The cultivation and harvesting of the fiber varies depending on the plant. The most common, Kozo,
has grown in the wild for centuries in Japan.
Kozo is easily cultivated in either wet or dry fields, and yields better quality and quantity of
fibers than its wild brethren. It takes two to three years for the bark of the Kozo to mature
enough to be used for paper making. Harvesting of the Kozo occurs in the late fall or early winter
after the leaves have dropped.
Shoots of Kozo are cut near the base of the of the plant, and cut into uniform pieces between
fifteen inches and four feet, depending on the limitations of the steamer. The shoots are tied
into bundles that can weigh over forty-five pounds.
The kozo plant produces long, tough fibers. The durability and strength of kozo paper make it
suitable for use in a wide range of products including shoji (lattice screens), fusuma (sliding doors),
umbrellas, kites, toys, and lanterns. Kozo paper also absorbs ink easily and is the best paper for
woodblock printing.
Mitsumata
Mitsumata is typically cultivated on hillsides, interspersed with Japanese cedars and cypress
trees.It is harvested in much the same way as Kozo, except the tied bundles are often placed in
rivers after harvesting to preserve freshness.
Mitsumata produces fibers that are soft, absorbent, and insect resistant. Its fibers are relatively
short and form a sponge-like network. It is often used in combination with other fibers. Pure mitsumata
produces a very fine writing paper. The highest quality fibers are used in making the paper that Japanese
bank notes are printed on.
Gampi
Gampi, the most temperamental of the three, is harvested in the spring, when the plants are
saturated with water and sap. Gampi can neither be steamed like Kozo or Mitsumata, nor cultivated
with much success.
The gampi plant grows in the wild. Its extremely tough, long fibers must be harvested from February
to May. The naturally damp-resistant and insect-resistant fibers are excellent for making long-lasting
paper. The slick, lustrous paper makes a distinct crackling sound when handled. The scarcity of gampi
fibers and the high quality of the product make gampi a very rare and expensive paper. It is often used
as calligraphy paper or in the pounding of gold leaf.
The cultivation and harvesting of the fiber varies depending on the plant. The most common, Kozo,
has grown in the wild for centuries in Japan.
Mitsumata is typically cultivated on hillsides, interspersed with Japanese cedars and cypress
trees.It is harvested in much the same way as Kozo, except the tied bundles are often placed in
rivers after harvesting to preserve freshness.
Gampi, the most temperamental of the three, is harvested in the spring, when the plants are
saturated with water and sap. Gampi can neither be steamed like Kozo or Mitsumata, nor cultivated
with much success.