Winter Trip to Gifu, Tokai (Chubu/Central Japan, near Nagoya): Try a Japanese Paper Mino Washi Craft Workshop in Mino City (Indoor & Warm!) | 2026.01.05
2026.01.08Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop – Ishikawa Shigyo
Shop Newsletter No. 276
Perfect for a Winter Trip to Gifu, Japan! Try a Traditional Mino Washi Craft Experience in Mino City—Create Your Own One-of-a-Kind Handmade Souvenir Indoors in a Warm Workshop
Thank you for visiting the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop – Ishikawa Shigyo!
As of December 23, 2025: Google Reviews ★4.9 (951 reviews) — and growing!
“Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop – Ishikawa Shigyo” is:
A hands-on Japanese cultural experience you can enjoy with all five senses.
While learning about the beauty and traditions of Mino Washi (traditional Japanese paper), you’ll create a truly one-of-a-kind doll or craft—an ideal Japan travel activity for cultural tours and group itineraries.
From the texture of washi, to choosing colors and patterns, to shaping your own design—this workshop lets you enjoy Japanese craftsmanship and heritage through all five senses♪
Right in the center of Mino City!
We are located on the famous Udatsu historical streetscape, in a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
How about enjoying a Mino Washi craft-making experience together inside an authentic Edo-period building (built in 1760) with a beautiful “udatsu” roof-wall feature?♪
From solo travelers to groups of up to 50 guests (about one sightseeing bus), you can enjoy the workshop at the same time^^
(For groups larger than 50, we recommend splitting into a “Mino City stroll & shopping” team and a “craft experience” team.)
Couples, friends, families, group tours, corporate trips, incentive travel, team-building programs—everyone is welcome♪
No matter what kind of group you are, you can share a fun and memorable time together!
Experience menus include:
Washi Korokoro paper dolls, washi uchiwa fans, washi earrings, washi clip-on earrings, washi plates, washi pen holders, washi bookmarks, and more♪
▼ Washi Korokoro DIY Workshop Menu ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/00/82/82_1_file.pdf
You can follow the sample design—totally fine!
You can also create by intuition—also great!
Or you can design it inspired by your favorite character—go for it!
Now—let’s make your very own original souvenir, one and only in the world!
We offer 30+ kit designs, so you’re sure to find a favorite.
Please check our opening schedule before you visit—we can’t wait to welcome you♪
▼ Shop Opening Days (November / December / January) ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1855.html
[Important] Please contact us! We can accept group reservations even on dates outside the schedule above!!
▼ Website ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Group Booking Information ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/03/43/343_1_file.pdf
▼ Rakuten Online Store ▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Each small moment in everyday life becomes a “many-blessings” moment♪
Today as well, we’re here to help bring smiles at Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi craft experience shop♪
Now, let’s begin today’s workshop newsletter＾＾
◆ Today’s Topics ◆
・Zodiac White Horse (Year of the Horse) — a big hit at our workshop!
・Announcement for everyone: the Washi Korokoro Disney Series is here!
・Group workshops: highly flexible and super satisfying♪ Welcome to the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop!
・Recommended for Mino City sightseeing: easy access and perfect for tour itineraries and coach groups♪
・Our hometown Mino City: winter-only fun♪ Hina Doll Stamp Rally and Mino Washi “Kanzarashi” (winter bleaching/drying)
・Ishikawa Shigyo’s “Conquer the World & Japan” project! Please add your hometown sticker^^
・For guests with disabilities: introducing supportive services so you can enjoy with peace of mind!
・About Ishikawa Shigyo: introducing popular OEM/custom Washi Korokoro products!
・Customer gallery: showcasing real creations made in our workshops♪
・Mayu “Mino” Diary: our family’s Christmas tradition
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Zodiac White Horse (Year of the Horse) — a Big Hit at Our Workshop!
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As we get ready to welcome the New Year,
our Zodiac White Horse (Year of the Horse) DIY experience kit has been incredibly popular!
This year’s zodiac motif is the Horse—one of the most beloved designs in the 12 zodiac animals!
In past years, our zodiac series only had a brown horse,
but this year we introduced a new Washi Korokoro White Horse.
As a result, the White Horse has become one of the most popular choices in our Mino Washi craft experience!
With our guests’ creativity, many unique original Washi Korokoro White Horses have been born＾＾
Please come visit Ishikawa Shigyo’s workshop and make your own Zodiac White Horse Washi Korokoro for the New Year♪
Visit Ishikawa Shigyo’s craft experience shop website here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Announcement for Everyone: The Washi Korokoro Disney Series Is Here!
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A Disney Series has joined our Washi Korokoro lineup＾＾
They are scheduled to arrive in our shop around February…
Everyone, meet Mickey and friends—turned into adorable, round Washi Korokoro dolls.
We look forward to welcoming you＾＾
~~~ Product Introduction ~~~
A delightfully round Mickey Mouse.
The material, Mino Washi, is a traditional Japanese paper with over 1,300 years of history.
Mickey’s “always pops back up” shape feels like the cheerful, energetic Mickey we all know.
The brightness of Mickey Mouse—bringing smiles across generations—blends beautifully with the warmth of washi.
Crafted with techniques passed down at Ishikawa Shigyo since 1902, this is a celebratory, joy-filled item.
▼ Visit Ishikawa Shigyo’s craft experience shop website here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Group Workshops 안내! Highly Flexible and Truly Satisfying♪ Welcome to the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop!
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Elementary school, junior high, high school groups, youth groups, family trips, PTA parent-child trips, company trips, corporate training, sports clubs, senior clubs, NPO/volunteer groups, cultural experience tours, and more…
To organizers, planners, coordinators, concierges, and tour operators looking for the perfect activity—this is for you!
“We want kids to have an experience they can’t get in everyday school life.”
“We want to make fun memories together.”
Yes! In that case, please consider Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop^^
With a one-of-a-kind “making” experience, you can take home wonderful memories—perfect for Japan group tours, educational travel, and corporate team-building.
We still have availability for reservations!
We warmly welcome both group bookings and individual reservations via our booking site.
The experience is very flexible—anyone can enjoy creating while following a simple instruction sheet.
Some guests even ask, “Is it really okay to be this自由?”—Yes, it’s fine! Our staff will support the key points carefully^^
The year-round “Washi Korokoro Series” includes not only the zodiac animals, but also many designs inspired by monthly events and seasonal celebrations—great for travel itineraries across all seasons!
◆ Washi Korokoro designs you can enjoy when you visit
[Animals & Lucky Charms]
Goldfish, frog, maneki-neko (lucky cat), owl, kitten
[Zodiac 1]
Snake (Zodiac: Mi), dragon (Tatsu), rat (Ne), ox (Ushi), tiger (Tora), rabbit (Usagi)
[Zodiac 2]
Boar (Inoshishi), dog (Inu), horse (Uma), sheep (Hitsuji), monkey (Saru), rooster (Tori)
[Folktales & Good-Luck Motifs]
Daruma, shishi-mai (lion dance), ninja, red oni, Zodiac White Horse,
[Japanese Warlord Series]
Akechi Mitsuhide, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Otani Yoshitsugu, Young Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kichō (Nōhime)
[Seasonal & Festival Designs]
Blue koinobori (carp streamer), red koinobori, kabuto helmet, child koinobori, two carp streamers, child koinobori 3, hina dolls
[Shop-Exclusive Items]
Jack-o’-lantern, swordsman, scales, princess… and maybe even more designs!?
With 30+ DIY kits always available, you’ll surely find a project that makes you think, “I want to make this!”
You might even discover a special Washi Korokoro you can only create here!?
Feel free to look up craft ideas on your smartphone and customize your design—then create, share, and laugh together for a truly memorable time.
Please come visit Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop♪
▼ Visit the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop website here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Washi Korokoro
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/00/82/82_1_file.pdf
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/87/287_1_file.png
▼ Washi Paper Pierced Earrings & Clip-on Earrings DIY Kit Sales: Tool Rental Guidelines
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/84/284_1_file.pdf
▼Hands-on Craft Workshop Menu: “Washi Plate,” “Washi Pen Holder,” “Washi Bookmark,” “Washi Pierced Earrings,” “Washi Earrings”
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/23/123_1_file.pdf
▼Hands-on Craft Workshop Menu: 3 Family Set Options (Great for families, school groups, and small group tours)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/09/209_1_file.jpg
▼Hands-on Craft Workshop Menu: “Mino Washi Korokoro” Samurai Series Craft Experience
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/69/269_1_file.jpg
For inquiries related to our email newsletter and travel trade information, please contact us here ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Highly Recommended for Mino City Sightseeing: The Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop is Conveniently Located and Perfect for Tour Itineraries♪
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To travel planners and tour operators designing Japan tours, including group tours and FIT itineraries.
Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop is located on an ideal stopover route between Nagoya and the Takayama / Kamikochi area—making it perfect for a tour break, cultural activity, and hands-on workshop in Gifu, Japan.
“We use the Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway, but riding the bus straight to the destination takes too long.”
If this sounds like a challenge for your Japan travel programs, we are here to help.
About one hour from Nagoya by expressway, Mino City is a hub that pairs beautifully with Gujo Hachiman, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama.
We sincerely hope you will consider adding a Mino Washi cultural craft experience to your itinerary as a high-value, authentic Japan activity.
If you are looking for a hands-on cultural experience of around 1.5 hours including transfers, we highly recommend “Ishikawa Shigyo Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop” in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture—an ideal stop for Japan group tours, educational trips, and inbound travel programs.
Recommended highlights for travel agencies / tour operators
1. [Up to 50 guests per session] × 6 sessions = [Up to 300 guests per day]. Outside workshop time, guests can enjoy townscape sightseeing and visit the Mino Washi Village Hall. Conveniently located in the heart of the historic district.
2. Time options: [Follow the sample: 30 min] / [Creative design: 45 min or 60 min]. Next session can start 15 minutes after the previous workshop ends.
3. Finished on the spot—take your creation home immediately (no waiting time).
4. Suitable for all ages. Preschool children can join with a guardian. Unlimited use of Mino Washi parts! Both “follow-the-sample” and “creative” styles are extremely popular—create a one-of-a-kind piece.
5. For group tours, travel agencies may receive a rebate (R10 return program) subject to conditions.
6. Direct from the manufacturer: 600+ Japanese craft souvenir items for purchase. Enjoy 10% OFF on shopping over JPY 1,000.
7. Excellent access: 5 minutes from Mino IC on the Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway (about a 5-minute walk from parking).
8. The workshop shop is inside an Edo-period house, centrally located in the main sightseeing area.
9. A full, immersive experience of Japan’s traditional craft industry: touch, cut, and paste authentic Mino Washi—and truly enjoy making something with your hands.
10. As of Dec 23, 2025: Google Reviews ★4.9 with 951 reviews—and counting!
11. Free Wi-Fi available.
【Access Information】
From Nagoya: Nagoya Ring Road IC (Nagoya Expressway) → Ichinomiya JCT → Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway → Mino IC | Approx. 67 km | About 1 hour
From Takayama: Takayama Nishi IC (Chubu Jukan Expressway) → Hida-Kiyomi IC → Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway → Mino IC | Approx. 100 km | About 1 hr 15 min
From Shirakawa-go: Shirakawa-go IC (Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway) → Mino IC | Approx. 110 km | About 1 hr 15 min
From Gujo Hachiman: Gujo Hachiman IC (Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway) → Mino IC | Approx. 28 km | About 17 min
From Chubu Centrair International Airport: Centrair Higashi IC (Chita Odan Road) → Nagoya Expressway / Meini-kan → Ichinomiya JCT → Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway → Mino IC | Approx. 95 km | About 1 hr 20 min
From Toki Premium Outlets: Toki IC (Chuo Expressway) → Toki JCT → Tokai-Kanjō Expressway → Mino-Seki JCT → Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway → Mino IC | Approx. 39 km | Around 30 min
※Please note: We do not have a private parking lot. Please use the municipal parking lots (shuttle/pick-up support available).
Our experience programs are popular with guests from Japan and overseas as a fun way to discover Japanese culture through a hands-on activity.
Please consider adding a Mino Washi craft experience to your tour proposal—an authentic cultural stop in Gifu that works well for inbound travel and group tours.
▼Workshop Shop Website
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼Mino City Parking Map
Front: https://minokanko.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/30ddbcbb17e8592a50b2d0c9fcab3229.pdf
Back: https://minokanko.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/90c3049d7dadf0b1aa05f315a3aacf68.pdf
▼Mino City Access Information
https://minokanko.com/access/
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Our Hometown Mino City! Winter-Only Highlights
The Hina Doll Stamp Rally & “Kanzarashi” (Winter River Bleaching) of Mino Washi
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Winter in Mino City brings crisp air and clear skies—an inviting season for travelers exploring Gifu, Japan.
The Udatsu-lined historic streets reveal a calm, refined beauty that feels different from summer or autumn—perfect for slow sightseeing and cultural walks.
One event that instantly brightens the winter townscape is the Mino City Tourism Association’s
“Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama” exhibition & Hina Doll Stamp Rally.
Around the Udatsu-lined streets, you’ll find vintage Hina dolls and Mino Washi Hina displays beautifully arranged inside machiya townhouses, local shops, and storefronts.
The stamp rally begins at the Tourist Information Center “Banya,” where you pick up a stamp sheet (free of charge).
Collect stamps while shopping and dining at participating stores. Once you gather five stamps, return to Banya to join a lottery draw—spin the capsule and you might win a fun prize♪
Of course, “Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo” is one of the participating locations. Please stop by to get your stamp—and take a look around.
Another winter highlight is the traditional scene of “Kanzarashi,” where kozo (mulberry) fibers—the raw material for Mino Washi—are soaked in a midwinter river.
This “Kanzarashi” landscape is a signature winter tradition of Mino Washi.
In the crystal-clear cold water of the Itadori River, artisans soak white kozo bark for days, removing impurities and naturally bleaching the fibers under the winter sun. It is an essential process for producing high-quality Japanese paper.
In the past, this work could be seen in many places along the river. Today, it is preserved as an annual winter tradition, carried on by skilled craftsmen who gather once a year.
Watching artisans step into near-freezing water and carefully handle the kozo is truly “the origin of winter Mino Washi.”
Paper born from fibers polished by midwinter water and sunlight has a clean, bright whiteness and a soft texture—often described as “winter-born Mino Washi: Kanzarashi.”
Stroll through the Udatsu machiya townscape to admire Hina dolls, enjoy the stamp rally,
and if timing allows, visit the Itadori River to observe Kanzarashi.
After that, we would be delighted if you also stop by “Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo.”
Inside the shop, you’ll find Mino Washi Hina-themed gifts, Japanese paper accessories that suit winter interiors,
and hands-on workshops such as making your own Washi Korokoro Hina dolls.
If you visit and say, “I read your newsletter!”,
I might end up talking a little too much about why Mino’s winter is so special (laughs).
The quiet charm of winter, the festive beauty of Hina dolls,
and the story of the “winter river” that gives birth to Mino Washi.
We would be happy if you come and enjoy Mino City at a relaxed pace—especially during this winter-only season.
▲Kanzarashi (winter river bleaching)
▼Mino City Tourism Association: “Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama” Stamp Rally—details here♪
https://minokanko.com/news/event/p9001/
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Ishikawa Shigyo’s “Conquer the World & Japan” Project—Please Place a Sticker on Your Hometown^^
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Mino Washi is a proud cultural treasure of Mino City—and has also been recognized as a UNESCO-listed heritage of Japanese papermaking tradition.
Ishikawa Shigyo, now in its 123rd year, wants people around the world to discover and enjoy the tradition and charm of Mino Washi—
and with that passion, we’ve launched a special, fun campaign!
It’s called…
[Are YOU visiting Ishikawa Shigyo for Washi?] Campaign!
Right in the middle of Mino City’s famous Udatsu-lined historic district, you’ll find Ishikawa Shigyo!
Our shop is a designated building within a nationally selected Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, dating back to 1760.
We welcome you in a renovated townhouse that has been used since the Edo period—an ideal cultural stop for Japan tours and inbound travel experiences.
Inside the shop, we display a world map and a Japan map, and we invite visitors to place a sticker on their hometown.
As the stickers grow, you can instantly see how far our Mino Washi craft experience has spread around the world.
Watching the maps fill up with colors is exciting—for both guests and our staff!
◆Conquer the World Project◆
So far, guests from 44 countries (individuals and groups) have visited us!
But there are 193 UN member states—so our journey continues.
For visitors from a country that is new to our map…
・We will present a small Mino Washi gift!
・Please place a sticker on your hometown^^
Which country will add the next color to our map? Please tell our staff where you are from.
◆Conquer Japan Project◆
Among visitors who joined our Mino Washi craft experience,
which of Japan’s 47 prefectures is represented the most?
From nearby—or from far away?
Place a sticker on your hometown and add color to the Japan map!
*The stickers placed by our guests have already become a little “mountain”^^
The more stickers we receive, the more connections grow between Ishikawa Shigyo and our guests.
It’s a participatory project that brings people together through travel and Japanese culture.
Even if you haven’t visited yet, we’d love to welcome you—please stop by anytime.
As a memorable part of your visit to Mino City, we hope you enjoy our Mino Washi craft experience^^
Your single sticker can become the first step of a brand-new story.
We look forward to welcoming you!
*Here is the current list of countries that have visited our shop.
North & South America (North America, South America)
United States, Brazil, Canada, Venezuela
Asia
Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, Timor-Leste, Nepal, India, Israel, Cambodia, Laos, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Pakistan, Malaysia
Europe
United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Italy, Russia, Netherlands
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand
Africa
South Africa
Total: 44 countries
▼Visit the Ishikawa Shigyo Craft Experience Shop website here♪ (Ideal for Japan tour planning and group itineraries)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Information for Guests with Disabilities: Introducing Support Services to Help You Enjoy Our Experience Safely and Comfortably.
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At our shop, we have started the following support services for group visits from special needs schools,
as well as organizations and facilities supporting people with disabilities.
We hope these services will make your Japan travel programs—such as educational trips and group tours—more accessible and inclusive.
Group-only offer for “Special Needs School Groups” and “Groups with Disability ID Holders”
For group guests that include special needs students or disability ID holders,
one FREE spin of our JPY 300 capsule toy (gacha) is included.
For shopping practice activities, purchases are 40% OFF (hands-on craft experiences are not included).
Our hands-on making menus have no complicated steps, so anyone can easily create a wonderful piece—an ideal cultural workshop for accessible Japan travel.
For (Washi Korokoro dolls, uchiwa fans, bookmarks, washi plates, and pen holders),
you simply paste pre-cut paper pieces onto the base shapes…
and you can create your very own original souvenir or keepsake ^ ^
You can craft freely to match your personal taste—or finish it neatly by following the sample!
Choose your paper, apply glue, and paste!
Why not repeat these simple steps and make a beautiful handmade creation in Mino City, Gifu?
Special needs schools,
after-school day service providers,
and travel coordinators planning facility trips or inclusive group tours—
we warmly invite you to use this service!
▼Contact Ishikawa Shigyo Craft Experience Shop here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Introducing Ishikawa Shigyo: Featuring Popular Products and OEM / Custom “Washi Korokoro” Items!
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Ishikawa Shigyo offers a wide range of services—from selling Mino Washi crafts and Japanese souvenirs, to hands-on workshop programs, and even original product development for OEM / custom manufacturing.
With 123 years of craftsmanship and experience, we sincerely support your vision and help bring your ideal product to life—perfect for museums, tourism brands, events, and travel-related merchandising.
Here are some past examples of our original OEM / custom products!
◆The guiding deity “Yatagarasu” has become an adorably round “Washi Korokoro” roly-poly doll.
Produced as an OEM order for Kumanomiya Shrine in Kodaira, Tokyo (*not sold through our general retail channels).
A lucky charm inspired by “fall seven times, stand up eight” (Nana-korobi Ya-oki)—it always pops back up.
We created two versions (male and female), and added a special feature to hold an omikuji fortune slip—an item crafted with great attention to detail.
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1753.html
◆A cute Washi Korokoro doll: Komari-chan!
An artist’s character has been transformed into a Washi Korokoro doll＾＾
This was commissioned as concert merchandise. The character’s unique vibe fits Washi Korokoro perfectly＾＾
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1773.html
◆If you’re from Gifu, you probably know it!? The FC Gifu mascot character has become a Washi Korokoro doll!
FC Gifu is a professional soccer club based in Gifu Prefecture.
Its official mascot character, “Giffy,” has been turned into a traditional craft “Washi Korokoro” doll made with authentic Mino Washi Japanese paper.
A collaboration between a beloved local club and artisans who carry on Mino’s traditions—introducing Giffy, cutely swaying as it pops back up!
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1876.html
▼We produce original products (OEM)!—Create a special custom item exclusively for your brand, using our experience since 1902.
No.1 in Japan for the number of registered Mino Washi brand items!
From dolls, papier-mâché, Japanese goods, stationery, DIY craft kits, and name/logo customization—leave your OEM / custom production to us! We can propose a variety of materials such as washi paper, chirimen fabric, wood, and ceramics.
▼Contact Ishikawa Shigyo Headquarters here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/index.html
Not only do we create commercial “Washi Korokoro” products—original creations are also quietly born at our Mino Washi craft experience shop^^
We are always amazed by the unique pieces that come from children’s free imagination.
Instead of following samples, they turn their favorite characters and personal motifs into real forms—this freedom is the true charm.
Going forward, we will also introduce more of these fun creations on our blog—with photos♪
With the maker’s ideas, Ishikawa Shigyo’s popular “Washi Korokoro” offers endless creative expression.
It’s an experience that children—and adults too—can get fully absorbed in, returning to a childlike sense of wonder.
Would you like to create your own original masterpiece together at the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop in Mino City, Gifu—an ideal stop for Japan cultural tours?
[See the photos!] We introduce our newsletter in the blog below with images! [Updated every Monday]
Newsletter Articles Blog [With Photos]
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/index__23.html
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Customer Creation Gallery: Introducing Works Our Guests Made in the Workshop♪
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This time’s featured creation is here♪
Zodiac Horse (Uma)!
Everyone, please enjoy your own personal arrangement and creative twist, too♪
[See the photos!] We introduce our newsletter in the blog below with images! [Updated every Monday]
Newsletter Articles Blog [With Photos]
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/index__23.html
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Mayu “Mino” Diary: Our Family’s Christmas Tradition
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As a child, due in part to differences in religion, I grew up without experiencing Christmas.
When I first learned about “Christmas” and asked my parents for a present from Santa,
the very first thing I received was 1,000 yen in cash.
In my neighborhood, the only shop nearby was a small candy store, and there were hardly any places to go buy what I wanted.
I still remember feeling a little lonely, wondering, “What should I do with this money…?”
Now I’m a parent, and I’ve become someone who celebrates Christmas together with my daughter.
But choosing gifts is truly difficult, isn’t it?
My daughter’s wishes, my wishes, and my husband’s wishes…
Every year we discuss it and think, “What’s best for her right now?”—but sometimes our opinions don’t match.
And above all, we are both a little too soft when it comes to our daughter.
We sometimes buy what she wants before Christmas,
and then, as the day approaches,“…Wait, this year she doesn’t especially want anything!”—that can happen too (laughs).
Still, in our household there’s a “Christmas classic” that continues every year without fail.
First, my husband.
Late at night on Christmas Day, pretending “Santa came!”, he spends hours drawing a picture.
When we built our house, we installed an extra-large enamel board thinking, “Someday when we have children, we want them to be able to draw freely.”
He fills the entire board—so large you can’t reach it even with both arms spread wide—with a “Santa-style” version of my daughter’s favorite character of that year.
The moment she finds it in the morning is one of our favorite parts every year＾＾
As for me, I slowly collect Christmas decorations I find at workshops and shops, as well as sparkly toys my daughter no longer uses,
and I decorate the tree and arrange them on shelves—gradually turning our home into “Christmas mode.”
This year too, the two of us went around to shops and chose decorations we loved, saying “This is so cute!”＾＾
On Christmas morning.
She’s thrilled with the present by her pillow.
Then she goes to the living room—and is even more thrilled to see the huge drawing covering the entire board.
That is our family’s Christmas tradition.
When I was a child, I had slightly lonely Christmas memories.
Maybe that’s why, every year, I hope my daughter will smile and say, “That was fun!”＾＾
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