Stores in Tokyo continue using traditional letterpress printing
Date
7/24/2024 4:14:30 AM
(MENAFN) In the Kagurazaka neighborhood of Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, an area renowned for its vibrant publishing industry, the streets are adorned with numerous printing shops that seamlessly blend with the residential surroundings. Among these shops stands a particularly noteworthy establishment, Sasaki Katsuji-ten, a traditional printing store established in 1917. Its sign, featuring the kanji characters "Katsuji," which translates to "printing type," hints at its deep-rooted commitment to the traditional art of letterpress printing.
Upon entering Sasaki Katsuji-ten, visitors are greeted by a striking array of aged wooden shelves stretching nearly to the ceiling, set behind a counter showcasing various samples of printed materials. This store prides itself on its extensive collection, reportedly housing over 7 million pieces of Japanese typefaces, alphabets, symbols, and more, all available in more than ten different sizes. Such a comprehensive inventory underscores the store’s dedication to preserving and continuing the craft of letterpress printing.
The second floor of the store houses an automatic typefounding machine, a relic of more than 60 years of age, yet still in active use. This machine plays a critical role in the typefounding process, which is one of the four fundamental stages of letterpress printing. Letterpress printing itself involves creating a typeface through a series of meticulous steps: typefounding, where a convex type is crafted on a lead alloy square bar; letter selection, in which individual letters are chosen from shelves; typesetting, where these letters are arranged into a plate; and finally, the printing process, where the prepared plate is used to print the text.
Sasaki Katsuji-ten not only serves as a hub for traditional printing techniques but also acts as a living testament to the enduring art and craftsmanship of letterpress printing in an increasingly digital world.
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