What is Mizuhiki?

Mizuhiki is a strong, thin twine made from Washi, which is traditional Japanese paper.

Washi is made from the inner bark of the kozo, gampi, and mitsumata bushes. The fibers of the inner bark of these bushes are much longer than in barks from most other trees and bushes.
The longer the fiber, the easier the fibers mesh together. Washi is one of the most durable and strongest papers in the world.
Mizuhiki is very important in Japanese culture and in the daily lives of Japanese people.

Mizuhiki adds a special meaning to the Japanese word Musubu. Musubu means ‘connection’ or ‘tying’. Japanese people use Mizuhiki to convey warmth, affection and togetherness.

How Mizuhiki is made

To make Mizuhiki, washi is cut into long strips and twisted together to produce a strong twine. A paste is used to bind the string like material, which is then dried, using a special process, and finally dyed.

The finished product, Mizuhiki, is extremely strong and can be used for many different purposes. It comes in over 200 colors.

 

IIda Mizuhiki

Iida is situated in the southern part of Nagano where 1998 Winter Olympic Games were taken place.
Mizuhiki industry has been regarded as the most important one in Iida since Edo era when it was introduced in the region for the first time.
Owing to its silky luster and yet durability Iida Mizuhiki has made itself renowned. At present, up to 70% of Mizuhiki is produced in Iida region.