What comes to mind when you think of washi, traditional Japanese paper?
You may picture the paper used for calligraphy or the paper screens found in traditional Japanese homes. Washi has long been an integral part of everyday life in Japan and remains an important element of Japanese culture today.
In this field trip, we will visit Ozu Washi, a long-established washi paper store founded in Nihombashi in 1653. For more than 360 years, Ozu Washi has supported and cultivated Japan’s rich washi culture while adapting to changing times.
At the Washi Papermaking Workshop,you’ll have the opportunity to try making washi. You can take your finished sheet home!
In addition, we will enjoy a guided tour of the Ozu History Museum, where you can explore over 370 years of the history of paper and Ozu Washi through valuable historical documents, ukiyo-e prints, and other fascinating exhibits.
(Click here to learn more about the Ozu History Museum.)
The spirit of living in harmony with nature, together with the meticulous craftsmanship of skilled artisans, is embodied in the tradition of washi.
Whether you are interested in Japanese culture or simply looking to make new friends from around the world, everyone is welcome!
We look forward to your application!
Image of the Washi Papermaking Workshop
Photos by OZU WASHI
Cooperation
Ozu Shoten Co., Ltd. Ozu Washi
Ozu Washi is a specialty washi paper store founded in Nihombashi, Tokyo, in 1653. The store offers a wide selection of washi from across Japan, primarily hand-crafted washi, for a variety of uses including painting, calligraphy, arts and crafts, and interior design. In addition to its retail store, where visitors can explore washi from different regions of Japan, Ozu Washi features a museum showcasing the history and culture of washi, a gallery, cultural classes, and a workshop where visitors can experience traditional washi papermaking.
Date & Time
①Wednesday, October 28th, 2026, 9:00am-12:40pm (Check in from 8:50am)
②Wednesday, November 4th, 2026, 9:00am-12:40pm (Check in from 8:50am)
*When applying, please select either ①, ②, or “Available on either date.
*You can attend one session only as both dates share the same contents
*If you require reasonable accommodations, please apply for the second session (②) whenever possible and also submit your request through the ICC Contact Form. If you wish to attend the first session (①), please follow the same procedure.
Place
◆Meeting point and Check-in: Waseda Campus ICC Lounge (Building 3, 1st Floor)
* Details will be shared with confirmed participants. After gathering, all participants will travel together to Ozu Washi. Each participant is responsible for their own transportation costs from Waseda Campus to Ozu Washi Nihombashi Station (Tozai Line).
◆Event venue / dismissal: Ozu Washi
(Ozu Honkan Bldg., 3-6-2 Nihombashi-honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
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- Handmade Washi Experience Studio
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- Photos by OZU WASHI
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- Ozu History Museum
Event Schedule
- Check-in, Opening & Icebreaker (at ICC Lounge)
- Travel by train and on foot in groups
- Washi Papermaking Experience & Ozu History Museum Guided Tour (at Ozu Washi)
- Closing & Dismissal
Eligibility
Waseda students
Language
MC: English & Japanese
Handmade Washi Workshop: English & Japanese
Ozu History Museum Guided Tour: Japanese (English support available)
Q&A: Japanese and English
Social Time: Unrestricted
Capacity
20 people per date (by lottery, results announced the day after the application deadline)
Fee
Free!
Application
via Forms
Deadline
Wednesday, October. 21st, 9:00am
Before Applying
Please read and confirm your understanding of ICC’s policies on Cancellation, Infection Prevention, Food Allergens, and Reasonable Accommodations (here).
Enquiries
ICC
Contact Form
