The Beautiful Endangered Art of Japanese Paper

Guest Speaker

Nancy Jacobi
Founder, The Japanese Paper Place
Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays Recipient

Date and Location

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00pm
Music Room, 2nd floor,  Goldring Student Centre,
150 Charles St. W

In-person event only

Ms. Jacobi has made immeasurable contributions to the development of the international supply chain for “washi,” the traditional paper deeply rooted in Japanese culture with a history spanning 1,400 years, and to promoting its appeal to Canadian citizens and beyond.

While washi is now internationally recognized, having been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014, this was not the case in 1975 when Ms. Jacobi lived in Japan as an English teacher; at that time, international understanding of the paper and channels for obtaining it were limited, including in Canada.

Captivated by the unique history, production methods, and artistic qualities of washi during her time in Japan, Ms. Jacobi began selling the paper as an itinerant vendor upon returning to Canada. She subsequently founded The Japanese Paper Place in 1982, launching a full-scale wholesale and retail business dedicated to washi. Ms. Jacobi’s lifelong devotion has allowed thousands to experience washi’s grace and guided countless minds to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.