
Updated at 2023-05-22
Not only can washi, or traditional Japanese paper, be folded into pen cases, envelopes, and business card holders, but it can also be used to make a plethora of daily items, including bags, umbrellas, seat cushions, folding screens, window curtains, and many more! The biggest difference between washi and Western paper is that washi is made from tough fibers, creating a product with superior translucency and durability. The washi industry of Shiroishi has been around for several centuries, making Shiroishi washi particularly popular.
Language: Japanese
Area: 7,282 square kilometers
Population: Approx. 2,230,000 people
Main Industries/Features: Located in northeastern Japan, Miyagi features expansive plains and an economy largely based on agriculture, producing rice, strawberries, and pears. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean has also fostered a vibrant fishing industry, with abundant catches of bonito, saury, tuna, and swordfish. Miyagi is Japan’s only prefecture with three Category III fishing ports established for fisheries revitalization.