Handmade Japanese paper is deeply rooted in the Japanese way of life and has been very important in its cultural development. Though with changing times demand for it has decreased, it is still indispensible for the Japanese. Tosa Province on Shikoku Island, now Kochi Prefecture, is often referred to as 'Tosa the Kingdom of Paper'. Kochi Prefecture is still Japan`s main producing centre of raw materials and of homemade paper. Several towns such as Tosa and Ino are well known for their traditional local paper industries. Tosa-washi - which means all handmade paper from Kochi Prefecture - is soft yet strong, durable yet very beautiful. There is a warmth in it because it is hand-made. Recently there has been a revival in home-made paper, in which Tosa-washi, especially famous for its large variety and high quality, plays an important role. Paper has been made in Kochi for over a thousand years. The papers Hoshogami and Sugiwaragami were dedicated to the Emperor Daigo and used at court, for rites and for official events during the 10th century. Turayuki Kino, the author of Tosa Nikki (Tosa Diary) who was sent to Tosa as an official in 930, promoted paper making which in turn helped to promote the cultural development of the province. At the end of the 16th century, Tosa Nanairogami, a set of seven sheets of paper in different colours, was made by Saburozaemon Aki and his colleages. With the support of the daimyo (feudal lords) it developed during the Edo period (1603-1867) into one of the main products of Tosa. Some years ago the Japanese government passed a law to protect and develop the traditional arts and crafts. Under the law Tosa-washi was designated as a traditional Japanese craft in 1976, and Tenguchoshi and Tosa Seichoshi were designated as cultural assets. At the same time some tool makers for paper making were selected to preserve crafts. There are still 130 people engaged in making handmade paper in Kochi. Securing successors is a serious problem in traditional crafts. But fortunately there are many young people in Kochi who have been trained to suceed their elders in the tradition of Tosa-washi. This museum recounts its history and development.