Mitsumata
( Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo on Feb. 25 )
Mistumata (English name: Paper bush, Scientific name: Edgeworthia Chrysantha Lindl) is known as one of the raw materials of Japanese paper and its home ranges from the Middle South of China to the Himalayas. It is considered that Mitsumata was introduced to Japan in the Muromachi period ( the early 14th century-the late 16th century ). It was the late 18th century and in Shizuoka prefecture that paper was for the first time made from Mitsumata. Those paper materials are bark fibers and they produce paper which is good for elaborate printing. Therefore Japanese paper made from Mitsumata has been used for paper money since the late 19th century. Mitsumata was named after the nature that it branches off in three directions. It is popular as a garden tree and its flowers come out in spring.
go to Top page
