Celebrating Osaki Washi: An Evening with the Papermakers

In 2003, Akari Osaki travelled to Canada with her grandfather and mother, both papermakers. While visiting Toronto, Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset), and Montreal, Akari saw how far her family’s paper had travelled and how passionately it had been embraced by Canadian artists. That trip inspired Akari to become a papermaker, continuing her family's work. Now, more than twenty years later, The Japanese Paper Place is honoured to welcome Akari, her husband Hisanao Kataoka, and their children to Toronto. You may not immediately recognize the Osaki name, but many artists will recognize the exceptional papers they make: Seichosen Kozo and Seikosen Mitsumata Heritage Washi. Made from 100% Japanese-grown fibres, using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations, these papers represent more than outstanding materials; they embody a living tradition, a deep respect for natural resources, and a commitment to making some of the most enduring and sustainable papers available today. We welcome you to enjoy: • displays of original art created with Seichosen and Seikosen • moderated questions and answers with Akari Osaki • remarks from artists committed to working with washi • video footage of papermaking life in Japan • cash bar This event is PWYC. We would like to suggest a donation of $20.00 Please note: Grants or subsidies are sometimes available to papermakers for travel outside of Japan. Unfortunately, no funding was available to the Osaki's. All donations will be given to the Osaki family to offset the cost of their visit and encourage the continued pursuit of excellence in their papermaking.