Originally from the Netherlands, Rogier Uitenboogaart embarked on a journey to Japan in 1980 to delve into the roots of washi (traditional Japanese paper). His fascination with the beautifully simple yet texturally complex material began ever since he first encountered it at an atelier in his hometown of Amsterdam where he worked as an apprentice bookbinder.
Over the next few years, Rogier traveled to many papermaking workshops across Japan, and eventually settled in Kochi Prefecture–home to a washi culture that has existed for more than 1,000 years.
Today, he resides in the town of Yusuhara, where he opened a washi studio and guesthouse in 2006. He offers hands-on washi-making workshops, guided by an unwavering commitment to help preserve the ancient craft for future generations.