Hosho is a quality paper, thick, rich to touch, strong, fluffy, often creamy white and absorbent, the best paper for woodblock printing as it does not shrink or tear easily. The name of this paper means literally cloud dragon paper is made by the addition of long, swirling fibers to basic kozo pulp at the time of manufacture. It is suitable for writing, decorative and cover paper. Kawari unruyu made in the Gifu prefecture has dyed fibers added to the base paper pulp. Kinka unryu made in the Kochi prefecture is a silky-soft cream paper with a curdled look which is caused by adding alum to the pulp in the vat.
Unryu paper is also available with long kozo fibers plus flecks of gold and silver leaf.
Tanbata Unryu has gold and silver flecks. The Japanese make papers for every conceivable use. Specific papers are made for painting, printmaking, calligraphy, lamps, room dividers, screens, clothing, fans, toys, wallets, packaging, and even floor coverings. In addition to its wide range of uses Washi can have religious meaning as a Shinto purity symbol. On festival days, small strips of paper are often hung from rice-straw ropes as talismans, usually on shrine grounds.