows washi production to remain closely aligned with the natural cycle. The richness of Hida’s environment, together with the accumulated wisdom of its craftspeople, supports the enduring strength and beauty of Yamanaka washi.

Awards
2024
– Selected, 5th Mitsui Golden Takumi Award
– Excellence Award, 4th Japan Wa-Culture Grand Prix