| As I mentioned before, the reason I decided to make Aoganpi-washi was to
reestablish washi making in the institution for impaired people. I talked
about thrilling when I started visiting Sr. Kanemitsu to learn Washi making
in Iriomote Island in a book. After Sister Kanemitsu fell down, I had visited
the unmaned Charterhouse every month and made washi while visiting long-established
washi making mills and searching documents. When I stayed at B&B in
Iriomote Island, th owner asked me why I had visited Iriomote every month.
I told him that I was learning washi-making in the Charterhouse. Then he
said I was the one Sister mentioned as her successor. When Sister's ill
worsened, Sister wrote me a letter telling me to keep doing washi making.
Thus I counldn't stop washi making. By the time I made washi making into shape, I found myself fallen for Aoganpi-washi's unique glarmour differnt from mainland's Ganpi-washi and 12 years has passed. I had some difficulty and confusion, but I managed to be able to make Aoganpi-washi being in no way inferior to mainland's Ganpi-washi, I feel this washi making as invaluable lifework. I am hoping I can develope Aoganpi-washi that makes most of subtropical climate of Ishigaki Island and I could find successor. |