UNESCO-listed Japanese paper craft celebrated with Chōjū-giga style exhibition

An exhibition celebrating the heritage of traditional Japanese paper-making will take place in Ogawa, Saitama Prefecture, from November 22-24. The event will feature an 11-metre-long illustrated scroll detailing the craft, commemorating the 10th anniversary of handmade washi (Japanese paper) being designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The exhibition “Chōjū-giga: The Making of Hand-made Japanese Paper,” is organised by Kikakuya Kazaana with support from Ogawa Town, Kyoto City, and Kōzan-ji Temple. The temple is the custodian of the original Chōjū Jinbutsu Giga (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans), a national treasure whose artistic style inspired the new work.

The centrepiece is a scroll over 11 metres long, crafted from three distinct types of washi, all recognised by UNESCO: Hosokawa-shi from Saitama, Hon-minoshi from Gifu, and Sekishū-banshi from Shimane. With official permission from Kōzan-ji, the scroll depicts the entire paper-making process, from the cultivation of raw materials like kozo mulberry and tororo-aoi (sunset hibiscus) to the final distribution, using the familiar animal characters of the ancient scrolls. After the exhibition, the original scroll will be dedicated to Kōzan-ji Temple.

The event aims to deepen public interest in and understanding of this traditional craft. The organiser, Kikakuya Kazaana, also operates the “Washi no Neri Project”, which addresses a shortage of tororo-aoi, a plant-based mucilage essential for paper-making, by encouraging households to cultivate the plant and supply it to artisans.

Visitors can explore multiple venues across Ogawa, known as the “Little Kyoto of Musashi.” Activities include a stamp rally using hand-made washi postcards, tours of the Ogawa Washi Experience and Learning Center to see trainees at work, and sales of original washi products.

In a collaboration with Kyoto City, the event will also feature an exhibition and sale of traditional Kyoto crafts, including Japanese candles (warōsoku), mizuhiki cord art, and spinning tops (kyō-goma). Food and drink developed using tororo-aoi will also be available. The organisers also invite visitors to enjoy the town’s autumn scenery while experiencing its rich paper-making culture.