"CRAFT TOURISM ECHIZEN"　Clan Bills and Banknotes: The Shape of Paper that Creates the Trends of the World

clan bill

Clan bills and banknotes: the appearance of paper that creates the flow of the world

The world economy revolves around money. Japan, without exception, uses banknotes and coins for economic activities. Of course, banknotes are made of paper, but did you know that Echizen Washi is deeply involved in the history of their creation?

Gold coins, silver coins, and coins made from gold, silver, copper, etc. were the mainstream of Japanese currency, but in the Edo period, ``han bills'' using Japanese paper were issued. The first han bill, the beginning of paper money, is said to belong to the Fukui clan.

In the era of Mitsumichi Matsudaira, the fourth lord of the domain, the Fukui domain was in financial difficulties. In addition to the decrease in annual tax income due to repeated poor harvests, the domain's borrowed money ballooned due to successive reductions in territory and two major fires at Fukui Castle. Therefore, Mitsumichi received permission from the shogunate, and in 1661 (Kanbun 1st year) he came to issue 'han bills'.

Han bills are so-called local currency, bills that can only be used within the territory of the domain. Fukui clan bills were produced in the Goka district, the home of Echizen washi paper, and the special manufacturing techniques were kept under strict confidentiality. This is because if counterfeit bills were to be produced, they could be misused and shake the feudal government.

The Fukui clan instructed the washi craftsmen that those who were involved in the production of clan bills should not disclose the raw material composition and paper-making process to anyone, not only to others, but also to parents and siblings. They were so strict that they were forced to submit a petition stating, "If there is someone who makes something similar to bill paper, please let me know."

bill

Inheriting Tradition While Changing the Form of Banknotes

The production of Echizen washi paper had sustained its economy since the use of han bills began, but with the end of the Edo shogunate, jobs suddenly disappeared. Naturally, the craftsmen were put in a difficult situation, but after the Meiji Restoration, as the new government was promoting nation-building, Echizen washi was once again singled out for the production of new banknotes.

At that time, Yuri Kimimasa, a high-ranking official of the new government, recommended the use of Echizen washi paper. During his time as a feudal retainer of the Fukui clan, Yuri Masamune, who was in strict control of craftsmen for the production of clans bills, made every effort to ensure that the craftsmen's skills were utilized by the new Meiji government.

The new banknotes were called 'Dajokansatsu', and were to be made in the Goka District as Japan's first nationally accepted banknotes. Due to the rampant counterfeiting of banknotes, German banknote paper was temporarily used, but in order to develop new banknotes, in 1875 (Meiji 8), seven paper-making craftsmen from the Goka district were transferred to the Ministry of Finance in Tokyo. I was invited to the papermaking department. Later, Kyokushi, which is dense and highly durable, was completed by adopting Western paper-making methods. Furthermore, a special technique called "black watermark" was developed to prevent counterfeit bills, and it is also used in current banknotes.

It was at the 1878 Paris World Exposition that the craftsmen of Echizen washi became known around the world for their high paper-making skills. When the Papermaking Bureau of the Ministry of Finance put up a banknote paper developed by the Ministry of Finance, the high-quality paper called "Japon" caused a great response. It is said that this "Japon" greatly stimulated French printmakers and others, and that gorgeous illustrated books using local newspapers became popular.

strong trust

Craftsmen overcoming turbulent times

Furthermore, using this technology, stock certificate paper was also manufactured in the Goka district during the Showa period, with a share of approximately 99%. Company logos are printed on stock certificates using a watermark technique, and it is said that around 100 workshops were operating at full capacity during the bubble period.

The reason why Echizen has been continuously selected as a production area for banknotes and stock certificates, which require careful handling, is the high level of technology and quality of Echizen washi paper, as well as the reliable cooperative relationship between the workshops, which is a strong trust. because it gave birth to

Mr. Akihiro Yamada, the representative director of Yamada Brothers Paper Co., Ltd., which actually produced stock certificates for major companies, said that he was able to continue the paper industry without being overwhelmed by the turbulent trends of the times, such as the digitization of stock certificates. He says that this is due not only to the high level of skill of each craftsman, but also to the solidarity of the production area.

“Of course, trends come and go, but I believe that it is important for each and every craftsman to come up with ideas and enjoy their work. There will be disasters, and the economy will never stabilize.I feel like I'm trying to survive, but I need the strength to overcome the hurdles that are placed in front of me."

Don't buy high technology, keep it honest and earnest, and devise and connect it to the future. The 1,500-year history of Echizen washi has continued because it has overcome the pressure that not even a single craftsman can deviate from.

▼Yamada Brothers Paper Co., Ltd.

http://www.yamada-keitei.com/