Contemplating the future of paper? The Paper Museum stands as a testament to this question. Established in 1950, the Paper Museum is not just a repository of artifacts. It is a vibrant center dedicated to the history, culture, and industry of paper.
Located in Kita-ku, Tokyo, the Paper Museum has a unique origin. It was built on the grounds of one of Japan’s first Western-style paper manufacturers. This area is known as the place where Western-style paper production first took root in Japan. Eiichi Shibusawa, the father of Japanese capitalism, founded the first large-scale modern paper mill here. It was named Shoshi Kaisha. Production began in 1875.
Over the years, Shoshi Kaisha evolved, changing its name. It became the Oji Mill of Oji Paper. World War II brought devastation. Air raids severely damaged the company. In 1949, a law aimed at eliminating excessive economic concentration led to Oji Paper’s split. It was divided into Tomakomai Paper, Jujo Paper Industries, and Honshu Paper.
In 1950, the original collection of the company was opened to the public. This was done to contribute to social education. The Paper Making Memorial Museum, the Paper Museum’s predecessor, was established. Interestingly, the museum was housed in the mill’s only surviving structure, the electrical room.
Today, the Paper Museum boasts a collection of 40,000 items and 15,000 books. It is one of the world’s most comprehensive museums specializing in paper. The Paper Museum receives support from about 140 corporate sponsors. Most of these are paper companies.
Inside this four-story building, you’ll find a wealth of information. The first floor houses lecture halls and libraries. The second floor is home to the entrance and the first exhibition room. Here, you can explore the modern paper industry. Explanation panels detail pulp and paper raw materials and manufacturing processes. Actual manufacturing machines and models are on display.
The second exhibition room features a “paper classroom.” Here, you can experience the properties of paper. Exhibits also cover the recycling of used paper. The third exhibition room delves into the history of paper and the paper industry. Special exhibitions are held on the fourth floor.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how to make paper from recycled milk cartons in a workshop. The museum shop offers rare paper-related goods. You can find samples of washi and how-to books on origami. As you leave, consider the museum’s mission statement: “Trace the history of paper, learn from the present, and contemplate the future.” This is the enduring legacy of the Paper Museum.