Traditional Japanese paper, known as washi, is renowned the world over for its high quality. With its clean water and mild climate, the Yamanashi village of Nishijima was established as washi manufacturing base by order of Shingen Takeda, a feudal lord during Japan’s Warring States era. Visit a washi-making workshop and make your own design while learning about the history of this remarkable paper. As many of the washi-makers are women, this experience offers a glimpse of the significant role women play in this traditional world.