Minoru Fujimori, born in 1916, is a craftsman in Awa Washi paper, a traditional handicraft handed down in Tokushima prefecture. He is the director of the Hall of Awa Japanese Handmade Paper in Yoshinogawa City, Tokushima Pref.
The history of Awa washi paper dates back to the early Heian period (794-1192). According to the old record, Awa washi paper was dedicated to the Imperial court then. The making of Awa washi was protected by the Awa domain and it developed into a local industry. It is characterized by　Some-gami Some-gami paper is not only beautiful in color and design but also it is strong and mothproof.
He succeeded to his family business of washi making after World War II. While most of washi-makers closed down their business at the high-growth period, he switched to producing Some-gami and succeeded in reviving his business. For Mr. Fujimori, washi paper is a material that adds fascination to our life. With the tradition handed down from his predecessors, he keeps on making new challenges to confront the changes of the times.