Rogier Uitenboogaart, who has been charmed by the world of washi (traditional Japanese paper) for the past three decades — especially its deep relationship with nature and people's everyday lives — is trying to help preserve both nature and the traditional craft in this country.
"I'm enchanted by the abundance of nature in this country and the power that art and crafts have in keeping this abundant nature alive," he said.
Uitenboogaart lives deep inside the forests of Yusuhara, near the Shimanto River, in Kochi Prefecture. There, he grows his own plants, and makes washi by using them and spring water taken from the river.