Offices
Kochi Mill
Nippon Paper Papylia’s Kochi mill has four distinct features not found in other paper mills.
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Development of High-Value-Added Products
At the Kochi mill, we have inherited the tradition of Japanese washi-making and established our own unique papermaking techniques. These traditions and techniques enable us to create products with high added value for a wide range of applications.
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Quick Response to Market Needs
The strength of the Kochi mill lies in the close proximity between sales, research and development, and production. Many of our sales representatives come from our R&D department, so they are able to constantly feed market needs and new product ideas back to the research teams. Moreover, our R&D department, located within the mill’s premises, can quickly translate these needs and ideas into tangible products using our facilities.
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Small-Batch and Diverse Production
We primarily use small-scale, flexible machines that allow us to quickly respond to our customer requests including small-batch production runs.
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Benefits of Clear Streams in Paper Production
We use water from the Niyodo River, known for its high transparency, in our papermaking processes. The Niyodo River is so clear that the riverbed can be seen through the water, creating the illusion that objects floating on the surface are suspended in mid-air. Since the water, affectionately called “Niyodo Blue,” has very little turbidity and requires minimal purification, it is ideal for producing products that demand high cleanliness.
Mill History
- 1886
- Established Ino Paper Co.
- 1904
- Ino Paper merged with Maruichi Paper and became Tosa Paper.
- 1906
- Installed Japan’s first cylinder wire Washi-making machine.
- 1925
- Tosa Paper merged with Nippon Shiki and became the Japan Paper Industry.
- 1997
- The Japan Paper Industry merged with Jujo Paperboard and became the Japan Paperboard Industry.
- 2003
- The Japan Paperboard Industry was fully acquired by the Nippon Paper Group and became Nippon Daishowa Paperboard.
- 2008
- Nippon Daishowa Paperboard merged with Mishima Paper and became Nippon Paper Papylia.
Papermaking Machines
- ・1 cylinder Yankee paper machine
- ・5 combination machines of cylinder and short-Fourdrinier wires
Processing Machines
- ・5 impregnation machines
- ・2 heat press roll machines
- ・2 creping machines
Products
- Heat-Seal Paper
- Industrial Filter Paper
- Adhesive Tape Paper
- Hygiene Materials
- Biodegradable Washi Mulching Sheets
- Alkaline Battery Separators
Local Information
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Food
Katsuo no Tataki
(Seared Bonito)Visitors to Kochi must try Katsuo no Tataki, which features bonito sashimi seared perfectly around the edges. The best way to enjoy it is by dipping the thick slices of tataki in a mixture of salt, garlic, and other seasonings. Another local specialty is tosa-maki, a type of rolled sushi also made with seared bonito.
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Food and Drink
Buntan (Variety of Pomelo)
Buntan is a specialty fruit from Kochi, known for its unique refreshing aroma and texture. When eaten, the juicy flesh bursts open in your mouth—a delightful experience. Buntan is not only enjoyed fresh but is also used in a variety of sweets, including jellies, cakes, and cookies.
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History
Ino-cho Paper Museum
Located about a 15-minute walk from our Kochi mill, the Ino-cho Paper Museum offers insights into the rich history and manufacturing processes of Tosa washi paper. The area is home to many paper companies, reflecting its reputation as a paper town with abundant water and forest resources.
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History
Kochi Castle
Kochi Castle is one of the few castles in Japan that still retains its original tower from the Edo period, about 400 years ago. Known as Hawk Castle due to the resemblance of its roof tiles and walls to a hawk’s feathers, the castle’s original structures, including the tower, are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan and are listed among Japan’s 100 Great Castles.
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Nature
The Niyodo River
The Niyodo River, known for its exceptional clarity, flows near our Kochi mill and serves as its water source. In summer, the river is ideal for swimming and kayaking. In addition, Nikobuchi, a serene waterfall basin upstream, is renowned for its striking “Niyodo Blue,” a vivid color created by the interplay of sunlight and river water, drawing many visitors.
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Nature
Katsurahama Beach
Katsurahama is one of Kochi’s most scenic spots (45-minute drive from the Kochi mill). The beach is nestled between two picturesque capes, facing the majestic Pacific Ocean. In the evening, the view from the beach offers a beautiful reflection of the moon on the ocean.
