2024 NO.36
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A Virtual Journey through Japan
Regional Stationery Goods
Introducing local crafts made with techniques handed down for generations and goods featuring designs inspired by regional specialties or scenic landscapes. Take a trip through these pages to find stationery goods that reflect the unique regional characteristics of areas across Japan.
①Aomori
Apple-Shaped Inkwell and Glass Pen
An inkwell in the shape of an apple, a specialty in Aomori Prefecture, (left), and a glass pen with a small apple at its end (right). The glass pen is a writing instrument originating in Japan that sucks ink up through the transparent nib on its right side. Photo: Tsugaru Vidro
②Tokyo
Scrolled Paper
Traditionally in Japan, letters and documents were often written with ink and brush on scrolls of Japanese washi paper. Pictured here is scrolled washi in five colors, laminated together and treated to prevent blotting even when writing with pen. This scrolled paper is a popular item in the washi and paper product lineup that historic stationery stores have sold for over 200 years. Photo: Gounsen by Haibara
③Ishikawa
Fountain Pen with Gold Leaf
The gold leaf fountain pen is a collaboration between gold leaf artisans in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and one of Japan’s leading fountain pen brands. It features the traditional Japanese art of painting themes of natural beauty in gold leaf and other materials. Photo: Hakuichi Co., Ltd., Kanazawa gold leaf fountain pen by PLATINUM PEN CO., LTD.
④Shiga
Ruler with Lake Biwa Template
You can trace Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, at a scale of approximately 1/1,000,000 using this ruler with template. Use the silhouettes of creatures living in Lake Biwa, the castle, and other nearby tourist attractions to keep a fun record of your travels in the area. Photo: Lake Biwa Template by KOKUYO Product Shiga Co., Ltd.
⑤Kyoto
Goshuin Seal Stamp Books
Visitors to shrines and temples in Japan may receive a goshuin seal stamped in red ink bearing the name of the temple or shrine and the date of their visit. Many shrines and temples offer bound books with traditional washi paper pages for collecting goshuin, and some tourists carry these with them as they make a pilgrimage to a number of these sites. The goshuin books pictured here feature covers modeled after kimono. Photo: Taniguchi Shoyudo Co., Ltd.
⑥Nara
Sumi Ink Objet d’Art
Home to the capital of Japan in ancient times, Nara Prefecture has long been a center of sumi ink production. These elegant ink cakes, shaped as the masks used in masked dance performances that flourished around the 7th century, are meant to be treasured, rather than used. Photo: Kaori-zumi Asuka by KINKOEN
⑦Hiroshima
Brushes
Kumano-cho in Hiroshima Prefecture, where about one in ten residents is involved in brush-making, is known as the brush capital of Japan. The delicate bristles of Kumano-cho brushes are handcrafted by master artisans. They are highly sought-after instruments for drawing precise lines and small details. Not only ink brushes, but also cosmetic brushes made with this technique, are popular outside of Japan. Photos: Fudenosato Kobo
⑧Kochi
Traditional Japanese Notebook
These notebooks are made with a traditional sewn binding method using meticulous thread stitching. They are beautiful to look at, and with no chemical glues, the binding does not break down over time. This prized bookbinding technique is still practiced in Kochi, where Tosa washi paper is produced. Photo: Kochi Seihon
⑨Nagasaki
Local Ink
Colorful inks in bottles adorned with images of famous Nagasaki goods and scenery make great souvenirs. The bottle of ink pictured here features the Kujuku Islands, known for their dark green forests and placid waters. Photo: Nagasaki Bikei Ink Kujukushima Islands Green by Ishimaru Bunkoudou