Iyo Washi history is not very old, roughly said since the 1750s. They had produced Kozo paper same to other districts in the beginning period. In late 19c, the "Improved Mitsumata Paper (改良紙: Kairyo-shi) " was invented in this district. The paper became very popular immediately as the calligraphy paper (書道半紙: Shodo Hanshi) widely in Japan.

Today, in fact, Kawanoe, centre of Iyo washi, is a modern machinery paper industry town, the biggest production in Japan. On the other hand, only two handmade Washi makers are remaining. But they are still keeping their history of Kawanoe paper.