Best DIY Activity in Japan: Mino Washi Craft Handmade Experience at Tokai (Chubu/Central Japan, near Nagoya) | 2026.01.09
2026.01.15Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop (Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.)
Workshop Newsletter No. 277
Perfect for a hands-on craft experience in Japan—easy even for first-timers. Come empty-handed and enjoy a Mino Washi paper craft workshop!
Thank you for visiting Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop (Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.)!
As of January 9, 2026: Google Reviews ★4.9 | 998 reviews and counting! 【No.1 tourist attraction in Mino City!】
“Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop” is
a hands-on Japanese cultural experience by Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.—a traditional craft you can enjoy with all five senses.
While discovering the beauty and heritage of Mino Washi, you’ll create your own one-of-a-kind Japanese souvenir—dolls and paper crafts found nowhere else in the world.
From the feel of washi paper, to choosing colors and patterns, to the joy of shaping your ideas into a finished piece—this is a Mino Washi craft experience that lets you enjoy Japan’s traditional culture through all five senses♪
Right in the heart of Mino town!
Located in the Udatsu historical townscape, this is a designated building within a nationally selected Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Why not enjoy a Mino Washi paper craft workshop together inside an authentic Edo-period building (built in 1760) with a traditional “udatsu” roof wall? A perfect activity for Japan itineraries, cultural tours, and group travel♪
From solo travelers to groups—up to 50 guests (about one tour bus) can enjoy the craft experience at the same time^^
(For groups of 50+ guests, we recommend splitting into a “Mino City sightseeing & shopping” team and a “workshop experience” team!)
Couples, friends, families, group tours, company trips, student travel, and more♪
Any group can share a fun, memorable time—an ideal hands-on cultural activity for travel agencies planning Japan group tours!
Experience menu:
Washi Korokoro washi dolls, washi fans, washi earrings, washi plates, washi pen holders, washi bookmarks, and more♪
▼ Washi Korokoro Hands-On Workshop Menu ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/00/82/82_1_file.pdf
You can follow the sample exactly—and that’s great!
Or trust your intuition—and that’s great too!
Or you can even customize it to resemble your favorite character!
Now, let’s create your very own one-of-a-kind original souvenir—handmade in Japan!
We offer 30+ kit designs—you're sure to find a favorite.
Please check our opening schedule before visiting. We can’t wait to welcome you♪
▼ Shop Opening Days: November, December & January ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1855.html
【Note】Please contact us! We can accept group reservations even on dates outside the schedule above!!
▼ Official Website ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Group Reservation Information ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/03/43/343_1_file.pdf
▼ Rakuten EC Store ▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Happy New Year!
We sincerely appreciate your continued support of Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. and the “Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop.” Now, right at the start of the new year, we have some wonderful news.
We currently have 998 Google reviews!
And an incredible 4.9 rating… at this point, isn’t it basically a “treasure of the town”?!
Who will leave the memorable 1,000th review…?
We’re excited and nervous—like waiting for a lucky fortune draw.
With just one comment from you, please help us celebrate this happy milestone together!
And while we’re in a celebratory mood, please relax and enjoy this issue of our newsletter.
We’ve packed it with new releases, seasonal recommendations, and even a few behind-the-scenes stories from our workshop—so after reading, you’ll think, “I want to go,” “I want to make one,” and “This would be perfect for a Japan group tour itinerary.”
If you find even one thing that makes you say “I love this!”—that’s a huge success.
We hope Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.’s washi crafts and hands-on experiences gently become part of your “fun plans” for the year—whether you’re traveling solo or arranging tours as an international travel agency.
Now, let the exciting “page turning” begin—just like flipping through paper.
Please stay with us to the very end!
◆ This issue’s topics ◆
・ Featuring individual guests♪ A child’s shishimai (lion dance) ends up in the sample corner? A heartwarming episode
・ Announcement for everyone! The Disney series is coming to Washi Korokoro!
・ Group workshop info! Super flexible and deeply satisfying♪ Welcome to Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop!
・ Recommended for Mino City sightseeing! Easy access—perfect for tours and travel agencies planning Gifu day trips♪
・ Our hometown Mino City! Winter-only fun♪ The Hina Doll Stamp Rally and Mino Washi “Kansarashi” (winter bleaching)
・ Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.’s “World & Japan Conquest” project! Please add your hometown sticker^^
・ Information for guests with disabilities: a service plan so you can enjoy with peace of mind!
・ About Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.: Introducing our popular item, Washi Korokoro, and OEM options for corporate clients!
・ Customer creations gallery: introducing pieces guests actually made during the workshop♪
・ Mayu “Mino” Diary: First laugh of the new year! A three-stage punchline in front of the Washi Tree
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Featuring individual guests♪ A child’s shishimai (lion dance) ends up in the sample corner? A heartwarming episode
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The other day, we received an inquiry email from a guest who joined our Mino Washi craft experience, asking to check a “lost item.”
After reading the details, it turned out their child’s handmade shishimai might have been accidentally swapped, and they may have taken home one of our shop samples (Washi Korokoro). They asked, “Could it be at the workshop?”
Thinking this was urgent, our staff quickly checked with each other and looked at the display samples at the front of the shop…
And there it was. A shishimai we’d never seen before, sitting neatly on the sample display shelf.
Its face was simply adorable—droopy eyes and a slightly big nose.
That delightfully goofy expression made it irresistibly lovable.
On the back, there were charming “kid-style” creative touches too, sprinkled with cute little flowers.
We immediately called to let the guest know we had found it, and they said:
“The shishimai we took home looked dignified and cool too, but we thought it might cause trouble for the shop…”
They spoke so politely and humbly—such a thoughtful message.
Still, for a child, nothing beats having the shishimai they made themselves close at hand.
This family had visited from outside the prefecture, and they told us the experience was so fun that they’ve been saying, “Let’s come again!”
So this time, instead of mailing the swapped shishimai back, we decided to keep it safe at the shop until their next visit.
That unfamiliar shishimai sitting among our samples made everyone smile—a truly heartwarming story.
Here is the official website for the Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. workshop♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
Here is the official website for the Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. workshop♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Announcement for everyone! The Disney series is coming to Washi Korokoro!
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Thank you, as always, for your continued support＾＾
We’re excited to share that a Disney series has joined our Washi Korokoro lineup!
At first, we announced “Around February, it will be in-store…”
but we’ve received so many inquiries, and we can truly feel how much everyone is looking forward to it.
So our shop staff worked hard to prepare…
and it will be available in-store starting Sunday, January 11!
And this time:
・ Limited to only 30 pieces (ends when sold out)
・ While supplies last (no restock is planned)
・ We’ve already received orders, and the remaining quantity is gradually decreasing
If you’re thinking “I’m interested!” please come early＾＾
Come meet Mickey and friends—now rounded and adorable as Washi Korokoro figures.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming you! (Yes, another “＾＾”!)
It’s a celebratory item crafted with techniques passed down at Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd., founded in 1902.
~~~ Product Description ~~~
A delightfully round Mickey Mouse.
The Mino Washi used as the material is a traditional Japanese paper with over 1,300 years of history.
The way it pops back up again and again—rolling upright no matter how many times it falls—brings to mind Mickey’s cheerful, energetic spirit.
Mickey Mouse has delivered smiles across generations, and that brightness pairs beautifully with the warmth of washi paper.
Crafted with the skills passed down at Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. since 1902, this is a joy-filled, made-in-Japan washi paper figurine—perfect as a unique Japanese souvenir or a special travel gift.
▼ Visit the official website of Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.’s workshop here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Group Workshop Information! Highly flexible, deeply satisfying♪ Welcome to the Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop!
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Elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, children’s groups, family trips, PTA parent–child trips, company trips, corporate training programs, sports clubs, senior clubs, NPOs and volunteer groups, cultural experience tours, and more….
Leaders, planners, coordinators, concierges, and tour operators looking for a hands-on activity for your group—this is for you!
“We want to give children an experience they can’t have in everyday school life.”
“We want to create fun memories together as a group.”
Yes! In that case, please consider Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop by Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.^^
With a one-of-a-kind Japanese craft-making experience, you can take home wonderful memories—plus unique, handmade souvenirs from Japan.
We still have availability for reservations!
Group bookings and individual reservations via our booking site are both very welcome.
Our workshops are highly flexible, and anyone can enjoy making something by following our simple instruction sheet.
Some guests even ask, “Is it really okay to be this free?”—yes, it is! Our staff will support you with the key points so you can enjoy the experience with confidence^^
The year-round “Washi Korokoro” series includes not only the Japanese zodiac, but also a rich lineup matched to monthly events and seasonal celebrations—perfect for cultural tours and Japan travel itineraries.
◆ Washi Korokoro options you can enjoy when you visit the workshop
【Animals & Lucky Charms】
Goldfish, Frog, Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat), Owl, Kitten
【Japanese Zodiac 1】
Snake (Zodiac: Serpent), Dragon (Zodiac: Dragon), Rat (Zodiac: Rat), Ox (Zodiac: Ox), Tiger (Zodiac: Tiger), Rabbit (Zodiac: Rabbit)
【Japanese Zodiac 2】
Boar (Zodiac: Boar), Dog (Zodiac: Dog), Horse (Zodiac: Horse), Sheep (Zodiac: Sheep), Monkey (Zodiac: Monkey), Rooster (Zodiac: Rooster)
【Folktales & Good Fortune】
Daruma, Shishimai (Lion Dance), Ninja, Red Oni (Demon), White Horse of the Horse Zodiac,
【Samurai Warlord Series】
Akechi Mitsuhide, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Otani Yoshitsugu, Young Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kichō (Nōhime)
【Seasonal & Event Themes】
Blue Koinobori (Carp Streamer), Red Koinobori (Carp Streamer), Kabuto (Samurai Helmet), Child Koinobori, Two Koinobori Set, Child Koinobori 3, Hina Dolls
【Workshop-Exclusive Items】
Jack-o’-lantern, Swordsman, Scales, Princess, and maybe even more items!?
We always have 30+ craft kits available, so you’re sure to find something that makes you think, “I want to make that!”
You might even discover a special Washi Korokoro you can only create here—an unforgettable Japan cultural experience for your group tour!
Feel free to look up craft ideas on your smartphone and customize your piece your own way—highly encouraged! Why not spend time making things together, showing each other your creations, and sharing lots of laughs?
Please come visit the Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop by Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.♪
▼ Official website of the Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop♪
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 Earrings & Earring Workshop Kit Sales / Tool Rental Guidelines
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/84/284_1_file.pdf
▼ Workshop Menu: “Washi Plates,” “Washi Pen Holder,” “Washi Bookmark,” “Washi Earrings,” “Washi Earring”
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/23/123_1_file.pdf
▼ Workshop Menu: Family Set (3 Types)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/09/209_1_file.jpg
▼ Workshop Menu: Washi Korokoro Samurai Series Workshop
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/69/269_1_file.jpg
For inquiries related to this newsletter, please contact us here▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Recommended for Mino City sightseeing! The Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop is easy to access and perfect for tours♪
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For travel planners at tour companies who organize packaged tours and group trips to Japan.
Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop (Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.) is located along the popular touring route from Nagoya toward Takayama and Kamikochi—making it an ideal stop for tour breaks and a hands-on cultural experience.
“We’ll use the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, but if we go straight to the destination, the time on the bus feels too long.”
To travel agencies and tour operators with that concern:
About 1 hour from Nagoya by expressway—right at the hub of a touring route that pairs perfectly with Gujo-Hachiman, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama,
we strongly hope you’ll consider adding a Mino Washi craft experience to your Japan tour itinerary.
If you’re looking for an activity of about 1.5 hours including travel time, we recommend “Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop” in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture!
Recommended points for travel agencies
1. 【Up to 50 guests per session】×6 sessions 【Up to 300 guests per day】 During non-workshop time, enjoy the historic townscape sightseeing Visit Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan Museum; centrally located in the townscape
2. Timing: 【30 min (follow the sample)】 or 【45–60 min (creative)】 Next session can start 15 minutes after finishing
3. Your creation is completed on the spot—take it home immediately (no waiting time)
4. Suitable for all ages ※ Preschool children can join with a guardian Unlimited Mino Washi parts! Both 【follow-the-sample】 and 【creative】 styles are very popular A one-of-a-kind craft-making experience
5. Group tours: travel agencies receive an R10 rebate/commission benefit
6. Direct from the manufacturer 600 types of Japanese souvenirs and washi goods for sale 10% OFF on purchases over 1,000 yen
7. Convenient location: 5 minutes from Mino Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway (5-minute walk from parking)
8. The workshop is held in an 【Edo-period house】 and located in the heart of the sightseeing area
9. Enjoy Japan’s traditional industry “Mino Washi” by touching, cutting, and pasting—an immersive cultural activity you can truly savor
10. As of December 23, 2025: Google Reviews ★4.9 | 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 Approx. 1 hour
From Takayama: Takayama Nishi IC (Chubu Jukan Expressway) → Hida-Kiyomi IC → Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway → Mino IC Approx. 100 km Approx. 1 hour 15 min
From Shirakawa-go: Shirakawa-go IC (Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway) → Mino IC Approx. 110 km Approx. 1 hour 15 min
From Gujo-Hachiman: Gujo-Hachiman IC (Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway) → Mino IC Approx. 28 km Approx. 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 Approx. 1 hour 20 min
From Toki Premium Outlets: Toki IC (Chuo Expressway) → Toki JCT → Tokai-Kanjo Expressway → Mino-Seki JCT → Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway → Mino IC Approx. 39 km Approx. 30 min
※ Please note: we do not have a private parking lot. Please use the municipal parking lots (shuttle service available).
The hands-on experiences by Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. are well received as fun events that help guests from Japan and overseas learn about Japanese culture.
Please add a Mino Washi paper craft experience to your tour proposal!
▼ Workshop 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
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Our hometown, Mino City! Winter-only delights
The Hina Doll Stamp Rally and Mino Washi “Kansarashi” (winter bleaching)
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Winter in Mino City is a refreshing season—crisp, clean air and clear skies that feel wonderful.
The Udatsu historical townscape also shows a calm, moist, and elegant atmosphere—quite different from summer or autumn.
And what instantly brightens up this winter townscape is the Mino City Tourism Association’s
“Udatsu Townhouse Hina Dolls” event & the Hina Doll Stamp Rally.
Centered around the Udatsu townscape, vintage Hina dolls and Mino Washi Hina displays line up in traditional townhouses, inside shops, and along storefront eaves—creating a beautiful winter sightseeing highlight for Japan travel itineraries.
The stamp rally starts by picking up a stamp card at the Tourist Information Center “Banya” (free).
Collect stamps while shopping and dining at participating stores, and once you gather five, you can return to Banya to join the prize drawing. Spin the capsule machine for a chance to win fun little gifts—so exciting♪
Of course, “Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop (Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.)” is also one of the participating locations. Please stop by to get your stamp♪
And the other winter star is the scenery of “Kansarashi,” where the kozo (mulberry) fiber—the raw material for Mino Washi—is exposed to the midwinter river.
This is the traditional “winter bleaching” process known as “Kansarashi.”
Artisans soak the white bark of kozo in the crystal-clear, icy waters of the Itadori River, slowly removing impurities over many days and naturally whitening the fibers under the sun. It is an essential step for producing high-quality traditional Japanese paper (Mino Washi).
This work used to be seen all along the Itadori River, but today it has been preserved as a once-a-year winter tradition where craftspeople gather to keep the heritage alive.
In near-freezing temperatures, watching artisans step into the river and handle kozo with great care is truly the “origin story of winter Mino Washi.”
Paper born from fibers refined by midwinter water and light has a clean, pure whiteness and a soft texture—so to speak, “winter-born Mino Washi = Kansarashi.”
Stroll through Udatsu townhouses to see Hina dolls, enjoy the town walk with the stamp rally,
and if the timing works out, visit the Kansarashi process on the Itadori River.
After that, please be sure to stop by “Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop (Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.)” as well.
Inside our shop, you’ll find Mino Washi Hina-themed crafts, washi accessories and small interior items that suit winter décor,
plus hands-on experiences such as making your own Washi Korokoro Hina dolls—perfect as unique Japan souvenirs and cultural activities for group tours.
And if you visit and say, “I came after reading the newsletter!”
I might end up talking a little too much about why winter in Mino is so special（笑）
The quiet of winter—and the festive beauty of Hina dolls.
And the story of the “cold winter river” that gives birth to Mino Washi.
We would be delighted if you come and slowly savor Mino City in winter—an unforgettable seasonal destination in Japan.
▲ Kansarashi (winter bleaching)
▼ Mino City Tourism Association: “Udatsu Townhouse Hina Dolls” Stamp Rally—details here♪
https://minokanko.com/news/event/p9001/
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Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.’s “World Conquest & Japan Conquest” Project—please add your hometown sticker^^
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Mino City’s pride—“Mino Washi,” a cultural treasure recognized worldwide and registered as a World Heritage–listed tradition.
Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd., founded 123 years ago, wants people around the world to discover and enjoy the tradition and charm of Mino Washi—
and with that wish, we’ve launched a special participatory campaign!
Its name is…
【Did YOU come to Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. to experience Washi?】Campaign!
Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. is located right in the heart of the Udatsu historical townscape in Mino City!
A special property within a nationally selected Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, built in 1760—
our renovated Edo-period townhouse welcomes you inside for shopping and cultural experiences.
Inside the shop, we’ve set up a world map and a Japan map, and we invite every visitor to place a sticker on their place of origin.
As the stickers grow, you can see at a glance how far Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.’s Mino Washi experiences are spreading around the world.
Watching the maps fill up with colorful stickers is exciting for both staff and guests!
◆ World Conquest 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 coming to our shop for the first time…
・Receive 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’re from!
◆ Japan Conquest Project ◆
For guests who enjoy the Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop,
which of Japan’s 47 prefectures sends us the most visitors?
From nearby—or from far away?
Add a sticker from your hometown and bring color to our Japan map!
※ Right now, the stickers guests have placed are piling up into a little “mountain”^^
The more stickers we collect, the more connections we build between Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. and our guests.
That’s what makes this a truly participatory project.
Even if you haven’t visited yet, please come and see us!
When you visit Mino City, please enjoy a memorable Mino Washi craft experience as part of your trip^^
One sticker from you becomes the first step of a brand-new story.
All of us on the staff look forward to welcoming you!
※ Here is the current list of countries that have already visited our shop.
North & 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 Paper Goods Ltd. workshop website here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Information for Guests with Disabilities: A Support Service Plan for Peace of Mind and Enjoyment
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At our shop, for groups from special needs schools,
and also for groups such as disability support facilities,
we have started offering support services like the following.
For group visits only: “Special needs school groups” and “Groups with disability ID holders”
In group visits, for special needs school students and guests who hold a disability ID,
one free play of the 300-yen gacha (capsule toy) service
Shopping practice programs: 40% off product purchases (hands-on workshops excluded)
Our craft-making menu has no difficult steps, so anyone can easily create a wonderful piece.
(Washi Korokoro, uchiwa fans, bookmarks, washi plates, pen holders)
Simply paste the pre-cut paper pieces onto the base shape, and…
you can create your very own original handmade item^ ^
You can craft it to match your own sensibility—or finish it exactly like the sample. Either way is great!
Choose your paper, apply glue, and paste!
Why not repeat these simple steps and make something wonderful?
To special needs schools,
after-school day service providers,
and coordinators planning facility trips,
please feel free to use this service!
▼ Contact the Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. workshop here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Introducing Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd.! Discover our best-selling product, Washi Korokoro—now available for OEM / custom branded production
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Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. offers a wide range of services—from selling Mino Washi paper crafts and related products, to hands-on cultural experiences, and even developing original custom-made items.
For 123 years since our founding, we have carefully helped bring your vision to life by leveraging the craftsmanship and expertise we have inherited across generations.
Here are some past examples of our original product projects (OEM / custom production in Japan)!
◆ Every Mino resident knows it! The city’s only railway—Washi Korokoro “Nagara”!
We turned Mino City’s only train line, the Nagaragawa Railway, into an unexpectedly “koron” (roly-poly) Washi Korokoro figure.
From the red body and window layout to the face on the front, we recreated it with surprising attention to detail. It even feels like it’s gently swaying as it runs (probably).
Place it on your desk and it instantly steals the spotlight. With the soft, gentle touch of Mino Washi, it delivers local pride as a one-of-a-kind Japanese souvenir!
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_870_0_0.html
*This is the link to the blog post from the time when Washi Korokoro “Nagara” was featured.
◆ Cute Washi Korokoro “Komari-chan”!
An artist’s character has been transformed into a Washi Korokoro figure＾＾
This was commissioned as concert merchandise. The character’s unique vibe fits Washi Korokoro perfectly＾＾
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1773.html
◆ Every Gifu local knows it!? The FC Gifu mascot character became a Washi Korokoro doll!
“FC Gifu” is a professional soccer club based in Gifu Prefecture.
Its official mascot character, “Giffy,” has become a traditional craft “Washi Korokoro” made with Mino Washi.
A collaboration between a club that loves its hometown and the artisan skills that carry on Mino’s traditions—introducing an adorable, gently swaying Giffy!
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1876.html
▼ We create original products (OEM)! Using our experience since 1902, we craft exclusive custom-made items just for your company.
Japan’s No.1 in registered Mino Washi brand items!
Doll making, papier-mâché, Japanese crafts, Japanese stationery, DIY craft kits, name printing and personalization—leave your original production to us! We can propose designs using many materials such as washi paper, chirimen fabric, wood, and ceramics.
▼ Contact Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. (Head Office) here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/index.html
Not only commercialized “Washi Korokoro,” but also—quietly—original creations are born from our Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop as well^^
We are always amazed by the unique works that come from children’s free imagination.
Instead of copying the sample, they bring their favorite characters and personal motifs to life—this freedom is the true charm.
From now on, we’ll also introduce these fun creations on our blog with photos♪
With the maker’s imagination, endless creativity unfolds—our popular Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. product, “Washi Korokoro.”
It’s an experience that delights not only children, but also adults who can get absorbed like kids again.
Would you like to create your own one-of-a-kind piece together at the Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop?
【See the images!】We introduce this newsletter in the blog below with photos!【Updated every week on Monday】
Newsletter article blog (with photos)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/index__23.html
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Introducing Our Customer Creations! Here are works that guests actually made in our hands-on experience♪
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Here is this time’s featured creation♪
Isn’t it beautiful?!
Everyone, please enjoy creating your own arrangement and style♪
【See the images!】We introduce this newsletter in the blog below with photos!【Updated every week on Monday】
Newsletter article blog (with photos)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/index__23.html
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Mayu “Mino” Diary: First Laugh of the New Year! A Three-Stage Punchline in Front of the Washi Tree
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Happy New Year.
Thank you always for supporting Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd., and for reading “Mayu ‘Mino’ Diary.” I truly appreciate it, and I look forward to your continued support this year as well.
The 2026 season has begun.
Last year brought many events, and emotionally I felt like I was “standing at a turning point in life…!”
That’s exactly why this year I want to face myself properly—learn, take action, and keep polishing my skills and mindset.
I welcome both “That’s great!” and “No, that’s not it!”—so if you have any good advice, please don’t hold back and send it my way.
The other day, on my way back from sales visits, I crossed the pocket park near our shop.
This park displays a winter signature attraction: the “Washi Tree.”
The Christmas version sparkles brilliantly and is incredibly photogenic.
And the New Year version has a calm Japanese vibe… or so you’d think—until you notice a big “hanamochi” sitting right on top.
The tree silhouette suddenly turns super celebratory, and I couldn’t help laughing—“You put it THERE?!”
Even the same tree changes its whole expression by season—that’s the fun part.
And that day, the smile-worthy moments kept coming.
Children from a nearby nursery school were taking commemorative photos with the Washi Tree behind them, as their teacher guided them along.
I was watching with a warm smile when…
“Okay—cheese!”
At the exact moment the teacher pressed the shutter.
Suddenly, an unexpected “pose festival” broke out.
・Like a superhero—arms snap into action!
・Trying for a double peace sign, but somehow showing three fingers!
・So nervous (?) they’re standing perfectly still—no movement at all!
・A pose like “The Scream” by Munch!
So many variations that it felt less like a group photo and more like an improvised stage show.
But the teacher—maybe this is everyday life—didn’t even comment,
and with a gentle smile simply said, “Okay, next over here~,” smoothly guiding them to the next spot…!
That calm professionalism made me laugh even more.
In the end, the first laugh of the New Year came in three layers.
Funny because of the tree’s transformation.
Funny because of the kids.
Funny because of the teacher’s response.
That pocket park is no joke＾＾
Somehow, it feels like this year will bring good things too＾＾
May 2026 be a year full of smiles for all of you.
Thank you again for your continued support this year.
For inquiries about this newsletter, please contact us here▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html