- Table of Contents
"KASHIKO" is a creative stationery brand from Kanazawa.
KASHIKO is a creative stationery brand launched in 2020 by Kanazawa printing company Nakabi Co., Ltd. The couple, who own the brand, were inspired to start the brand when they were visiting galleries as part of their life's work and were captivated by the work of Ishikawa Prefecture Kutani artist Yukika Shibata.
Kutani ware is one of the 36 traditional crafts in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is characterized by beautiful designs that are painted with color to infuse the pure white Kutani ware with individuality. Imagawa heard that the decline of traditional crafts as an industry and the lack of successors are major issues. In order to protect and pass on traditional craft techniques, it is necessary to convey the beauty of those techniques to more people. With this in mind, Imagawa came up with the idea of transferring the designs of Kutani artists onto stationery, and created message cards and paper clips with delicate floral designs. This was the beginning of the "KASHIKO" brand, which combines stationery, which has enthusiasts all over the world, with the techniques of traditional crafts.
From paper to cloth. The possibilities of traditional crafts and stationery are endless
The relationship that began with Shibata gradually expanded, and KASHIKO began releasing paper items in collaboration with various Kutani ware artists. From traditional pieces to modern art pieces, works that go beyond the concept of Kutani ware were created, and the number of stores that carry KASHIKO products as new Kanazawa souvenirs increased. Then, in April 2024, they announced new products: "Furoshiki" and "Sensu".
In particular, the furoshiki is a collaboration between Kyoto's 110-year-old Baba Dyeing Factory and three Kutani color-painting artists. The craftsmen carefully dye each piece, combining as many as 10 colors that would not be possible with regular furoshiki production, resulting in a furoshiki that pursues the beauty of color. It is also a recommended item as an interior fabric that can be enjoyed by hanging it on the wall like a painting.
An example of an item from the "KASHIKO" brand
The lineup of "KASHIKO" is expanding year by year, with message cards and paper clips that you'll want to display, a wide variety of masking tapes, and gorgeous bookmarks made with Kanazawa gold leaf. The brand has also started participating in large-scale stationery events, and in 2023 it exhibited at an exhibition in Paris, where it was well-received overseas. New products such as furoshiki and folding fans are likely to attract attention as Kanazawa souvenirs for inbound tourists.
"KASHIKO" items can be purchased at participating stores in Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as online, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.
■FUROSHIKI 3,000 yen each
■ Folding fan set (fan, fan bag, gift box) 4,500 yen each
■ MESSAGE CARD & PAPER CLIP 1,500-2,000 yen each
■MASKING TAPE 400 yen each / GOLD SHIORI 900 yen each
Stationery that you'll want to send to your loved ones, just like a letter
"KASHIKO" is a brand created with the aim of redesigning regional resources and connecting the traditional crafts of the Hokuriku region to the next generation. Currently, the brand is centered around Kutani ware artists from Ishikawa Prefecture, but in the future, they plan to collaborate with traditional craftspeople from the Hokuriku region to create even more attractive items.
Just like the word "kashiko" that women add to the end of letters to show respect to the recipient, "KASHIKO" is a beautiful stationery that is filled with respect for the bearers of traditional crafts. It is recommended not only as a souvenir when you visit Hokuriku, but also as a small gift for your loved ones.
[PR]
[Stores where it is available]
■ Higashiyama Tamabako (Higashiyama, Kanazawa City)
■Kitayamado (Hirosaki, Kanazawa City)
■ Ishikawa Living Crafts Museum (Kenrokucho, Kanazawa City)
■ Gallery Yui (Izumidaicho, Nomi City)
■Amu Shop & Cafe-Yamanaka Onsen- (Yamanaka Onsen-cho, Kaga City)
■PLUME & BILLE PARIS (France)
■MIHON-ICHI KANAZAWA (Horikawa-Shinmachi, Kanazawa City)
Click here for details of stores that carry this product
[Operating company]
Nakabi Co., Ltd. Address: 1-22-19 Kanda, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Phone: 076-242-2265
Official website:
