Kansai's handmade washi villages WAKAYAMA Yasuda-gami Carrying on washi-making techniques through social welfare Shimizu Town Center for Older Workers Address: 1207 Oaza Shimizu, Shimizu Town, Arita-gun, Wakayama Prefecture TEL:0737-25-0621 Shimizu Town, Wakayama Prefecture, was formerly a nationally important production center for a type of washi called Yasuda-gami, which was widely used in the past to make Japanese-style paper umbrellas and fans. Today, because Yasuda-gami production takes place on a much smaller scale, traditional paper-making techniques are carried on through a social welfare program implemented by the town. Intended for people aged sixty-five years or older, the Shimizu Town Public Works for Life Enhancement aims to provide retirees with work opportunities through which they can lead enriched lives. The washi-making section of the Shimizu Town Productive Activity Center for the Aged is a group of people who have organized under the guidance of experienced leaders to make Yasuda-gami using the traditional techniques. Their products, which include envelopes, postcards, and writing paper, are sold at the souvenir shop in the town-managed tourist facility, and students on school field trips as well as other visitors come to the center to observe Yasuda-gami being made by the senior craftspeople. Although the long-term future of Yasuda-gami is unclear, its traditions remain alive today in the group's activities and products. All images Copyright. 1997 Kansai International Public Relations Promotion Office. All Rights Reserved.