Just a quick Fun Link Friday this week from Great Big Story! Japan is known the world around for its handcrafted paper, but is it now known also for the thinnest paper in the world?

Hidaka Washi Ltd. is has worked to great the thinnest sheet of paper possible– as thing as human skin!– using fibers from the mulberry plant (a traditional source for Japanese paper making). The technique to create this paper has been around since the seventh or eighth century.

Why would you need paper that thin? This kind of material is actually perfect for museums and libraries to use around the world for restoring or protecting books and artwork! The process behind the paper creation is fascinating to get a glimpse of, so be sure to take a look at the video and learn a little bit about paper making!