About Us

Yuki Yoshimura Washi Studio:

Located in the historical coastal town of Tsuyazaki, in Fukutsu City, Fukuoka, we are a family owned and operated washi studio and shop.

All products are designed and handcrafted by washi artist Yuki Yoshimura, beginning with the base washi (Japanese paper).  With this washi, he creates shades, lamps, tapestries, and more.  As each product goes through its different stages of development, slight variations are born through the handcrafted process, making each finished product unique and one of a kind.  

If there is a size, shape, or style that you prefer but you don't see in our store, feel free to contact us - we offer custom and semi-custom orders.  

We also offer lighting design and other interior design consultations for private residences, businesses, and other spaces.  

For all inquiries, please contact us via the website contact page, or send us a direct email to yukiyoshimurawashi@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram.

 

About Yuki Yoshimura   　吉村　祐樹

Born 1984, Fukuoka, Japan　　1984年、福岡県生まれ

I've loved making things for as long as I can remember, and have spent many hours of my life teaching myself how to make everything from fishing nets and model cars, to leather wallets and bags, to wooden furniture, to the vegetables in my garden (well, nature takes care of most of that.)

I first became interested in washi as an architecture student in university, and quickly fell in love with its unique features and versatility.  My thesis for my masters program was on the use of washi in modern architecture, and after graduating I worked as an apprentice at a washi workshop in Tochigi Prefecture for two years.  There, I learned to make many styles of washi, with its different textures and patterns.

After my apprenticeship, I taught for 10 years in the Department of Housing and Interior Architecture at Kyushu Sangyo University.  Although I was very busy teaching and raising a family during this time, I never stopped creating, and always felt a calling back to the crafts.  Eventually I quit my job at the university, and became a full time craftsman and artist.

So, what do I think about when making something?  "In a world overflowing with so much stuff, should I still make more things?  If so, then what should I create?"  My hope is that in creating washi products that bring beauty and warmth to any space, I can help people to create homes, offices, schools, and other spaces that bring calm and peace into daily life.