Kozo Plant

Earth faces the crisis of global warming due to the increase of greenhouse gases produced as our civilization evolved and industry developed. Fortunately, the production of washi does not contribute to global warming. In fact, it gives back to the environment through the process.

Every winter, paper makers in Japan cut and collect kozo bark, the main material used to make washi. Kozo is part of the mulberry family and starts to grow soon after it’s been cut. By summer, its green leaves have fully grown back, adn the process starts over again when winter arrives. The collecting process never takes the entire kozo from the root so that it’s stump grows larger every year.

The majority of kozo is grown and collected in Koichi, Japan. Below are pictures of papermaker apprentices experiencing the paper making process.

cutting the Kozo bark

Steaming the bark

Stripping the bark

TSUYOSHI AGETA
Kochi Washi Coop