Woodblock Print Art Workshop Touring Traditional Washi-Making Regions with the Art Research Center at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan, October 2025.

I was invited to participate in this unique opportunity to tour traditional washi making regions of Japan with the ARC at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto.

A comprehensive tour to Kochi, Mino and Echizen to meet washi makers using domestic kozo fibres from Japan. We explored the qualities and characteristics of many kinds of washi, all responding differently to being printed on.

Three printmakers, or instructors tested each variety of washi we learnt about in each three prefectures, using their own carved woodblocks, pigments and printing styles. It was a hugely valuable experience for all ten participants to be a part of.

I hope there will be further opportunities to share this research and newly acquired knowledge around washi.