Kamism Lab カミズムラボ

Both light and very flexible, Japanese washi paper is an ancient craft (imported from China in the seventh century) still widely used, for example to make envelopes and sliding doors. It is mistakenly called "rice paper" in the West, but it is actually made ​​from mulberry, and the term actually covers 400 different types of paper.

Since 2011 the Kamism Lab store, close to the Sky Tree has been dedicated to the production and sale of washi. But as its name ("Lab") suggests, the place is also a craft workshop in which visitors are invited to attend demonstrations and discover paper printing techniques, gold leaf and mokuhan (wood carving).

To put what they see into practice, the store also organizes introductory sessions (20-40 minutes) for visitors. They can make a postcard or a lamp shade, a good way to make your own souvenir!

It's all about patterns and colors. The store has also transformed part of its space into a museum dedicated to the history and techniques of washi making.

NHK documentary on the washi making, cae12810 video.