Originating from China, this traditional bookbinding technique has been widely used across China, Japan and Korea. It became so popular in Japan that eventually it came to be known as Japanese style binding (和本 Wahon).

All the paper used in today’s video I had the pleasure of making by hand at the Awagami Factory in Tokushima, Japan. I visited their factory two years ago for their annual Washi making Workshop where I also learnt to make this style of binding, which was an incredible experience!

Washi (和紙 Japanese Paper) is amazingly strong because of its long fibres while also being very soft to the touch, creating a very different tactile experience compared to that of western paper and makes for an interesting bookbinding ASMR video. Western paper tends to be harder and more brittle because of its short fibres, so creates sharper sounds while handling, folding and tearing etc. So, I feel the Washi provides a more soothing listening experience. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below! ✨