Welcome to
Washi Academy!
At Washi Academy, we explore not just the how of Japanese papermaking, but the why and the when. We’re here to look at the stories woven into every sheet, and the cultural threads that connect us across time and geography.
What is
Washi Academy?
After nearly 25 years of studying Japanese hand papermaking in Japan, Paul Denhoed created Washi Academy to share this ancient craft with modern practitioners. Working in collaboration with Oguni Washi, we offer immersive workshops where students learn authentic techniques passed down through generations.
Our approach honors traditional methods while making this extraordinary craft accessible to contemporary artists, papermakers, and creative enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the meditative ritual of papermaking, the rich history of washi, or the possibility of incorporating handmade paper into your artistic practice, Washi Academy provides both the knowledge and community to deepen your connection to this timeless tradition.
Workshops
Washi Academy offers immersive in-person workshops in collaboration with Oguni Washi in Niigata, Japan. We have welcomed artists, printers, typographers, conservators, and craftspeople to the historic Oguni Washi studio, where students experience the complete process of traditional Japanese hand papermaking from fiber to finished sheet.
Offered in early March and late October, our six-day Intensive workshops in Oguni provide a comprehensive introduction to the craft. Students experience every step of the traditional process: from kozo cultivation in the fields or snow-bleaching (depending on the season), and fiber preparation to sheet forming, pressing, and drying. Participants complete their experience by creating a traditional stab-bound book using their handmade sheets.
We design personalized programs for individuals and small groups who need alternative scheduling or want to focus on specific techniques. Whether you’re seeking a more intimate experience, need different dates, or want to dive deeper into particular aspects like fiber preparation or sheet forming, we’ll create a program tailored to your needs.
Comprehensive courses launching soon, bringing the fundamentals of washi appreciation and technique to students worldwide.
Blog
resources
Coming soon
Glossary of Terms
An illustrated guide to essential terms covering the techniques, history, and cultural significance of traditional Japanese papermaking
Bibliography
An annotated collection of the most important texts for understanding washi craft, from foundational techniques to cultural context
Links
A carefully curated collection of the best online sources for deepening your knowledge of washi traditions and contemporary practice
online classes
Coming soon
How Washi is Made
A detailed journey through the transformation of kozo bark into exquisite handmade sheets, exploring each step of the traditional process
How to Look at and Choose Washi
Learn to read the subtle qualities of washi — texture, weight, grain, and character — to select the perfect paper for your specific needs
How to Use Washi
Discover the remarkable versatility of washi, from bookbinding and printmaking to conservation and contemporary artistic applications
Washi History
Trace the evolution of papermaking from its arrival in Japan through centuries of refinement, innovation, and regional specialization