Shōji (障子) are translucent sliding panels that act as doors, windows, or room dividers.

They acted as room dividers, and allowed light to be diffused.

— History

In the past, shoji used to be called akari-shoji (明障子). Similarly, today's fusuma were called fusuma-shoji (襖障子).

The concept of shōji came from China around the 7th and 8th centuries. They were similar to fusuma, in that they were used to divide rooms, but in the beginning did not slide.

— Construction

Shōji are made of a latticework wooden frame covered in thick, translucent washi paper.

Shōji are notably fragile and highly expensive to maintain. It is not uncommon for children or animals to puncture the paper covering.

Due to its fragility, today stronger paper-like plastics are used instead of the traditional washi.