Unleashing the Beauty of Manga: Artists Craft on Japanese Paper

A cultural initiative has been launched in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, to safeguard manga art on traditional Japanese paper. The project, currently in its initial phase, involves the participation of four renowned artists. Its objective is twofold – to conserve contemporary manga art for future generations and to protect the region's unique traditional paper-making craftsmanship.

The town of Echizen in Fukui is renowned as the birthplace of washi paper, a handmade Japanese paper that forms an integral part of traditional Japanese culture. The manga for the project is being painted on gampi paper, a special type of washi paper made from the inner fibers of the gampi tree. Gampi paper has a reputation for being one of the most durable types of paper, with some records and documents on gampi paper having been preserved for over 1,300 years.

The project features renowned manga artists such as Tetsuya Chiba (Ashita no Joe), Mari Yamazaki (Thermae Romae), Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (Yamato Takeru), and Motoka Murakami (Jin). Each artist contributed a piece from their famous works or created an original artwork in their signature style. Murakami's contribution depicts a woman from the Edo era writing a letter to a samurai, expressing her desire for a future filled with peace and the continued enjoyment of manga.

The artists involved in this project have a long-term vision, hoping that the gampi paper art they create will endure for at least a millennium. This way, future generations can witness the manga culture of 2023 regardless of how it evolves over time. The project is unique in its approach to preserving art as it focuses on traditional, analog methods rather than solely relying on digital preservation.

The ink paintings in this artwork are a unique blend of modern manga style and traditional Japanese techniques. While the manga style is contemporary, the use of gampi paper is a nod to the ancient craft of calligraphy and printmaking. Unfortunately, the limited use of gampi paper means its future is uncertain. This art project not only celebrates manga art but also helps preserve the art of making this exceptional paper.

The artwork is currently showcased at the Museum of Washi and Culture in Echizen for the "Manga Shoso-in Exhibition." The artists aspire to take their work global and connect with people from all corners of the world. The exhibition has already piqued the interest of a museum in Poland, and this is just the beginning. This project is only in its initial phase, and the goal is to include 20 to 30 other prominent manga artists by the end.