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I have been purchasing top-quality hosho paper for my printmaking for many decades. Far and away most of the paper was of course 'used up' in making prints, which have become scattered all over the world. But almost from the very beginning I made a habit of saving the final couple of sheets from each 'lot', and putting them aside.

On Friday, Sadako and I spent most of the day digging through the scattered stacks and got everything organized. The washi is now sorted by paper type, each piece labelled with date and description, and carefully stacked for storage.

Why?

I think that having this decades-long record of paper from a single source (the Iwano family) available for research, provides a unique opportunity for study into the production of washi during this period. I myself will never get to it - my focus is the printmaking - but I am confident that sometime, someplace, this will be very useful to somebody.

Possibly the paper hasn't changed all that much in just a few decades. A hundred year collection would be much more useful.

Hey, you have to start somewhere!

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Top title: In the Paper Village - a dream of a new workshop

Sub title: Kyoto native Naho Murata strikes out on her own after 27 years of training

Middle title: "Passing on skills and spirit to the next generation"

A female artisan specializing in handmade washi paper - originally from outside the prefecture - has struck out on her own to open a workshop in the Imadate district of Echizen City, a major production hub for Echizen washi. This marks the first time a new handmade washi workshop has opened since the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period when the industry was experiencing rapid growth. "It is vital to pass on this production region and its accumulated wisdom to the next generation," she says. "We absolutely cannot let this tradition die out with us."

The artisan is Naho Murata (49), a native of Kyoto. In January of last year, she opened "Tesuki Washi Naho" in Otaki-cho, Echizen City. According to the prefectural washi industry cooperative, the number of member companies - centered in the Imadate district - peaked at 103 in 1973 but has since declined due to issues such as a lack of successors; the figure now stands at 44, with Murata being the latest new entrant.

While studying fashion at a junior college in Kyoto, she became interested in washi as a clothing material and visited a paper mill in the Imadate district. Driven by curiosity and a desire to try making it herself, she took a job there. Although she initially intended to move to a different craft production area after a few years, her two-year apprenticeship exposed her to the rigorous nature of learning by observing the techniques of veteran artisans in their seventies and eighties.

She also came to appreciate the weight of a 1,500-year-old industry - one where artisans both competed and cooperated while revering "Kawakami Gozen" (enshrined at Okamoto and Otaki Shrines in Otaki-cho) as the deity of papermaking. "I want to immerse myself in this historic production area and challenge my own limits." With that resolve, she set her sights on eventually becoming independent.

A turning point came in her nineteenth year of employment. Just as she had mastered the entire papermaking process and was being entrusted with more responsibilities, her employer went out of business. She subsequently moved to "Udatsu no Kogeikan" (Udatsu Craft Museum), a cultural and educational facility dedicated to Echizen washi. There, she obtained certification as a Traditional Craftsperson and began demonstrating the handmade papermaking process to tourists. Reflecting on nine years spent sharing the appeal of washi (Japanese paper), she notes, "There was real fulfillment in interacting directly with individual customers, rather than just supplying paper to wholesalers."

Even after changing jobs, she continued to hone her skills as an artisan by helping out once a week - on her days off - at the workshop of Living National Treasure Ichibei Iwano IX (92). "Spending eight hours a day solely focused on washi under Ichibei-san’s guidance, I realized, 'I really want to concentrate on papermaking,' and recalled the dream of striking out on my own that I’d held in my twenties. I knew I had to move to the next stage."

She served as an instructor for the preservation society dedicated to "Echizen Torinoko-kami" - a gampi paper representative of the region - and played a role in its successful inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list late last year.

Yet, she harbored anxieties about going independent: "Is it right for an outsider like me to set up shop in this historic washi community?"

What gave her the final push was the encouragement of people she had met through her work at the craft center - customers who told her, "I want to buy your paper." Being able to lease leftover equipment from her former papermaking workshop also helped solidify her decision. With a woodblock print publisher who had encouraged her venture becoming her client, she has successfully operated the business for over a year, gaining confidence along the way.

This is the new banner raised by an artisan who grew into her craft after arriving from out of prefecture to join a community that has long safeguarded this traditional industry. "My next goal is to welcome colleagues to work alongside me," Naho says. "I want to become an artisan who can properly pass on both the techniques and the spirit of the craft, just as the masters who taught me did."

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John: Mayu, I'm so worried about our future. I don't know if I can stay in Japan, or if I'll ever be able to make a living from my prints.

Mayu: We'll find a way. I won't let anything keep us apart. Even if my father won't accept us, I believe in you and your work.

John: That's so kind of you, but I still feel like there's something else I need to do. I want to use my woodblock prints to help others.

Mayu: What do you mean?

John: I want to use my prints to raise awareness about social issues and help people affected by poverty. I think that would give my work more purpose.

Mayu: That's a great idea. We could use the money we make from exhibitions to fund charitable projects. With our combined skills, we could make a real difference.

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The prompt to the Bot: A lawyer is having a ...

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The prompt to the Bot: A lawyer is having a conversation with an officer in the Japanese Immigration Bureau. The lawyer wants his client (an apprentice traditional woodblock printmaker) to be allowed to stay in Japan, but the officer wants to 'play by the rules' and disallow this. The lawyer needs to convince the officer. Show their conversation.

Lawyer: "My client is an apprentice traditional woodblock printmaker from outside of Japan and he has been trying to get a long-term visa to stay in the country and further his craft. He has a lot of potential and I believe he could become a great asset to the Japanese traditional art scene."

Officer: "I understand, but unfortunately, he does not meet the requirements for a long-term visa. We have to play by the rules here."

Lawyer: "Yes, I understand the rules, but I believe there are extenuating circumstances in this case. My client has a deep passion for Japanese traditional art and is willing to dedicate his life to learning and mastering the craft. He is eager to become part of the community and contribute to the art scene. I think it would be a great loss for Japan if he were not allowed to stay and further his craft."

Officer: "I understand, but we still need to follow the rules."

Lawyer: "I understand, but I believe this would be a great opportunity for Japan to benefit from his skills and knowledge. He has already established himself in the field and is highly respected by his peers. I think it would be a great loss for Japan if he were not able to stay and contribute to the art scene."

Officer: "I see what you mean, and I understand your argument. I will see what I can do to make an exception in this case."

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Dave: OK, I think I see how we might be ...

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Dave: OK, I think I see how we might be able to move this forward. Let's try to 'push' it in the direction we might like to go, but keep 'hands off' and let it actually write the thing ... My next prompt gave some background information, and then set a scene:

John (an apprentice printmaker) and his partner Mayu are having dinner with a retired laywer, a friend of Mayu's father, Shinji (who is also a woodblock printmaker). The lawyer is telling them about the time many years ago when he helped Shinji with some difficult legal problems.

The Bot responded with:

John and Mayu listen intently as the lawyer recounts the story. He explains that Shinji had been sued by a competitor for copyright infringement. The competitor claimed that Shinji had copied their designs and was using them in his prints without permission. After a lengthy legal battle, Shinji was eventually able to prove that he had not copied the designs, and was able to win the case.

The lawyer goes on to explain that as a result of the case, Shinji was able to gain a greater understanding of copyright law, and was able to protect himself and his work from similar situations in the future. He also made sure to always credit any sources he used for his designs, making sure the original artist received proper recognition.

John and Mayu are both impressed by the lawyer's story, and understand the importance of protecting their own work and giving credit to the original sources of their designs. As they finish their dinner, they thank the lawyer for his insight and wisdom.

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[ Note from Dave: my prompt to the Bot this ...

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[ Note from Dave: my prompt to the Bot this time - 'write the continuation of their conversation, introducing a new character who may be able to help them' ]

Just then, a voice called out from the street below. "John? Is that you?"

John and Mayu looked down to see an elderly man standing in the street. Mayu recognized him as one of her father's friends, a retired lawyer.

John and Mayu went down to the street to greet him. "What are you doing here?" asked Mayu.

The old man smiled. "I heard about your visa problem, and I thought I might be able to help," he said. "My wife and I have been living in Tokyo for the past fifty years, and we know a lot of people in high places. I'm sure I can pull a few strings, if you'd like."

John and Mayu exchanged a look of hope, then nodded. "Yes, please," said John. "Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated."

The old man smiled again and clapped John on the back. "Don't worry," he said. "We'll get you sorted out in no time."

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John and Mayu sat together on the balcony of their ...

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John and Mayu sat together on the balcony of their Tokyo apartment, looking out over the city skyline. The sun was setting and the sky was a brilliant orange.

Mayu sighed and turned to John. "So, the visa was rejected," she said.

John nodded. "I'm sorry," he said. "I know you were hoping I could stay."

Mayu nodded. "I know that if we were married, you would be allowed to stay here, but I'm not ready for that step yet."

John reached out and took her hand. "It's okay," he said. "We don't have to rush into anything. I understand."

Mayu smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder. "Thank you," she said. "I'm glad you understand."

John kissed her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere," he said. "We'll figure something out."

Mayu nodded and squeezed his hand. "I know," she said. "We will."

[ Note from Dave: To say that 'we can see a pattern developing' would be an understatement. We don't have a 'movie', we have an afternoon soap opera. I have been trying to keep the Bot on track by making sure it knows the basic situation 'so far', but it seems that I need to try prompting it to move in some different ways. ]

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John and Mayu were sitting in the breakfast nook of ...

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John and Mayu were sitting in the breakfast nook of their little apartment, the morning sun streaming in through the window. The letter from her father lay on the table in front of them.

"I don't understand why you won't accept his help," Mayu said, her voice slightly trembling. "It's been so hard with the media scrutiny, and his offer could really help us."

John sighed and took her hands in his. "I know, but I don't want to owe him anything. I want to prove I'm capable of making it without his help. I want to do this on my own."

Mayu looked down, her lip trembling. "I know, but I can't help feeling like we could use his help. We could make it easier on ourselves."

John shook his head. "No, we can't. We have to prove to everyone that we can make it. We just have to keep going and not give up. We can do this." He smiled at her and squeezed her hands.

Mayu looked up at him, her eyes brightening. She smiled back at him and nodded. "Okay, we can do this. Together."

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Shinji paced back and forth in his workshop, his mind ...

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Shinji paced back and forth in his workshop, his mind racing with thoughts about the bad review in the newspaper. He was so proud of his daughter Mayu, who had been doing so well with John, but now this. He was sure that John was trying his best, but it was clear that he was not as experienced as Mayu.

Shinji stopped pacing and looked at the woodblock prints he had created throughout his lifetime. He had poured his heart and soul into each of them, and now he wanted to do the same for Mayu and John. But he was too proud to reach out to them directly. He wanted to help, but he didn't want to appear as if he was interfering or trying to take over.

He walked over to his workbench and picked up a piece of wood. He ran his fingers over the grain and thought of the prints he had made for Mayu when she was just a little girl. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, searching for a solution.

Finally, he made a decision. He grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and began to write. He wrote a long letter, offering his help and support, without ever mentioning the bad review. He addressed it to John, and added a postscript to Mayu that said, "I'm here if you need me."

Shinji sealed the letter and smiled. He knew that he had found the right way to help. He had done his best for his daughter and her friend, and that was enough.

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John and Mayu were sitting together on the floor of ...

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John and Mayu were sitting together on the floor of their shared studio, sipping tea and looking at the print they had just finished.

"I can't believe how badly our exhibition went," John said, shaking his head.

Mayu shrugged. "It's not surprising. The media doesn't understand our style of art, and they don't appreciate it."

John sighed. "I know. I just wish they could see what we're trying to do. I mean, we're trying to create something new, something different. It takes time for people to accept something like that."

Mayu smiled. "Don't worry. We'll just keep making our work, and eventually the media will come around. They may not understand it now, but eventually they will."

John returned her smile. "You're right. We just have to keep at it." He reached out and took her hand. "Let's make some more prints."

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John and Mayu had been working on the woodblock prints ...

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John and Mayu had been working on the woodblock prints for hours. John had been carving the blocks, while Mayu had been designing them.

Mayu had been growing increasingly frustrated with the process. “This isn’t working,” she said, looking at the blocks. “The lines aren’t straight and the designs aren’t coming out the way I wanted them to.”

John sighed. “I’m trying to do my best, but woodblock printing is a delicate process. It takes time and patience.”

Mayu shook her head. “No, this isn’t right. We should be able to get it right the first time.”

John rolled his eyes. “That’s not how it works. It takes practice and skill. I’m not a professional craftsman.”

Mayu threw her hands up in frustration. “Well, what am I supposed to do then? I’m not a professional designer either!”

John sighed again. “I think we should take a break and come back to it tomorrow. We can work together to figure out a better way.”

Mayu nodded reluctantly. “Fine. Let’s just take a break for now.”

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The sun was setting on the horizon, casting a warm ...

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The sun was setting on the horizon, casting a warm red light through the windows of Shinji's workshop. The once bustling workspace was now still and quiet. Shinji sighed as he looked around the room, taking in the sight of the empty benches and shelves.

He had been so proud of the workshop, and of his apprenticeship program. He had taught so many young people the art of woodblock printing, and had seen them go on to use their skills in the wider world. But now, John had gone, and so had Mayu. He was alone in his workshop, with no young people to learn from him or help him create.

He thought of the future, of working alone, with no one to share his knowledge or skills. He looked down at the tools and supplies scattered across the room and felt a wave of sadness wash over him. He would miss the laughter and camaraderie of his apprentices, and the joy of watching them learn and grow.

But he was also determined to carry on his work, to keep the tradition of woodblock printing alive. He was sure he could find new apprentices and pass on his knowledge to them. With a heavy heart, he turned away from the workshop and made his way home, the evening sky filled with a melancholy light.

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John stood in the corner of the workshop, sweating nervously ...

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John stood in the corner of the workshop, sweating nervously as he watched SHINJI and Mayu talking. He had never seen SHINJI so angry before.

SHINJI slammed his hand on the workbench. "I won't allow this! You can't be together!"

Mayu stepped forward, her voice trembling. "But Papa, we love each other."

SHINJI's face hardened. "Love?! You think I care about love? John is my apprentice and you are my daughter. This cannot be!"

John stepped forward. "I'm sorry, SHINJI. I didn't mean to disrespect you. I care for Mayu very much and I promise I will never do anything to harm her."

SHINJI stared at him for a long moment. Finally, his expression softened. "I know you mean well, John, but I still cannot allow this. You must leave the workshop. Today."

John felt a lump in his throat. He looked at Mayu and saw the tears in her eyes. He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her everything would be alright, but he knew SHINJI wouldn't allow it.

John nodded. "I understand. I will leave."

SHINJI sighed. "I'm sorry it has to be this way. I wish you both the best of luck."

John looked into Mayu's eyes and knew that no matter what happened, their love would never die.

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