6Mino Washi

"Mino Washi" is a kind of traditional Japanese paper that has been manufactured in Gifu for over 1300 years. The source of Mino Washi is the clean water of the Nagara and Itadori River that flow through Gifu, characterized by its soft texture and strong durability.
Currently, Mino Washi is classified into three types by production area, materials, and manufacturing method. The highest classification, Hon-Minoshi, that uses only high quality materials, is made in a specific production area, and is manufactured with the traditional handmade method, has been designated as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
With the spread of Western paper, the main role of Mino Washi has changed from being used to make household items to being used to make local traditional crafts such as lanterns and fans, and is still highly popular. These days, Mino Washi is used to repair exhibits in the British Museum, the Louvre Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian Museum.