Hand Papermaker
かみすきこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Artisan who dissolves pulp or plant fibers in water, spreads them thinly and uniformly by hand, dries them, and manufactures paper.
Description
Hand papermakers use plant fibers such as kozo (paper mulberry) and mitsumata as raw materials. After pulping and adjustment, they use a papermaking mold (suke-keta) to evenly sheet thin paper. They employ techniques to prevent uneven sheeting, moisture control, and finishing processes through pressing and drying to produce high-quality paper. They accommodate a wide range of applications from traditional washi to industrial paper, requiring temperature and humidity management as well as fine manual adjustments.
Future Outlook
While mechanization for mass production advances, traditional hand-made washi paper is expected to have stable demand in the tourist souvenir and high-end stationery markets.
Personality Traits
Can pay attention to details / Dexterous with hands and good at fine work / Has patience / Has physical strength
Work Style
Career Path
Raw Material Processor → Hand Papermaker → Workshop Supervisor → Production Manager → Factory Manager
Required Skills
Drying and Dehydration Techniques / Papermaking Mold Operation / Raw Material Selection and Processing Techniques / Thickness Adjustment
Recommended Skills
Design Knowledge (Patterns) / Paper Processing Skills / Quality Inspection / Workshop Management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to detail is essential to maintain uniformity in paper quality and thickness. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | High physical stamina is required to handle heavy raw materials and large amounts of water. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Empirical rules and intuition are valued more than complex calculations. |
Aliases
- Hand Papermaking Artisan
- Washi Artisan
Related Jobs
- Paper Product Processor
- Papermaker
- Pulp Manufacturer
- Quality Control Officer