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Washi Paper-making
Mar 19, 2010
Dear Frenz,
(Click photos to enlarge)
I have relatives in Shimane Prefecture. One of my relatives, the Abe Family, makes handmade washi called "Izumo Mingeishi", or Izumo Folkcraft Paper. What is washi? Washi is Japan’s traditional hand-molded paper. Although it’s very delicate in texture, it’s extremely durable and strong. Washi comes in so many different colors. These photos only show a portion of the colorful washi. 

Washi is used in various products. Some include fusuma and shoji screens, lamps, business cards, letter sets, calendars, graduation certificates, and more!!! Product Photos


This is a shoji screen in my house which uses washi made by the Abe Family. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

Some years ago, I had the chance to watch the washi-making process. It’s such a long and complicated process, so you should see their website that has many pictures and English explanations. There’s an English link available. Official Website
This unique horizontal design is patented. This is a one-of-a-kind design in the world.
Currently, brothers Shinichiro and Norimasa mainly make the paper together, but the entire family takes part in the various processes of paper making. Their grandfather, the late Eishiro Abe, was designated a Living National Treasure, or “Ningen Kokuho”. Until passing away in 1984, he held exhibitions in Paris, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Beijing. He has demonstrated his paper-making in front of the Emperor, Empress, and the Imperial Family.
Eishiro Abe was also a well-known calligraphy artist. Let me show you some of his masterpieces that I have at home. This one reads “Seishin”. It means “A quiet and peaceful mind”.

Top left: “Michi” meaning “path” or “road”.
Top right: “If you wish hard, the flower will bloom”.
Bottom left: “Wako” meaning “delicate light”.
Bottom right: “raku” meaning “relaxed”, “comfort”, or “to have fun”.
This ceramic was made by a potter in Okinawa. The letter "Zui", meaning "auspicious", was written by Mr. Abe. It's to store and hang awamori, a kind of distilled beverage made in Okinawa.
There is also a memorial hall dedicated to Mr. Abe. Here, you can see priceless literature, artwork, and washi items. There is also an area where visitors can experience washi paper-making.
Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall (Japanese page only)
http://abe-eishirou.jp/
I am planning on visiting Shimane again soon, so please look forward to my next Shimane blog!
Luv Always,
Lily
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times, such as "Are they boys or girls?" or "Are they fraternal or identical?" or "Does your family have a history of twins?", but aside from this all the attention is not a such bad thing.Pleasure of Books
Mar 15, 2010
Hi, friends,
That was my second time to read it.
"One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
I got much a stronger impression than when I read it a long time ago.
Maybe the energy of the people.
Maybe the passion of the author.
Actually it's hard to finish.
A couple of times I tossed the book away from me.
But the next moment I would realize I was in the village of Macond again.
That means, I think, I was drawn to the story.
If you register as a member of "FUJI TV CLUB", you will receive FUJI TV newsletters called
"Abia-do" four times a year.
You can get a lot of information about FUJI TV programs, including the
interviews of the drama actors and actresses.
I have a column called "Book Review" in it.
It's fun to think what book I shall introduce to the readers every time.
I selected "One Hundred Years of Solitude" in the column a couple of month ago.
I'm now thinking of a book for the next issue.
I have just read "The Broken Window" by Jeffery Deaver and "The Power Of
The Dog" by Don Winslow.
They are good but my search is still going on.
I really want your information.
If you have a good book to recomend please get in touch with us.
I'd like to share the pleasure of reading with you!
Clarence
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