Inshu washi is a general term for handmade washi paper that has long been produced in Inaba Province, the former name of the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture.
Currently, this tradition is carried on in the towns of Saji and Aoya in Tottori City.
Of these, Saji Town is located in the southern part of Tottori City, on the border with Okayama Prefecture, and is a town surrounded by abundant nature, serving as the southern gateway to Tottori City.
It has long been known as a production area of Inshu washi paper, but it is also famous for its production of 20th century pears and its public astronomy facility, Saji Astro Park. The area is working to develop the region by utilizing the five"shi"elements of"stars, pears, washi paper, stories, and stones"as local resources.
The raw materials used for Inshu washi vary depending on the production area, and in Saji Town, the main raw material is mitsumata.
Mitsumata paper has a particularly fine texture and allows for smooth brush strokes, so it is highly regarded that it is said that"Inshu brushes never break,"meaning that"no matter how much you write, your brush will not be damaged"and"you can write for a long time without the ink smudging."It is used by many calligraphers throughout the country.
In 1975, it became the first Japanese paper in the country to be designated as a"Traditional Craft Designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry,"and in August of the following year,"Inshu Saji Mitsumata Paper"was designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Tottori Prefecture.