noun
straw paper; inexpensive rough paper
A type of low-cost, unbleached paper traditionally made from straw pulp, often used for practice calligraphy, wrapping, or rough notes. The term is widely recognized in Japanese culture.
子どもの頃、わら半紙に習字の練習をした。
When I was a child, I practiced calligraphy on straw paper.
わら半紙は安価なので、メモ用紙としてよく使われる。
Straw paper is cheap, so it is often used as memo paper.
半紙 is a general term for Japanese calligraphy paper, while わら半紙 specifically refers to the straw-based, lower-quality variety.
Compound of わら (straw) and 半紙 (calligraphy paper). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the term reflects the material used in its production.