Japanese paper "sommelier" elicits charm of traditional craft

A Japanese hand-made paper retailer is taking on the role of "sommelier" and bringing out the charm in the traditional craft to consumers at home and overseas amid a declining demand for such products.To showcase the paper's unique use in home interior, Yoshinao Sugihara, the 10th-generation successor of a traditional paper wholesaler in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, opened a gallery next to his shop in January.Echizen is one of the country's most prominent areas producing "washi," or traditional Japanese hand-made paper.Among eye-catching displays at Sugihara's renovated traditional warehouse…READ FULL ARTICLE