The history of Washi dates backs to the 7th century when papermaking techniques were introduced to Japan from China. Papermaking started in Japan after that. Since the early paper was too fragile and less durable, new techniques were developed to improve paper quality including using bark fibers of mulberry trees that are a native of Japan. About 100 years later, thin and durable washi papers were able to be made in Japan.

Washi is versatile in its uses, including paper for calligraphy, shoji screens, lighting fixtures, walls, figures, and facial masks, as well as the restoration of books and artworks abroad.

All traditional writing and calculating tools, including brushes, Sumi ink, and Suzuri inkstones, and Soroban abacuses, originated in China. Brushes, Sumi ink, and Suzuri inkstones started making in Japan in about the 8, 9, 11 centuries respectively. Due to the introduction of Buddhism, the practice of sutra copying became very popular in Japan, which increased in demand for brushes. As a result, brush production spread throughout the country. Later, improvements were added to make brushes suitable for writing characters, such as Kana. Together with literacy education, using brushes became popular among ordinary people. Soroban was introduced in Japan in about the 1570s. Along with the development of Wasan, the native Japanese mathematics in the Edo period (1603–1867), Japanese style abacuses called soroban were created. These abacuses have been passed down until now.

Brushes, Sumi ink, and Suzuri inkstones were favored by people who learn and enjoy writing calligraphy. Children can still learn how to use Soroban at school or after school activities in Japan. Some Japanese people still use it as a tool to help arithmetic calculations.