Founded in response to the wastefulness and ephemeral lifespan of the textile industry, Sasawashi’s innovative fabric is crafted from absorbent washi paper threads infused with antibacterial kumazasa plant fibers.

The unique properties of these natural materials form a fabric that is durable and resistant to odors and mildew. Every piece in the Sasawashi collection stays true to the brand's fundamental values: comfort, longevity, and simplicity.

Sasawashi founder Mr. Toshinori Itoi was frustrated by the fast paced and wasteful nature of the modern day textile industry. Mr. Itoi wanted to create an exceptionally durable and all natural material that would withstand everyday use. In collaboration with his father, Mr. Itoi experimented with washi paper fibers, and was captivated by their strength and resistance to wear. Washi paper and kumazasa leaves are packed with properties that give Sasawashi products longevity and integrity.

Washi paper is the foundation of Sasawashi fabric. This traditionally handmade paper is composed of long fibers which make the paper superior in strength. Washi has a wide range of uses in Japan, such as shoji-the screens used in traditional Japanese homes, that effectively help regulate temperature and light. Ukiyo-e and sumi-e masterpieces, like Hokusai’s Great Wave, were also painted on washi paper.

Washi paper’s strength and durability is essential to Sasawashi fabric, and the addition of kumazasa leaves bring their own special qualities to this material. Kumazasa, or bamboo grass, covers forest floors in Japan’s cool highland forests. The leaves, referred to colloquially as sasa, have antibacterial and preservative properties, and are even used to wrap food such as sasa sushi and sasa dango. The leaves are nutrient dense, rich in chlorophyll, polysaccharides, lignin, fiber, and vitamin K. In Sasawashi fabric, Kumasaza’s antibacterial properties are key in protecting against mildew and odors.

The process of making Sasawashi fabric starts with producing a sheet of washi paper, with fibers of kumazasa leaves added in during the paper making process. This sheet of paper is then sliced into fine strips that are then twisted into thread, which are then used to weave the Sasawashi fabric. The combination of washi paper’s superior strength and kumazasa’s antibacterial and deodorizing properties is what makes Sasawashi products so remarkable in their ability to stand up to everyday use.

The texture of Sasawashi fabric is a unique sensory experience: delightfully crisp, satisfyingly scratchy, and exceptionally breathable. The Sasawashi Room Shoes are a fan favorite, with the kumazasa infused fabric keeping your feet comfortable and cool, while resisting odors.

Their line of exfoliating face and body towels are another popular pick, from the more gentle Face Scrub Towel, to the more intensive Deep Exfoliating Body Scrub Mitt. The best selling bath mats are absorbent, yet resistant to mildew and odor, and quick drying.

Sasawashi’s innovative use of washi paper and kumazasa has resulted in a textile that’s durability and antibacterial qualities help eliminate waste and brings intention and mindfulness into our personal care rituals.

Explore the Sasawashi Collection