[Bizen Toppan Printing Workshop] Toppan Printing Paper Items & Hug-chan Card Set (with bonus!)

The greatest charm of Toppan Printing lies in the "blurring" and "unevenness" created by the way the ink is applied and the texture of the paper. Unlike the "perfect uniformity" of digital printing, each sheet has a different expression and a warm presence that makes you feel attached to it. Each one is a unique piece in the world. This set of paper goods is not just cute, but also has a deep, luxurious feel that comes from the techniques of a long-established company.

●Example of a set delivered in one shipment: A: Letterpress paper <Okayama souvenir - jeans> 1 sheet B: Letterpress paper <Various patterns> 2 sheets (different patterns) C: Small envelopes 2 pieces (different patterns) D: HUG-chan card <Sayaka Sugiura> 1 card E: Letterpress notepad (small) 30 sheets *Includes 1 "bonus" bag *The letterpress paper (Okayama souvenir) and HUG-chan card will be the patterns shown in the photo. The patterns of the other items will vary. Also, the contents of the "bonus" set will differ from set to set.

●Example of a set delivered in one shipment: A: Letterpress paper <Okayama souvenir/Daruma> 1 sheet B: Letterpress paper <Various patterns> 2 sheets (different patterns) C: Small envelopes 2 pieces (different patterns) D: HUG-chan card <Puppy> 1 card E: Letterpress writing paper (square) 20 sheets *Includes 1 "bonus" bag *The letterpress paper (Okayama souvenir) and HUG-chan card will be the patterns shown in the photo. The patterns of the other items will vary. Also, the contents of the "bonus" set will differ from set to set.

●Example of a set delivered in one shipment: A: Letterpress paper <Okayama souvenir - peach> 1 sheet B: Letterpress paper <various patterns> C: Small envelopes 2 pieces (different patterns) D: HUG-chan card <COCHAE> 1 card E: Letterpress writing paper (large) 10 sheets *Includes 1 "bonus" bag *The letterpress paper (Okayama souvenir) and HUG-chan card will be the patterns shown in the photo. The patterns of the other items will vary. Also, the contents of the "bonus" set will differ from set to set.

Decorate, wrap, roll, paste, place, write, fold... There are so many ways to enjoy it! Use it to your heart's content.

<Okayama Souvenir, approx. 27 x 19.5 cm> "Jeans, peaches, and Tamashima Daruma dolls"—all iconic symbols of Okayama—are featured on this adorable design paper! *When producing the product, the white border that is usually trimmed will not be trimmed. There may be some "blurring" or "unevenness," but please enjoy this as a characteristic of letterpress printing.

<Relief Print Paper - Various Patterns, Approx. 27 x 16.5 cm> Printed using a combination of one or two printing plates (one color) and varying colors and patterns from time to time, resulting in a variety of colors and designs. Enjoy the encounter with different patterns each time. *When making the product, the white area around the edges, which is usually trimmed, is left untrimmed. There may be some "blurring" or "unevenness," but please enjoy this as a characteristic of relief printing.

<Raised Letter Pad (Large) Approx. 19.5 x 8cm> This slightly larger letter pad is perfect for writing messages (the back is blank white), or for fun use in "roll-up" gift boxes and other gift wrapping projects.

<Raised writing paper (small) Approx. 10.5 x 6 cm> Use the back (plain white) to write a message and use it as a mini card, or line or stick it in a gift box. It's small, but surprisingly versatile.

<Raised writing pad - Square, approx. 7.5 x 7.5 cm> A square that's fun to fold!

<Two small envelopes (different designs), approximately 9.5cm tall, 6.5cm wide> These small envelopes are useful for many things. Very convenient.

Letterpress paper, letterpress notepads, small envelopes... We use a combination of one (one color) or two (two colors) printing plates, changing the plates and colors each time, so the colors and designs vary. Enjoy the encounter with patterns each time. Even the same pattern can have a completely different impression depending on the color! It's so much fun.

When creating our "Toppan Paper - Various Patterns" products, we leave the white border around the edges intact, which is usually trimmed. This may result in slight "blurring" or "unevenness," but please enjoy these as characteristics of toppan printing.

The "HUG-chan Cards," a masterpiece from Bizen Toppan Kousakujo, also known as "Bitokko," the company that produces these paper goods sets, are of course also made using letterpress printing!

The "HUG-chan Card," as its name suggests, is a card where two characters hug each other, gently embracing your important message. You can write your message on the inside when the card is open. Size: Approximately 11cm (height) x 7.5cm (width) (maximum when closed)

Hug-chan cards are printed on thick, textured paper that's perfectly suited to letterpress printing. Because the printing plate is pressed firmly onto the paper, the printed areas are slightly indented. This slight "three-dimensionality" adds to their charm.

[About the "Bonus Item"] This set of paper goods is not just cute, but also features the deep, luxurious feel of a long-established company's craftsmanship...and what's more! What's more! We'll also be including the leftover pieces after die-cutting the envelopes, and other "failures" (printing errors, etc.) as a fun "bonus set." Ah... I love paper. Even the scraps are precious. In fact, we love the "scraps" (just like how the scraps of castella cake seem to taste better), as the owner of Foodsnote passionately spoke of his "love for paper," Bitotsukou decided to include our "favorite things" as a "bonus item." We're so happy. The shape and quantity of the bonus items will vary each time. Anything is a welcome surprise, right? (Please understand.)

Bizen Toppan Works, commonly known as "Bitokko," is a product brand that handles paper products using letterpress printing, a collaboration between the art unit "COCHAE," which is based in Okayama, and Onishi Printing, which was founded in 1920 in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.

A 2-day, 1-night solo trip in pursuit of my passions. From Okayama Station, I took a local train (Ako Line) that stops at every station, enjoying a leisurely 45-minute ride. I arrived at Bizen Toppan Kosakusho, a shop in Nishikataue that sells paper and printed goods, as well as a café. There, they sell original paper goods products jointly produced by COCHAE and Onishi Printing, hold gallery exhibitions, and host workshops. Inside the shop, there is a manual letterpress printing machine, where not only professional creators but also beginners who love paper and crafts can enjoy a "printing experience." The owner of Foods Note is a big COCHAE fan and had always wanted to visit this place, but it turned out to be filled with even more of my passions than I had imagined. Before going to the shop, I had thought, "I'd really like to ask them about a job...", but somehow the mood of the place didn't allow it. Oh well! I enjoyed tea at the café and was very excited to do some shopping, and I was very satisfied. However, six months later, I unexpectedly met the person who paid for my meal back then, in Kyoto. They remembered me, and I was able to ask them about a job, which led to the creation of this project. I'm so happy. The shop, which has an extraordinary dedication to "convex" shapes, is full of love and playfulness for "toppan printing." When you open the shop door, the shape of the doorknob is convex... ahhh... doorknob... convex hand!! I can't get enough of it. Paper lovers, if you have the chance, please visit Bizen Toppan Factory in Okayama.