The article discusses the making of Shifu in Japan, a woven textile made from twisted paper thread. Topics covered include its early history, locations where it was made, its uses as clothing, methods of production, and its revival and techniques used today. Shifu was first made in the 1600s. Two distinctive types of cloth were produced: a textile used for work clothes, and a very fine cloth used and sold by the Samurai. In the early 1700s Shifu was widely sold and given as gifts to high-ranking men. Some Shifu was made from high quality paper, other Shifu was manufactured from used paper. In its heyday a rich variety of the textile was produced, with warps of both cotton and silk, several different weaves and dyes added for color. Uses for the cloth included Kimono, skirts, book covers, undergarments and work clothes. Shifu production declined with the disappearance of the Samurai class. The article concludes with a discussion of the revival of the craft today and current methods of production, including the requirements for making the special paper required for quality Shifu. A final section outlines dyeing with natural dyes, weaving, and washing of the finished textile.