"CRAFT TOURISM ECHIZEN"　Exploring further possibilities with free challenges while respecting tradition

Exploring further possibilities with free challenges while respecting tradition

Osada Seishijo pursues a lifestyle of Japanese paper that continues to evolve with the times. The Nagata family, which has the trade name of Hatdayu, can be traced back to 13 generations ago, and the paper industry began in 1909 (Meiji 42) with the manufacture of fusuma paper. Currently, Kazuya Nagata, the 4th generation head of the company, is working on a wide range of Japanese paper products such as fusuma paper, Japanese lighting paper, tapestries, and Japanese paper accessories. And the eldest daughter, Izumi Nagata, is scheduled to become the fifth generation.

“I have been involved in the family business for about four years, and I am still immature. However, during this time, he learned paper-making techniques, planned and developed new products such as Japanese paper accessories, and actively participated in various events. And now, we are focusing on B2B and inter-company business.

“This area has the technology and potential to make and apply Japanese paper that is more suitable for daily life than other production areas. I would like to explore that possibility and further expand the market.”

Mr. Izumi values the history, tradition, and basic techniques of papermaking, and his father and grandmother are traditional craftsmen in the family business. But it never neglects the basics. Now that he understands his work, he says that he is returning to the basics. Behind this is the natural paper production that his father, Kazuya, has been working on for 10 years.

“Natural paper is made only once a year, and it takes a lot of time and effort because the raw materials are completely additive-free and the old-fashioned way is used. It's more efficient, it's beautifully finished, it's surprising, it's discoveries, it's a problem, and it motivates me to do more research. The paper is of high quality and has a beautiful finish.”

While respecting the old way of doing things, Mr. Izumi has a hungry and challenging spirit to “change it to something that suits me.” Her production, planning, and proposals for companies have already begun. In the near future, these ideas will undoubtedly expand the possibilities of Echizen Washi and achieve further evolution and growth.

https://osada-washi.jp/