There are several regions in Japan famous for making unique WASHI, and UCHIYAMA GAMI(*) from Shinano, Nagano Prefecture is one of them. Its unique style is said to have started in 1661, during the EDO period.
You can get an idea of how they make this WASHI from this page. It is in Japanese but with many pictures.
http://www.uchiyama-gami.jp/kotei.html
The unique part is that they leave the still black bark of wood on the surface of snow. When the snow melt and evaporate, it gives off Ozon, bleaching the bark in a natural manner. No need for chemical bleach. After the dark colors of bark turn white, it is dried under the sun and goes onto the next step of making pulp.
Nagano is an area of harsh winter and heavy snow, and this technology is so in harmony with the local climate!
Mr. Abe, the last heir of UCHIYAMA GAMI, is an open minded man in search for the next era of WASHI. He has collaborated with designers in Tokyo to make lighting interior with UCHIYAMA GAMI, and holds a brief case made of WASHI himself. (The brief case is lasting for over 10 years. Amazing) I hope many of us can appreciate the "process" of how WASHI is made, and enjoy its texture in everyday interior.
(*)KAMI is paper, and is pronounced GAMI when put after other words.
See more about UCHIYAMA GAMI from this Japanese website.
http://www.uchiyama-gami.jp
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