kenkichi senda is the 11th generation master of karacho, an old karakami shop established 680 years agowith its origin in china, karakami came to be commonly produced in japan about one thousand years ago. karakami is the art of printing patterns on to washi, or japanese paper, using carved woodblocks. karakami has been used to decorate japanese folding screens and sliding doors and many other things. 9:20 a.m. kenkichi drives to work with his wife. his workshop is located in a quiet residential area, a way off from central kyoto. this is the only karakami shop left in japan that still adheres to traditional methods. every morning the first thing kenkichi does is to head for the room where 650 woodblocks are stored, a legacy that goes back nearly 400 years. >> translator: these woodblocks are the most essential tools for karakami-making. each successive master inherits them and continues to use them. >> most karakami patterns are inspired by nature. edazakara, or cherry blossoms in full bloom on branchs is one of kenkichi's favorite blocks. first to prepare is powdered mica, which gives