Journey into Japanese Papermaking and Mokuhanga

Japan · May 2026

In May 2026, Art Print Residence, in collaboration with Nishiaizu International Art Village, organized Journey into Japanese Papermaking and Mokuhanga, an immersive experience dedicated to two closely connected Japanese traditions: Washi papermaking and Mokuhanga woodblock printing.

The program brought together two groups of international artists, each participating in an intensive two-week journey designed to experience the complete creative process — from harvesting the raw material for papermaking to printing a Mokuhanga image on the handmade washi they had produced themselves.

From Kozo to Handmade Washi

The journey began under the guidance of master papermaker Tetsuya Takizawa, with participants working directly with freshly harvested kozo branches, the traditional fiber used to produce Japanese washi paper.

Starting with the raw plant material allowed the artists to understand papermaking from its very origins. They explored the natural qualities of kozo, learning how the branches and bark are harvested and processed before the fibers can be transformed into paper.

Through the different stages of preparation, the participants discovered the patience, precision and knowledge involved in traditional Japanese papermaking.

Under the guidance of Tetsuya Takizawa, the prepared kozo fibers were finally transformed into individual sheets of handmade washi, giving each participant the experience of creating their own paper from the raw material.

From Handmade Washi to Mokuhanga

Once the paper was completed, the journey moved naturally into its second stage: Mokuhanga, traditional Japanese water-based woodblock printing.

Led by master printmaker Katsutoshi Yuasa, participants developed their own woodblock projects, learning the processes of image preparation, carving, registration, application of water-based pigments and hand printing.

Mokuhanga brings together wood, water, pigment, paper and pressure, creating a printing process based on sensitivity, control and a close understanding of materials.

The handmade washi created during the first part of the program became an integral part of this second stage. Participants were able to carve and print their Mokuhanga images on the very paper they had made themselves from kozo fibers.

This connection between material and image was at the heart of the project.

From harvesting the kozo to making the paper, carving the woodblocks and finally printing, Journey into Japanese Papermaking and Mokuhanga offered a complete immersion in Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary printmaking practice.

Participating Artists

Jolynn Reigeluth — USA
Melanie Berlinger — Austria
Linda Craighead — USA
Vero Ugarte — Chile
Jan Dong — Canada
Johanna Bakker — Netherlands
Jean Gumpper — USA
Catherine Wild — Canada
Stephanie Yiannias — USA
Mei Yi Wong — Hong Kong

Professors

Washi Papermaking — Tetsuya Takizawa
Master papermaker guiding participants through the complete process of transforming kozo into handmade Japanese washi.

Mokuhanga — Katsutoshi Yuasa
Master printmaker leading the development, carving and printing of the participants’ Mokuhanga projects.

Direction and Coordination

Ariadna Abadal

In Collaboration With

Nishiaizu International Art Village

Art Print Residence — Japan · May 2026

Journey into Mokuhanga