4OO PAPER IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



are likewise imported, as well as writing papers, such as manila and 

 other tissues, which absorb quickly, as the Japanese use a brush to 

 write with instead of a pen. 



Some of the writing and other thin papers come from China, 

 49,223 yen ($24,900) worth having been sent from there during 1897. 

 This export is increasing. "Simili" paper is imported in consider- 

 able quantities. 



Half-coated cigarette-box paper of American manufacture, I am 

 informed, is the exact kind and quality wanted here. The cigarette- 

 box papers imported from European countries crack in folding, but 

 American-made paper will not, and this is a very important fea- 

 ture in favor of our paper. Cigarette paper valued at 128,000 yen 

 ($63,800) was imported in 1898. The Japanese can not make it. 

 Tissue for cigarette paper is also imported from France. 



The manufacture of matches is a prominent industry in Japan, 

 and nearly all the paper used in covering the boxes is imported from 

 Austria and Germany, the value averaging 13,757 yen ($6,800) per 

 month from January i to December i, 1898. Thin blue paper is 

 largely used for match boxes; yellow paper is also imported for this 

 purpose, and a heavier green paper for packing matches. Of col- 

 ored unglazed printing paper of German manufacture, it is said that 

 Kobe and Yokohama each use per month 5,000 reams, 500 sheets 

 per ream. 



There are also imported into Japan, but not largely, fancy papers, 

 such as white and colored fine enamel, chromo litho, embossed and 

 plain silver and gold paper, marble paper, drawing and blotting 

 paper. 



The usual size and weight of match-box paper is: For yellow, 22 

 by 31^ inches, 15 pounds per ream, and 23^ by 37^/6 inches, 19 

 pounds per ream; for blue, 25 by 37 inches, 17 pounds per ream. 



It is suggested by Japanese importers of paper that our country 

 should be able to make large sales here, particularly from mills upon 

 the Pacific coast, thus saving overland freight. I shall be glad to 

 forward to proper parties for inspection any samples of paper sent 

 to this consulate. Shoyikikan, a large Osaka importer of paper, 

 would be glad to correspond with American manufacturers, with a 

 view to the greater introduction into Japan of American paper 

 generally. 



Users of imported papers state they are not partial to those sent 

 by any special country, but assure me they will heartily welcome a 

 more vigorous canvas upon the part of American paper manufactur- 

 ers than has been lately made in Japan. 



The duty on news paper will probably be abolished. A bill is 

 now before the Diet for its abolition, and it is expected to pass and 



