Understand/Buy
Osada Paper Mills pursues a 'lifestyle of Japanese paper that continues to evolve with the times,'.As the Osada family with the trade name of Hattayu, it can be traced back to 13 generations ago, and its paper manufacturing business began in 1909 with the production of sliding door paper.Currently, under the leadership of Kazuya Osada, the fourth generation, the company produces a wide range of washi products, including sliding door paper, washi paper for lighting, tapestries, and washi accessories.The fifth generation will be the eldest daughter, Izumi Osada
She said, "I've been in the family business for about four years, and I'm still in my infancy.I'm finally starting to understand my job, so I'm not aware that I'm the fifth generation at all," she says humbly.However, during this time, she learned the papermaking, planned and developed new products such as washi accessories, actively participated in various events, and, as she says,"continued to work every day."And now, the focus is on BtoB, business-to-business.
She said, “This area has the technology and potential to create and apply washi that is more suited to daily life than any other production area.We want to find that potential and further expand our market,”.
In a family business that respects the history, tradition, and basic techniques of papermaking, and where his father and grandmother are traditional craftsmen, Izumi is free to try his hand at a variety of things.But by no means are we neglecting the basics.Now that he understands the work, she says she is going back to the basics.Behind this is the natural paper production that her father, Kazuya, has been involved in for the past 10 years.
"Natural paper is produced only once a year, and it requires a considerable amount of time and effort because it is done the old-fashioned way, finishing the raw materials completely without additives.But when I am actually involved in the process, I find that it was more efficient and more beautiful in the past than it is now, and I discover surprises, discoveries, and challenges, which motivate me to do further research.And I also realize that the accumulation of technology has led us to where we are today.Of course, all natural papers are of high quality and beautifully finished,"
While respecting the old ways of doing things, Izumi has a hungry spirit to take on the challenge of 'changing things to suit me,'.Her production, planning and proposals for companies have already begun.In the near future, when these will take shape, the possibilities of Echizen washi will expand even more than before, and it will surely achieve further evolution and growth.
Text/Miyuki Sasajima
