Hiromi Paper

02/09/2026

Patricia Owen Design Bookbinding
- A Retrospective Exhibition -
Now until June 11 2026
SF Main Library 6th Floor Gallery

This retrospective exhibition was initiated by fellow members of the bookbinding community showcasing Patricia (Patty) Owen’s masterpieces throughout her 35 year career. Patty’s creations are not only visually unique but her process of layering book boards, shaping and sanding them to create sculptural leather book covers and bindings are truly one-of-a-kind.

I fondly remember the times that Patty would come into the store. She would bring her trusty paper micrometer to measure each sheet of paper, to select which paper would best fit her upcoming project. Patty wouldn’t rush this process, and would sometimes spend over an hour in the store, making her selection. That attention to detail can be seen in all of her creations and we are honored to have been a part of her creative process. Patty will be missed dearly.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Hiromi Paper!

2025 was a turbulent year, to say the least.
The year started off with the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, when we saw our local communities come together to help those in need. We also overcame some personal losses this year, but also experienced joyful moments through workshops, Washi Tour and community events.

Thank you all for your continued support through the years, as Hiromi Paper approaches its 38th year. Looking forward to seeing you in 2026!

02/11/2025

Today we share the heartbreaking news that the owner of one of the last remaining Katazome Paper studios Wazome Kogei in Kyoto, has passed away. Due to his sudden passing and not having a successor, the production studio has closed, meaning all of the Katazome Papers and the Katazome Wacho notebooks that we carry will be discontinued after the current inventory has run out. Please contact us for more information and up-to-date inventory.

The Katazome Papers have been a staple item in the Hiromi Paper repertoire, and our search for an alternative decorative paper series has begun but we know the papers will be difficult to replace.

01/31/2025

World of Washi Newsletter: January 2025 -

Thank you all for checking in on us after the Los Angeles Wildfires. The Hiromi Paper team is safe, and we continue to work while supporting our local community that have been affected by the fires.

01/10/2025

We'll be hosting a Donation Drop-off tomorrow in our parking lot with our neighbors . All donations will be transported to the local YMCA that is partnering with the American Red Cross to provide aid to those affected by the Los Angeles Fires. Please donate if you're willing and able!

Please contact Yuki ([email protected]) with any questions.

10/16/2024

2024 Washi Tour: Okamoto/Ohtaki Shrine

This shrine in Fukui prefecture worships the paper goddess Kawakami Gozen. Over 1500 years ago, the deity is said to have blessed this area with pure water and papermaking because the mountainous region makes it difficult for farming. This is the origin of the Echizen Washi papermaking village and a major festival is hosted here every year to honor the goddess.

10/04/2024

Hiromi Paper is at MAPC ‘24 vendor fair!! Come visit and take a look at our handmade Japanese and other papers from around the globe!

08/28/2024

Introducing two new papers handmade by Hiroko Tanino in Saitama, Japan: Ichimatsu Watermark and Tanino Gampi. Ichimatsu Watermark is a 100% kozo decorative paper which has a checkered pattern made using the “sukashi”, or “watermark” method. Tanino Gampi is made of 100% Japanese Gampi grown by Hiroko herself; the two available weights are perfect for many methods of printmaking, chiné colle, and more.

07/30/2024

For a short time only, we will be carrying a limited batch of Tokawa Senka-shi, a handmade paper made by Naoto Hirano in Kochi, Japan. Not to be confused with our usual larger sheets of Senka-shi, these small size sheets (12.5”x17”) are double-layered and have a slight wood grain texture from the drying boards. The three available weights have a wide variety of uses including conservation/restoration, writing, wrapping kimonos, shoji screens, or umbrella making. We’ve done a swatch test in sumi ink so you can see how this unsized 100% Japanese kozo paper holds ink.

07/17/2024

Our recent workshop on Paper Bojagi was led by Steph Rue. Traditionally, bojagi is a Korean cloth used to wrap ritual objects or everyday items like clothes, books, and gifts. While having a practical use, it is also an art form which utilizes a patchwork of textile pieces sewn together by hand to create beautiful compositions. This workshop used small paper pieces fused together with wheat paste to make bojagi. Konnyaku starch was also used to strengthen the paper. If you’re interested in learning more about bojagi, visit Steph Rue’s website or Beyond & Above Publications at the links in our bio.

05/30/2024

World of Washi Newsletter: May 2024 - https://mailchi.mp/hiromipaper.com/world-of-washi-april-8474501

05/14/2024

NEW katazome patterns!! C-53 (navy ropes), A-100 (tan ropes), and A-78 (circles). These decorative papers are handmade and screen printed in Japan with designs inspired by traditional kimono patterns.