Japanese Paper Supports War-torn Ukraine

Overview

Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Awa washi paper was sent to Ukraine from Tokushima, western Japan, to help repair historical documents at the Central State Historical Archives of Ukraine in Lviv. Ukraine was struggling to obtain suitable paper, which hampered repair work at the Archives. The makers of Awa washi offered support, hoping the paper, with its centuries of tradition, would help preserve Ukrainian culture. The program depicts the warm bonds that developed between the Japanese artisans and the staff at the Archives through their mutual appreciation of the paper.