Pop Japan

In November 2014, Hosokawa-shi from Saitama Prefecture, Honmino-shi from Gifu Prefecture and Sekishu-banshi from Shimane Prefecture were included in the official UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This is because of the towns' dedication to washi or the "craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper," as cited by UNESCO. The paper is also made from wood pulp but due to the traditional processes that has been handed down from generation to generation, the paper has been one of the touughest papers in the world. The secret lies on the use of winter-cold water, which increases bacteria that retains the wood fibers.

The photo features origami-crafted cranes made from washi paper. 

Tags: november, hosokawa shi, saitama prefecture, honmino shi, gifu prefecture, sekishu banshi, shimane prefecture, unesco intangible cultural heritage list, washi paper, craftsmanship, wood fibers, bacteria