Characteristics of Aoganpi-washi

5:Characteristics of Aoganpi-washi

Paper was first introduced by the Chinese, and it was made of hemp or cotton. In Japan, Kozo, Ganpi and Mitsumata imported from China were used early on to make distinguished washi.
Biological classification of Ganpi depends on who assorted it, but according to Ganpi Jyuroku, published by Maruzen in 1940, Ganpi belongs to spurge, its scientific name being Wirkstroemia sikoiana Fr. Et Sav. It says there are many types of Ganpi, and widely used Ganpi for washi is Kiganpi (Wirktroemia tricotoma, Mak) but Sakura Ganpi or Araganpi found in Ogasawara and Ryukyu (Wirktroemia retusa. A. Gray) is also suitable for washi. On the other hand, according to World Plant (Asahi Shimbun) written by Hamaya, there are three categories for Ganpi. Ganpi genus, which has about 20 species and has a distribution in central and eastern Asia; Aoganpi genus, which has 50 species and has distribution in southeastern Asia, Australia and Polynesian Hawaiian Islands; and Shakunaganpi genus, which is unique to Japan. According to that book, Ganpi's scientific name is Diplomorpha sikokiana Honda. As you can see, there is no one specific classification. Fiber in Aoganpi's bark has gloss and is glutinous like Ganpi. When Aoganpi becomes washi, that characteristic appears. Its surface is translucent and glossy. It will not be damaged by insects and has permanence even if it placed in humid place. It is called king of papers.
However, due to difficulties in making and cultivation and its limited availability because of overexploiting, Aoganpi-washi is moribund. Makoto Yanagihashi said that it is very sad that graceful Aoganpi-washi is fading away. Aoganpi is in same category as Ganpi in main land and has similar characteristics to Ganpi like its brilliance and strength. Aoganpi was widly used in the Meiji and Taishou eras and Kochi people bought them. Many elderly people in Yaeyama remember they gathered Aoganpi.
Microgramme of Aoganpi-washi a
Microgramme of Aoganpi-washi b
Ganpi used for washi were mostly from the mainland but after investigating Aoganpi by using a stereomicroscope and electron microscope, I found that there is no basic difference between Ganpi and Aoganpi. Furthermore, as i compared bast of mainland's ganpi and Yaeyama's Aoganpi by using C-staining in accordance with JIS standard, I found out that both bast showed exactly the same staining property. [The pictures below shows same remark as my experiment. The pictures were provided by Tokusyu Seishi Company.]
Picture 1:Aoganpi-washi	Picture 2:Tosa ganpi-washi
Picture 3:Aoganpi-washi made by me
Picture 1:C-staining of 1865's ancient document made of Aoganpi-washi, which was stored in Ishigaki Museum 140X Picture 2:C-staining of Tosa Ganpi-washi (available in the market) 140X Both paper show stained cells peculiar to Ganpi
According to the results of experiments in Iriomote and Ishigaki, Aoganpi can be cultivated from seedlings. In corporation with Yaeyama Agricultural High School, we are growing seedlings and transplanting them into the laboratory every year.
Transplanting Aoganpi trees

Aoganpi trees are native to Yaeyama, but due to land development in Yaeyama, Aoganpi are decreasing. While cultivating more Aoganpi to prevent extinction, I have established this laboratory to raise the awareness of Yaeyama's precious Aoganpi.
Above: wild Aoganpi trees at Hirakubo Farm.