Ōe Town Washi Denshokan Museum

The Ōe Town Washi Heritage Museum is a cultural facility dedicated to preserving and sharing the tradition of Tango Futamata Paper (Tango Washi), a form of traditional Japanese washi designated as a Kyoto Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property. Located in Futamata, Ōe Town, Fukuchiyama City, the museum serves as a center for exhibition, education, and hands-on learning related to the history and techniques of washi papermaking.

Established in July 1994, the museum marked its 30th anniversary in 2024 and continues to play an important role in passing this regional craft on to future generations.

Background and Purpose

Tango Futamata Paper originated in the Edo period and was produced extensively until the early Meiji era. Today, the tradition is maintained by a single workshop, the Tanaka Paper Manufacturing Workshop. The production process — from the cultivation and processing of kozo (paper mulberry) to papermaking — is carried out entirely by hand using traditional methods that have been preserved over generations.

Due to its high quality and historical significance, Tango Futamata Paper is used in the restoration of temples and shrines throughout Japan, as well as in the conservation of books and documents held by overseas art museums.

Exhibitions

The museum features an exhibition room that explains the washi papermaking process using original tools, photographs, and detailed explanations. Visitors can learn about each stage of production, from raw materials to finished paper.

Another exhibition area introduces works created with Tango Washi submitted from across Japan, demonstrating the material’s diverse applications and artistic value.

In Fukuchiyama City’s tourism action plan, hands-on washi experiences were identified as a key asset. In response, the museum launched an Appeal Enhancement Project in fiscal year 2025 to expand experiential programs and improve exhibition content.

Hands-On Experiences

In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers hands-on papermaking experiences that allow visitors to engage directly with traditional techniques. One option is an authentic papermaking experience led by professional washi artisans, in which participants create full-scale hand-made washi under expert instruction. This program is available to groups of ten or more and is open to elementary school students from Grade 4 and above. Advance reservations are required, and fees are set at ¥810 for shikishi boards or writing paper, and ¥1,020 for certificate paper.

For visitors seeking a more accessible option, the museum also provides a casual papermaking experience led by museum staff. Using simplified tools, this program allows anyone to participate, even individually, while still learning the basic principles of traditional washi production. The participation fee for this experience is ¥500.

Events and Programs

The museum hosts seasonal exhibitions and workshops throughout the year. Scheduled events for 2026 include:

• Washi Heritage Museum Repair Project 2nd (January 18, 2026): A workshop focused on repairing shoji screens made from Tango Futamata Paper.

• Ōe Kōjū Calligraphy Exhibition (January 10 – March 22, 2026): An exhibition of works by calligrapher Kōjū Ōe, a native of Ōe Town.

• Make a Demon’s Iron Club! (February 1, 2026): A craft workshop using the core of kozo branches.