Around 1200, a Buddhist monk "Chougen" taught the Washi making method to the people. Through the 17-19C, the Lord protect and support them as the three major productions of Choshu-han.
Although they are a small Washi making district at present, they were the biggest production place 100 years ago in Japan, more than 4,000 houses were engaged in Washi production. Before the modern tissue paper appeared, their "Shiraho-gami (白保紙)" was the best selling paper in Japan, especially among ladies.
The history was almost disappearing recently. In 2014, Mr Chijimatsu Tomoyuki returned to his home to maintain the history fo his family. He learnt Washi making from his father who was the famous master artisan and Mr Rogier Uitenboogaart of Tosa.