A Heritage Tour in Japan: From Washi to Rare Books
By Mr. Joe Chow, University Librarian of Hong Kong Shue Yan University and Ms. Gloria Fung, Library Officer of St Stephen’s College
Modern papermaking, letterpress printing, bookbinding, the dissemination of book knowledge, and libraries are inextricably linked. Gloria and I, along with librarians and archivists from Hong Kong, had a valuable opportunity to experience these traditional crafts firsthand from 10–15 November 2025 in Japan which held by HKSKH Ming Hua Theological College.
In a traditional library, the core collection is books. Since a book is constructed with paper, we started our journey from the basic element of a library: a single piece of paper.
The Art of Washi Paper-Making
Joe: Our journey began with an immersive washi (和紙, traditional Japanese paper) paper-making workshop in Ogawa-machi (小川町), Saitama Prefecture (埼玉県). This town is renowned for its long and distinguished history in the traditional washi industry. This visit marked my first attempt at producing handmade paper since primary school, making the entire experience particularly memorable. We enjoyed several engaging hands-on activities throughout the day, truly connecting us with this ancient and beautiful craft. Gloria, what is your experience in this workshop?
Gloria: It is my first time making Washi Paper, and I found it strenuous. I realised that the Kozo (楮) is a plant used to make a strong, durable, and traditional Japanese paper. Simultaneously, it is a material used to create shoji doors. The process we experienced involved kamisuki (combing) and cleaning. My horizon broadened during the process, as I merely participated in such a workshop during my travels. I would much rather cherish the books I have, not only new ones but also old ones. I would preserve my collection if possible, rather than throw it away.
 |
 |
 |
The Intricacy of Rare Bookbinding
Joe: Following our trip to acquire traditional Japanese papers, we traveled to the Rissho University Rare Book Library (立正大學古書資料館) in Osaki, Tokyo. There, the dedicated librarians provided a hands-on lesson in creating a rare handmade book. Even though this was my second opportunity to engage in the intricate process of bookbinding, the detailed craft of assembling the pages, covers, and stitching – turning loose materials into a preserved volume – remained a truly fascinating and enriching experience. Do you agree, Gloria?
Gloria: I got a basic understanding of a thread-bound book before the workshop and have learnt the process from a YouTube video. It is a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in creating my own thread-bound book. The book’s process of Yotsume Toji (Japanese-style thread-bound book, Four-Hole Book Binding) is bravo, as it is easier to repair if it falls apart than a book. To extend the life of books, learning this skill is definitely a good way to do so. It provides us with the option to preserve fragile books rather than weeding them. It is an inspiring experience.
Exploring Letterpress Printing
Joe: Last but not least, I think everyone is welcome to visit and book the experience tour of the Ogawa-machi Washi Experience and the Ichigaya Letterpress Factory (市谷の杜 本と活字館) in Tokyo downtown. The Ichigaya factory is housed in a beautifully restored building that dates back to 1926. This “real factory” museum showcases the traditional craft of letterpress printing and bookmaking, particularly highlighting the unique challenges and techniques involved with Japanese typography before the digital age. We were able to explore displays of historic printing equipment, including machinery used until 2003, and even participate in hands-on workshops and tours to truly appreciate the intricate process of typesetting and printing.
Gloria: The hands-on workshop in Letterpress Printing has enriched my knowledge of related skills. I really appreciate the staff who efficiently picked a required type from a tall shelf full of types, since they tried. It is complex and time-consuming. We have witnessed various machines, including a Matrix Engraving Machine and a Thread Sewing Machine. It is all related to how a book is made. This technique is an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is a practice, representation, expression, knowledge, or skill recognised by UNESCO as part of a place’s cultural heritage. It demonstrates the importance of passing on the skills to the next generation. I am really pleased to have such a vital opportunity to try it out.
A Tour of Japanese Libraries
Apart from the experience of traditional crafts, we also visited some significant libraries and museums in Japan. During our trip, Gloria and I embarked on a fascinating tour of several distinct libraries across Japan, each offering a unique perspective on architecture, history, and academic resources. Our visits included the local and welcoming Ogawa Town Library (小川町立図書館) in Saitama, which provided insight into community-focused library services. We then explored several university libraries in Tokyo, starting with the Rikkyo University Library (立教大学図書館), a modern library embedded in the historical campus , followed by a focused stop at the Rissho University Rare Book Library (立正大學古書資料館), where we engaged with rare and historical texts. Finally, we concluded our library visits at the impressive, modern structure of the Teikyo University Media Library Center (帝京大学メディアライブラリーセンター), allowing us to see the student-oriented reading environment and resources available across the library.
Last but not least, thank you for the coordination of HKSKH Ming Hua Theological College and the receiving of Rissho University.
More Information
- Ichigaya Letterpress Factory (市谷の杜 本と活字館): https://ichigaya-letterpress.jp/
Ogawa Town Library (小川町立図書館): https://www.lib.ogawa.saitama.jp/
Ogawa-machi Washi Experience Learning Center (小川町和紙体験学習センター): https://www.town.ogawa.saitama.jp/gyosei/kanko_bunka_sports/event/3472.html
Rissho University Rare Book Library (立正大學古書資料館): https://www.ris.ac.jp/library/kosho/introduction.html
Rikkyo University Library (立教大学図書館): https://library.rikkyo.ac.jp/
Teikyo University Media Library Center (帝京大学メディアライブラリーセンター): https://www.teikyo-u.ac.jp/campus/hachioji_campus/library