What Is Shoji Paper? Everything You Need to Know About Japanese Washi
Shoji paper:
Often referred to more broadly as washi (和紙), shoji paper is an iconic element of Japanese architecture and design. While it might appear delicate, this handmade paper has surprising strength and versatility that has kept it relevant from centuries past into the modern era. Whether you're exploring traditional woodworking or designing a minimalist space, understanding shoji paper opens the door to a world of subtle beauty, practicality, and craftsmanship.
The Origins Of Shoji
The technique of papermaking was introduced to Japan from China via Korea around the 7th century, but Japanese artisans refined and developed their own methods, creating paper that was thinner, stronger, and more translucent.
Shoji screens themselves became common in the Heian period (794–1185) and especially flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868), when interior architecture emphasized modularity, light, and space.
What Is Shoji Paper?
Shoji paper is a translucent type of washi (和紙) traditionally used in shōji (障子), the sliding doors, windows, and room dividers found in Japanese homes and temples. Its primary function is to diffuse light, provide privacy, and contribute to the warm, calming aesthetic that defines Japanese interiors.
Not all washi is used for shoji, but the term "shoji paper" typically refers to strong, fibrous varieties and is a subset of washi made specifically for architectural use, and often called shoji-gami (障子紙) in Japan.
Unlike Western paper, which is often made from wood pulp, washi is made from the inner bark of specific plants (listed below), giving it exceptional durability and flexibility. Some papers have a high amount of coarse fibers (like the one shown here) and others have a softer, smoother appearance.
How Shoji Paper Is Made
Traditionally, washi is handcrafted through a meticulous and labor-intensive process passed down for generations.
Traditional Method:
1. Harvesting the Fiber
The most common plants used are:
- Kozo (楮) – Paper Mulberry
- Mitsumata (三椏) - Edgeworthia chrysantha
- Gampi (雁皮) – Diplomorpha sikokiana
These are prized for their long, strong fibers.
2. Steaming and Stripping
The bark is steamed to loosen it from the branches, then stripped, scraped, and cleaned by hand.
3. Cooking and Beating
The stripped fibers are boiled with lye (灰汁 | aku) or wood ash, then rinsed and hand-beaten to create a pulp.
4. Sheet Formation – Nagashi-zuki Method (流し漉き | Nagashi-zuki)
A bamboo screen (sugeta | 簀桁) is dipped into a vat of pulp and water. The sheet is formed by rhythmically swishing the screen back and forth, interweaving fibers into a thin yet strong layer.
5. Pressing and Drying
The wet sheets are pressed to remove moisture, then dried - traditionally by brushing onto wooden boards (乾燥板 | kansōban) and left under the sun.
Modern Production:
In modern times, washi is often machine-made or combined with wood pulp and synthetic fibers. Some contemporary shoji paper includes resin (樹脂 | jushi) or acrylic (アクリル) coatings for tear-resistance and UV protection, ideal for urban homes or commercial interiors.
Uses of Shoji Paper
Shoji paper plays a role in both timeless tradition and modern design.
Traditional Uses:
- Shoji (障子) – Sliding panels that soften light and offer privacy.
- Fusuma (襖) – Opaque sliding doors, often with decorative paper.
- Andon (行灯) – Traditional lanterns that diffuse candlelight through paper.
- Kakejiku (掛け軸) – Hanging scrolls used for calligraphy or seasonal display.
Modern Uses:
- Interior design accents – Used in minimalist or Zen-inspired spaces globally.
- Shoji laminate panels – Sandwiched between acrylic/glass for durability.
- Lighting – Used in pendant lights, floor lamps, and ambient fixtures.
- Crafts and stationery – Washi tape, origami, and handmade cards.
How Shoji Paper Is Applied
Watch this video for all the details.
Whether for a sliding door in a Kyoto townhouse or a kumiko panel in a modern build, applying shoji paper requires care and technique.
Traditional Application:
-
Prepare the Frame
The kumiko (組子) or lattice frame should be clean, dry, and smooth. -
Apply Glue
Use nori (糊) a traditional starch-based glue, often made from wheat or rice. Traditional nori is brushed on thinly across the kumiko where the paper will sit. -
Lay the Paper
Carefully place the paper from one end to the other, smoothing as you go to avoid bubbles or wrinkles. -
Dry and Shrink
Allow the glue to dry. In some cases, craftsmen mist water lightly over the surface to activate gentle shrinkage and achieve a drum-tight fit. -
Trim Excess
Once dry, trim around the edges with a sharp blade.
Modern Methods
- Double-sided tape (両面テープ | Ryōmen tēpu) is sometimes used for fast, clean application.
- Spray adhesives (スプレー糊 | Supurē nori) provide even coverage, but must be used in a well-ventilated area.
- Heat-set films with faux washi appearance are available and easy to clean. Popular in high-traffic or commercial spaces.
- UV-resistant films are also used in place of traditional paper where sun exposure is high.
Final Thoughts
Shoji paper isn’t just a building material, it’s a philosophy. Its strength lies in subtlety. Its beauty is in what it filters, not what it hides. Whether you're building a traditional Japanese room, adding soft lighting to a modern apartment, or designing a kumiko panel, washi allows you to bring both the past and future into harmony.
Take time to choose the right paper, the right method, and the right mindset. In doing so, you’re not just crafting a screen, you’re continuing a legacy.