Translucent Paper Fan in Peak Production for Upcoming Summer Season in Gifu Pref.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:21 JST, June 2, 2025

‘Mizu uchiwa,’ or translucent paper fans, are in peak production for summer season in Gifu Prefecture.

Workers at the one of the producers, attach Ganpishi, a kind of washi Japanese traditional paper, onto a bamboo frame. The fans are then spread with varnish before set aside for drying. After about 10 days, the paper becomes translucent, making the traditional summer-themed designs, like gold fish and morning glory, look as if they are floating.