Spikes Asia

Veil of Japan

HIDAKAWASHI, Kochi / HIDAKAWASHI CO., LTD. / 2024

Presentation Image
Supporting Content
Demo Film

Overview

Entries

Credits

Overview

Background

"Tosa Tengujo" paper is the thinnest Japanese paper in the world. Its translucent texture of 0.02mm, the same thickness as the stratum corneum of human skin, is like a transparent veil. The paper is made by Nagashizuki, a process that uses natural water from the beautiful Tosa region, to create a strong yet thin and transparent washi. This washi is made by intertwining natural plant fibers from a shrub called kozo (paper mulberry), which is never deforested, and is highly regarded around the world from an SDGs perspective for its strong preservation and environmentally friendly natural materials. "Tosa Tengujo" paper is also an attractive product used for restoration of cultural assets such as old documents and Buddhist statues due to its strong preservation and transparency. The campaign was developed with the goal of shining a light on this brand and spreading its nature-friendly and functional qualities throughout the world.

Idea

"Tosa Tengujo" paper is the thinnest Japanese paper in the world. Its translucent texture of 0.02 mm, the same as the stratum corneum of human skin, is like a transparent veil. I was deeply attracted to the beautiful form of this thin, lightweight washi, the way it moves in the wind, and the way it is used for restoration and protection because of its transparency. I was also inspired by the fact that it is made from a type of shrub called kozo (paper mulberry), an environmentally friendly natural material that does not involve deforestation, and the way it is made using the beautiful water of Tosa in the nagashizuki method of papermaking.

Execution

"Tosa Tengujo" paper is made by intertwining natural plant fibers using a technique called nagashizuki, a manufacturing process. To express this, the transparency of the ultra-thin washi, 0.02 m thick, was captured through light reflection and transmission in a jet black space, and the lightness of the paper allowed it to float naturally and beautifully in the wind, and the appearance of the washi as it appears from natural water, as it did when it was made, was photographed. The lightness of the paper allows it to float naturally, dancing beautifully in the wind, and the way it appears out of natural water, just as it did when it was made. The visuals of light and shadow combine to express the transparency and presence of this washi, the thinnest washi in the world. In addition, by depicting scenes of this washi sandwiching old cultural assets, we sought to visualize and

Outcome

First, we displayed B1 posters at international exhibitions and other venues. At about the same time, we began to show online videos on Instagram and the web, etc. The "Veil of Japan" branding movie and graphic advertisements attracted a great deal of interest from people in Japan and abroad through the web and exhibitions, etc. "Tosa Tengujo" paper which is made by intertwining natural plant fibers using a technique called nagashizuki, has been recognized around the world from the perspective of SDGs for its strong preservation and environmental friendliness, and the gentle veil of naturally derived paper has preserved history and culture for over 1,000 years, which we want to leave to the future. Not only in Japan, but also in libraries and museums around the world. Museums have books waiting to be restored, and"Tosa Tengujo" paper is attracting attention as a cultural asset restoration paper. We are passing