Washi

"Yukigesho."

"Karakurenai."

The Japanese language is rich in unique expressions that reflect nature and culture.

Magical Japanese.

Today's theme is "washi."

"Washi" is traditional Japanese paper handmade by artisans using techniques passed down through generations.

It was named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.

Today we'll introduce some of the many Japanese words and phrases associated with "washi."

Leading the way is our guide.

Hello, I'm Peter MacMillan.

Peter MacMillan is a poet and literary translator.

Originally from Ireland, he has lived in Japan for more than 30 years.

"Washi" is a traditional Japanese handcraft with a history of over 1300 years.

It is a paper made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree, which is known for its strength.

There are examples of documents that have been preserved for over 1000 years without disintegrating; that's how strong it is.

Let's have a look at some words related to Japanese paper culture.

"kamihitoe."

"Kami" means paper, and "hitoe" is a single sheet.

"Kamihitoe" refers to a difference in amount or extent so small, it's virtually paper-thin.

"Kamihitoe."

In English we say, "by a hair" or "by a hairsbreadth."

"kamihitoe."

"kamihitoe."

"hakushi ni modosu."

This literally means to "revert to a blank sheet of paper."

Like the English expression "back to the drawing board," it's used when a plan, appointment, or agreement is completely scrapped.

The expression is often used in business settings.

What happened to that project?

The boss changed his mind,
so "hakushi ni modoshimasu."

"Modoshimasu" is the polite form of "modosu," meaning "to revert."

"hakushi ni modosu."

"hakushi ni modosu."

It is said that paper was first brought to Japan in the 7th century, and quickly it became a commodity, and was used for documents such as family registers and for copying "sūtras."

"Nagashi-suki," a technique particular to Japan, came about in the Heian period, and the production of a very thin, strong washi began.

Paper would eventually come to be used in Shintō rituals.

In Shinto, a ritual wand with paper streamers is used to invoke deities or cleanse away sins and impurities.

The streamers were originally made of hemp or cotton, but were replaced by white "washi" as its popularity grew.

Back then, when paper was still a luxury item, a culture developed that saw paper as something sacred.

Using paper as an offering to the gods or for wrapping gifts would later become the norm.

Even today in Japan, when we give money to people as a gift, celebration, or when someone has passed away, we put it in an envelope, which is the same as wrapping it in paper.

"mizuhiki."

This decorative cord is made from "washi" that has been twisted together and hardened with paste.

The color combinations vary, depending on the occasion.

For example, red and white or gold and silver, are used for celebrations, while black and white or indigo and white are reserved for mourning.

"mizuhiki."

"mizuhiki."

Another well-known word in Japanese paper culture is, of course, "origami."

"Washi" came to be also used by people for fun.

In the United States, "origami" has been used in education to help students improve their thinking skills.

How do you like this?

It is a crane.

"origami."

"origami."

"Washi" continues to be used by people as a daily item due to its strength.

The use of "washi" went beyond being something to write on or something to fold.

Let's have a look at the various ways in which "washi" has been used.

"amagasa."

"higasa."

Traditional Japanese umbrellas have a bamboo frame covered in washi paper.

An "amagasa," or rain umbrella, is given an oil coating to make it waterproof, while a "higasa," or sun umbrella, typically features a vibrant pattern.

"chochin."

This traditional lighting fixture holds a candle within a paper-covered frame.

It's the Japanese version of a lantern.

"uchiwa."

Handheld uchiwa fans provide relief from the heat.

People also use them to stoke fires.

They come in a wide variety of designs and are a popular Japanese souvenir.

As you can see, "washi" is closely connected to the lives of the Japanese people.

You can even find "washi" in traditional Japanese houses in shoji screens.

These are made by pasting "washi" onto a wooden frame.

With "shōji," you can't see what is happening on the other side, but you can hear it.

The following expression came about from this phenomenon.

"kabe ni mimi ari
shoji ni me ari."

"Kabe" means wall, "mimi" means ear, and "me" means eye.

This translates as "walls have ears, and shoji screens have eyes."

The expression means that even if you think you're having a conversation in private, you never know if someone is listening in on you or not.

It means that secrets are easily leaked.

Remember this the next time you're telling secrets in Japan.

"kabe ni mimi ari
shoji ni me ari."

"kabe ni mimi ari
shoji ni me ari."

"tegami."

The English translation for "tegami" is "letter."

"Te" means hand, and "kami" means paper.

"Kami" changes form when combined with other words.

In an age when we're increasingly contacting each other by email and mobile phones, we rarely receive actual letters anymore.

But there's something really joyous about receiving a letter, and it always makes me think of the unique qualities of the person who sent the letter.

"tegami."

"tegami."

I hope you enjoyed the program.

Many of you already knew about origami, but I hope that through this program, you could see that the culture of washi is very broad and interesting.

See you next time.

Bye.