Wataru Hatano

Papermaker

©️Kunihiro Fukumori

©Hatano Wataru

©ern

©Hatano Wataru

Layered textures of time

Kurotani washi (Japanese paper) has 800 years of history
Wataru is striving for the future of washi
He uses washi in innovative ways

Wataru Hatano’s work reintroduces washi into the modern life-space by adapting the traditional material kozo for everyday use. While studying oil painting, he used washi as his canvas, which led to a fascination for this paper. As a result, Wataru started to apprentice with the Kurotani Washi Cooperative in the Kurotani region of Kyoto. After 20 years in washi production, Wataru opened his own atelier to create washi products that are functional, with a timeless sense of warmth. Combining artisanal knowledge and a sensitive minimalist approach, he also puts the strong traditional paper to use as a construction material for interior design and layered paintings. These have intricate textures that transform the surrounding space into a meditative environment.

Interview

©️Kunihiro Fukumori

©Hatano Wataru

Why did you choose your path as a craftsman?: I believe that continuing things with a long history and passing it down to the next generation is key to considering the future and sustainable living. That is why I chose to live in a traditional village in the countryside, making washi paper.
What are your specialised skills?: My expertise is in making washi using a hundred percent kozo (paper mulberry). I handmake paper the old-fashioned way, using local raw materials from the Kurotani village.
What inspires your work?: I am inspired by accumulated history, climate, time that has passed and deep darkness, which you can see in the layering and textures of the washi, and also in the colours in my paintings.
Do you think washi-making is facing a crisis?: There are problems with raw materials and tools. The members of the industry are joining forces to share how to market and adapt washi to modern times. We also started full-scale production of kozo as a solution raw material.

Wataru Hatano are master artisans: they began their career in 2000 and they started teaching in 2010