Journeys in Japan · SEASON 5
Echizen: The World of Washi
Episode 39 · 2014-12-30

- Documentary
Episode overview
Japan has been the land of paper since ancient times. The country developed a unique culture of using washi (lit. Japanese paper) for diverse purposes. Echizen washi, traditionally produced in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, has especially been chosen for imperial ceremonies and for securities, diplomas, certificates and other important documents. The Goka district of Echizen is home to papermakers renowned for its high-quality handmade washi. The area is the only place in Japan where a deity of paper is worshipped. David Wells, a chef of Japanese cuisine, visits the district where washi is very much a part of people's lives, and discovers a deep world.
28 minutes
Season 5 episodes
1. Murakami: City of Salmon and Sake2014-01-28
2. Hiroshima: The City of Hope2014-02-04
3. A Passion for Mechanical Magic: Aichi2014-02-11
4. Kobe: Neighborhoods Reborn2014-02-25
5. Tochigi: Secret World of Samurai and Hot Spring2014-03-04
6. Sanriku: Lives Intertwined with the Sea2014-03-11
7. Nagatoro: Natural Forests and Pure Ice2014-03-18
8. Kohoku: Life Close to Buddhist Deities2014-03-25
9. Sanjo: Forging Tradition and Craftsmanship2014-04-01
10. Kyoto in Spring Part 1: Discovering Dolls' Day Traditions2014-04-08
11. Kyoto in Spring Part 2: Discovering the World of Incense2014-04-15
12. Kurashiki: Celebrating Heritage2014-04-22
13. A Day-Trip From Tokyo Part 1: Kamakura - City of Nature, History and Tradition2014-05-06
14. A Day-Trip From Tokyo Part 2: Slow Train in Springtime Chiba2014-05-06
15. Takamatsu: Spirit of Craftsmanship2014-05-13
16. Yoshino, Nara: Awash in Pink Petals2014-06-10
17. Izumo: Land of Living Legends2014-06-17
18. Splashing and Chilling in Minakami2014-06-24
19. Wajima Lacquerware, Layers of Perfection2014-07-01
20. Celebrating the Landscape of Azumino2014-07-08
21. Kanazawa: Evolving Tradition2014-07-15
22. Outdoor Hokkaido Part 1: Shiretoko Wildlife Paradise2014-07-22
23. Outdoor Hokkaido Part 2: Into the Wilds of Kushiro2014-07-29
24. Iwate: Road to Recovery2014-08-05
25. Okinawa: The Land of Karate2014-08-12
26. Tomioka: Cradle of Japan's Modernization2014-08-19
27. Niyodo River: Pure Water of the Gods2014-08-26
28. Ine, Kyoto: Serenity by the Sea2014-09-16
29. Gujo-hachiman: Dancing in the City of Water2014-09-23
30. Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata Part 1: Deep Mountain Worship2014-10-14
31. Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata Part 2: Yamabushi Training for Death and Rebirth2014-10-21
32. Kumamoto Prefecture: Appreciating Abundance2014-10-28
33. Into the Heart of Kyoto2014-11-04
34. Wakasa Bay, Fukui Prefecture: Following the Old Mackerel Road2014-11-11
35. Savoring Fall on Shodoshima2014-11-18
36. Tomonoura: The Old Folks and the Sea2014-11-25
37. Izumo: Land of Legend and Folk Craft2014-12-02
38. Yokohama Stories2014-12-09
39. Echizen: The World of Washi2014-12-30