Washi making was the wintertime work in the past. In the season with no farm work, they had to work inside their houses, especially in the heavy snow area. It is almost same in no-snow area.
In most of Washi production process, lots of water is required. The water in the winter season is cold, but it gives a good effect for a high-quality paper, in exchange sacrificing chapped hands.
At present, the situation is still the same. In high temperature, the "Neri (dispersant)", especially Tororoaoi, doesn’t work properly and easily rot.
Most of the artisans make high-quality paper only in winter.
If there is no stock of papers when you ordered, please be patient until next springtime.