Mizuhiki is a kinds of string that are made from Japanese paper. Mizuhiki has been practiced for 1300 years and is one of Japan's oldest traditions.
lmoko Onono, the first Ambassador of Japan, returned from China in AD.607 accompanied by the Chinese emissary Hi-seisei.
Chinese Emperor had sent many gifts, all of which were tied with special red and white linen strings. The decorative strings were intended to protect the voyagers and their vessel during the journey.

Since that time, all gifts, parcels and and envelopes presented to the Japanese imperial Court had to be tied with red and white linen strings. These strings were called KURENAI that means bright red color. Later, Ordinary people adopted this custom to insure safe passage on symbolic voyages that include weddings and funeral services. Eventually, paper was substituted for linen, and the craft name to be called MIZUHIKI rather than KURENAI.


Mizuhiki Art is relatively new handicraft that has adopted traditional materials and knotting techniques. It was started about 30 years ago by Ms.Seika Kaji who presides over her own school "Seika-Ryu Mizuhiki Art". Incorporating new handicraft technique and materials, Mizuhiki Art features not only traditional works like crane or turtle ornaments but also modern works like woven artificial flowers or accessories.
Today beautifully hand-crafted Mizuhiki Art is part of life for the Japanese people and offers us a positive spiritual influence for many Occasions.