Paper was actually invented and used in China about 100 AD. They didn't start making wood block prints until about 600 AD.
http://www.silk-road.com/artl/papermaking.shtmlBudist monks brought the technology to Japan around 600 AD, and by 800 AD Japan was the global leader fine paper making.
http://www.japanesepaperplace.com/abt-japanese-paper/about-washi.htmThere is a whole line of Awagami media recently offered that they call IJ, which include an ink receptor coating. The dmax, resolution, dot spread, and color gamut are significantly better than the other fine art papers they make, when you are using them for inkjet purposes.
They have a new IJ pure Kozo paper that incorporates two layers, one kozo on the surface and alpha cellulose on the back. You print the image and then peel off the back for a very thin image, or you can leave the back on for a thicker sheet. It is called Kozo Dual Sided. The other one I"ve used with IJ coating is Kozo Thin White, which really isn't that thin. They also make a thick version. I really like them all.
I have used the much less expensive traditional uncoated Kozo, bleached and unbleached for about 14 years and still love them,
http://www.mulberrypaperandmore.com/p-81-bleached-mulberry-paper-roll-white-37-inches-x-325-feet.aspxYou can often find this same paper at Dick Blick art supply or Utrecht.
but of you want more photo clarity and certainly better color gamut, the new coated kozo papers might be worth the extra expense. Great thing about Awagami is you can buy them in rolls 24" up to 44" ( for $400.00 ).
Another player in this new IJ Kozo market is Hiromi papers in Santa Monica. They are one of the best Japanese paper outlets in the world and do all kinds of media that one one comes close to. I ordered one of their boxes of inkjet coated Kozo and it had vertical lines in the mould that I didn't like. That look however is not unusual in traditional japanese papers. They have other sheets coated and uncoated that are certainly worth checking out. I haven't had the time to try them all.
Awagami makessome other versions for IJ that are a blend of Kozo, Hemp, Alpha Cellulose, etc. I haven't tried any of them yet.
I wish they had an IJ Gampi but maybe in the future. The stuff Moab sells is the same Awagami repackaged with some Indian name.
The best thing to do is to order the sample pack of 8.5x11 sheets that contain all the sheets and rolls offered.
john