A Story in Every Wrap: Asarakusui Paper, Crafted from 1,300 Years of Awa Washi Tradition
Each eit swim piece is carefully wrapped in a single sheet of Japanese washi paper before it makes its way to you.
This beautiful paper is Asarakusui-shi, created by Awagami Factory in Tokushima, Japan.
More than just packaging, we chose this washi with the hope that it will continue to be part of your life long after your swimwear arrives.
A washi paper born to wrap flowers
Asarakusui-shi was originally created about 40 years ago as wrapping paper for flowers.
At a time when plastic films and nonwoven fabrics were not yet widely used, Awagami Factory explored ways to create a unique paper that could beautifully wrap delicate blooms.
Unlike many traditional Japanese papers made with kozo (mulberry) fibers, Asarakusui-shi uses a strong plant fiber similar to basho (Japanese banana), a material historically used for products such as ship ropes.
Light and delicate in appearance, the paper has a surprising strength and durability — making it a perfect material for wrapping.
A pattern created like falling rain
The most distinctive feature of Asarakusui-shi is its rakusui technique.
While the paper is being made, droplets of water are gently scattered onto the surface, leaving behind patterns that resemble falling rain.
Although the design may appear random, each sheet is carefully shaped by hand, with artisans adjusting the flow and placement of the water to create its unique expression.
The beauty of Asarakusui-shi comes from the harmony between nature and craftsmanship.
The connection to water is also what drew us to this paper — a material created through water, chosen to wrap pieces made for the ocean.
Its translucent quality, which reveals itself when held up to the light, is another feature that makes this washi truly special.
Beyond the wrapping
We hope this beautiful sheet of washi will not be something that is simply discarded after opening.
Use it to wrap a gift for someone special, preserve a single flower, or enjoy it as a small piece of art in your space.
Because of its strength and timeless beauty, there are many ways to give this paper a second life.
We hope this one sheet continues its journey, bringing a small moment of beauty into someone’s everyday life.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Shigeyuki Nakajima, the representative of Awagami Factory, about the history of Awa Washi, which has been passed down for over 1,300 years, and the craftsmanship behind its creation.
Stay tuned for our upcoming interview, where we share the story of Awagami Factory and the people preserving this incredible tradition.