Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop — Ishikawa Shigyo
Shop Newsletter No. 274
Where to Go in Gifu, Japan? Visit Mino City and Experience Traditional Japanese Crafts at the “Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop”!
Thank you for visiting the Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop (Ishikawa Shigyo) — a hands-on Japanese cultural experience in Gifu.
As of December 12, 2025: Google Reviews ★4.9 (922 reviews) — still growing!
The “Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop (Ishikawa Shigyo)” is…
Ishikawa Shigyo’s craft experiences let you enjoy Japanese tradition with all five senses.
While discovering the beauty and heritage of Mino Washi (traditional Japanese paper), you can create one-of-a-kind dolls and Japanese craft gifts—perfect as souvenirs from Japan.
Feel the texture of washi, choose your favorite colors and patterns, and enjoy shaping your own design—an immersive Japanese paper craft workshop that brings traditional culture to life♪
Right in the Heart of Mino Town!
We are located in the Udatsu-no-agaru Machinami district, a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Why not enjoy a Mino Washi hands-on craft experience together inside an Edo-period building with “udatsu,” built in 1760?♪
From solo travelers to groups—up to 50 people (about one tour bus) can craft at the same time^^
(For groups over 50, we recommend splitting into a Mino City walking & shopping team and a workshop experience team!)
Couples, friends, families, group tours, corporate trips, incentive travel, team building—anything goes♪
Any group can share a fun, memorable time here!
Workshop menus include:
Washi Korokoro roly-poly washi dolls, washi fans (uchiwa), washi earrings (pierced & clip-on), washi plates, washi pen holders, washi bookmarks, and more♪
▼ Washi Korokoro Craft Experience Menu ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/00/82/82_1_file.pdf
You can follow the sample exactly—great for first-timers!
Or craft freely based on your own intuition!
Or even customize it to resemble your favorite character!
Now—let’s make your own one-of-a-kind original souvenir from Japan!
We have 30+ DIY craft 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 (Nov / Dec / Jan) ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1855.html
[Note] Please contact us—group reservations can be arranged even on days outside the schedule above!!
▼ Official 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
Every small moment in daily life can become a “full happiness” moment♪
Today as well, we’ll help create more smiles at Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi craft & gift workshop♪
And now—let’s begin today’s workshop newsletter＾＾
◆ Today’s Topics ◆
・★★★ Pre-Training for Vietnam Overseas Study Program ★★★ International Cultural Exchange at Gifu Prefectural Seki High School with Washi Korokoro!
・★★★ The 1st Mino Washi Information Exchange Meeting ★★★ A meaningful business meeting between handmade washi artisans and processors—new Mino handmade washi product development begins!
・Announcement for everyone: Ishikawa Shigyo’s Japanese Zodiac (Eto) items—popular and almost sold out!
・Group workshop guide: Highly flexible and truly satisfying—welcome to the Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop!
・Recommended for Mino City sightseeing: Great access and ideal for tours & itineraries♪
・Our hometown Mino City: Winter-only fun♪ Hina Doll Stamp Rally and Mino Washi “Kansarashi” (cold-water bleaching/drying)
・Ishikawa Shigyo’s “Conquer the World & Japan” project—please add a sticker for your hometown^^
・For guests with disabilities: Introducing service ideas for a safe, comfortable experience!
・About Ishikawa Shigyo: Introducing popular OEM / custom Washi Korokoro products for B2B buyers!
・Customer Gallery: Featuring creations made by guests during the workshop♪
・Mayu “Mino” Diary: We joined the Mino Washi Day commemorative event!
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★★★ Pre-Training for Vietnam Overseas Study Program ★★★
Gifu Prefectural Seki High School — International Cultural Exchange with Washi Korokoro!
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Gifu Prefectural Seki High School continues exchange activities with Vietnam, aiming to develop talent that can thrive across many fields.
For the upcoming Vietnam overseas training, they planned presentations and workshops about Japanese culture, and selected the “Washi Korokoro” hands-on craft experience as part of the program to deepen交流 and learning.
Ahead of the exchange day, they wanted to deepen their understanding of Mino City and Mino Washi. We were invited to our company—manufacturer of Mino Washi crafts—for a pre-lecture and workshop session.
In the lecture, we shared materials and talked about Mino City’s history—from a Mino Washi family registry book preserved in the Shosoin Repository 1,300 years ago, to the Sato family around the time of the Battle of Sekigahara, the achievements of Kanamori Nagachika, and local community development.
We also introduced the history of Mino Washi and our company’s work. Because the development of the Mino Washi industry overlaps with our 123-year history, we explained the story with examples—including connections to local governance—tracing our path from raw material trading to steel-pen stencil base paper manufacturing, from folk crafts to Japanese lifestyle goods, and finally to today’s hands-on craft experiences.
During the workshop, it was wonderful to see everyone happily creating animals and characters they chose from our wide variety of Washi Korokoro DIY kits. It was a heartfelt reminder of why we love this work.
We create and sell our products hoping that every customer feels “fun,” a calming sense of comfort, and “happiness.” Through craftsmanship and cultural exchange, we also wish to contribute to peace around the world.
They will depart for Vietnam in January and plan to hold crafting activities there as well. We sincerely hope international exchange will grow even deeper through joyful making.
Gifu Prefectural Seki High School
https://school.gifu-net.ed.jp/seki-hs/index.html
▼ For product inquiries (OEM / wholesale Japanese gifts / B2B sourcing) please contact us here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/index.html
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★★★ The 1st Mino Washi Information Exchange Meeting ★★★
A meaningful business meeting between handmade washi artisans and processing companies
New Mino handmade washi product development begins!
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We participate in the “Mino Washi Brand Value Enhancement Research Group” as one of the representative processing companies.
Mino Washi broadly falls into three fields: Hon-Mino-gami, Mino handmade washi (tesuki), and Mino machine-made washi.
Hon-Mino-gami and Mino handmade washi are made using a technique called “nagashi-suki,” with artisans actively working in their own studios.
However, many artisans find it difficult to dedicate enough time to sales and business development on their own.
This time, the meeting was organized mainly by the Gifu Prefecture Regional Industry Division, Mino City’s Mino Washi Promotion Division, and the Mino Washi-no-Sato Kaikan team. We sincerely appreciate the strong support of the Gifu Prefectural Government and Mino City Hall for revitalizing the Mino Washi industry.
On the day, artisans and processors gathered in one place and held a one-company-to-one-company exchange session in timed rounds, sharing each company’s strengths and market needs.
Businesses evolve every day, and market information changes quickly. Meeting each artisan’s distinctive handmade washi in real time—and connecting it with our planning and product development capabilities—made this exchange truly valuable.
The Mino handmade washi created by the artisans is genuinely inspiring—each sheet is full of character.
As a result of this exchange, we quickly decided to begin collaborative product creation together.
We plan to develop accessories such as brooches and earrings, plus Japanese stationery like magnets and bookmarks—using handmade washi from different studios—and aim to launch sales from spring. (Great options for retailers, museum shops, gift stores, and B2B import buyers.)
We will share new products step by step in our newsletter “Iki-Iki Tsushin,” so please look forward to it!
▼ Check “Iki-Iki Tsushin” here!
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/magazine.html
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Announcement for Everyone! Ishikawa Shigyo’s Japanese Zodiac (Eto) Items—Very Popular, and Stock Is Running Low!
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At the Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop, we are preparing a full selection of next year’s Japanese zodiac “Year of the Horse (Eto: Uma)” items and look forward to welcoming you.
This year’s lineup spans 8 categories, and thanks to strong demand, some items have already sold out. If you’re looking for zodiac decorations or Japanese New Year gifts, we recommend visiting early.
◆ Washi hand-applied ceramic figures ◆ Introducing an extra-large Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat) for the first time!
◆ Chirimen items ◆ Hanging ornaments, chirimen dolls, netsuke charms, kagami-mochi, Seven Lucky Gods
◆ Washi dolls ◆ Mobiles, Washi Korokoro, Washi Korokoro set items, DIY craft kits
◆ Ceramic figures ◆ Ceramic omikuji (fortune) series, ceramic figures, kagami-mochi
◆ Papier-mâché (Hariko) ◆ Year of the Horse items, lucky charms
◆ Kaishi paper ◆ Zodiac kaishi
◆ Tenugui towels ◆ Zodiac tenugui
◆ Japanese stationery ◆ Year of the Horse gift envelopes, noshi envelopes, small “pochi” envelopes
And even more—there may be special sale items for the Year of the Horse, too!?
If you can’t visit in person, we also recommend purchasing via our Rakuten online shop (ideal for gift buyers and retailers sourcing Japanese goods).
Only a little left!
Please choose your favorite Year of the Horse zodiac item!
Zodiac-Themed Craft Kits Have Joined Our Workshop Lineup!
And now, our Mino Washi craft experience also welcomes a brand-new zodiac design: a White Horse inspired by the Year of the Horse (Eto: Uma)—a perfect add-on for Japan group tours and cultural itineraries.
Because it’s next year’s zodiac, it has quickly become one of our fastest-growing and most popular hands-on experiences for travelers＾＾
Would you like to create your very own lucky charm figurine—an authentic Japanese souvenir that “brings good fortune”?
We look forward to welcoming you＾＾
[2026 Year of the Horse (Eto: Uma) New Year Catalog] is here ↓↓
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/03/36/336_1_file.pdf
Display a Year of the Horse (Uma) figurine, and the energetic power of the horse helps your luck move forward—fast!
The “Uma” zodiac that helps your days go “well” (uma-ku) — a cheerful Japanese New Year tradition.
Year of the Horse ornaments encourage progress and new breakthroughs, like a strong horse running forward,
and they are auspicious Japanese good-luck gifts for prosperity in business, healthy longevity, and family harmony.
Perfect for anyone who wants to start the new year with energy and positivity!
Please come and meet the lucky Year of the Horse—your next stop on a memorable Japan cultural travel route.
▼ Ishikawa Shigyo Craft Workshop Website is here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Group Craft Experience Guide: Highly Flexible and Truly Satisfying♪ Welcome to the Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop!
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Elementary schools, junior highs, high schools, children’s clubs, family trips, PTA parent-child tours, company trips, corporate training programs, sports clubs, senior clubs, NPOs & volunteer groups, and cultural experience tours… and more.
Tour managers, planners, coordinators, concierges, and group organizers who are searching for the right activity stop for a Japan itinerary—this is for you!
“We want to give children an experience they can’t get in everyday school life.”
“We want to create fun memories together as a group.”
Yes! In that case, please consider Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop^^
With a one-of-a-kind “make-your-own” Japanese craft experience, your guests can take home meaningful memories and authentic souvenirs.
We still have availability for bookings!
Group reservations and individual bookings via our reservation site are both very welcome.
Our workshops are highly flexible, and anyone can enjoy making something by following a simple instruction sheet.
Some guests ask, “Is it really okay to be this creative?”—Yes, absolutely! Our staff will carefully support the key points so everyone succeeds^^
The year-round “Washi Korokoro” series includes not only zodiac designs, but also a rich lineup matched to monthly events, seasonal festivals, and Japan cultural tours—ideal for travel agencies planning experiential travel.
◆ Washi Korokoro you can enjoy when you visit
[Animals & Lucky Charm Series]
Goldfish, Frog, Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat), Owl, Kitten
[Zodiac 1]
Snake (Zodiac: Mi), Dragon (Zodiac: Tatsu), Mouse/Rat (Zodiac: Ne), Ox (Zodiac: Ushi), Tiger (Zodiac: Tora), Rabbit (Zodiac: U)
[Zodiac 2]
Boar (Zodiac: I), Dog (Zodiac: Inu), Horse (Zodiac: Uma), Sheep (Zodiac: Hitsuji), Monkey (Zodiac: Saru), Rooster (Zodiac: Tori)
[Japanese Folktales & Good-Luck Series]
Daruma, Shishi-mai (Lion Dance), Ninja, Red Oni, Year of the Horse White Horse,
[Japanese Warlord Series]
Akechi Mitsuhide, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Otani Yoshitsugu, Tokugawa Ieyasu (Young Version), Kicho (Nohime)
[Seasonal & Festival Series]
Koinobori (Blue), Koinobori (Red), Kabuto (Samurai Helmet), Child Koinobori, Two Koinobori Set, Child Koinobori 3, Hina Dolls
[Shop-Only Items]
Jack-o’-Lantern, Swordsman, Scales, Princess… and maybe even more designs!?
With 30+ DIY craft kits available at all times, you’re sure to find a design that makes you think, “I want to make that!”
You may even discover a special Washi Korokoro that can only be made here—perfect for unique Japan souvenirs and inbound tour experiences!
Feel free to search craft ideas on your smartphone and customize in your own style. Why not spend time making, sharing, and laughing together?
Please come visit Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop♪
▼ Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop Website is 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 Earrings (Pierced & Clip-On) DIY Kit Sales / Tool Rental Guidelines
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/84/284_1_file.pdf
▼ Craft Experience Menu: “Washi Plate,” “Washi Pen Holder,” “Washi Bookmark,” “Washi Pierced Earrings,” “Washi Clip-On Earrings”
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/23/123_1_file.pdf
▼ Craft Experience Menu: Family Set (3 Types)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/09/209_1_file.jpg
▼ Craft Experience Menu: Washi Korokoro Warlord Series Workshop
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/69/269_1_file.jpg
For inquiries about this newsletter and tour planning, please contact us here ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Recommended for Mino City Sightseeing: Easy Access & Ideal for Tours♪ The Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop Is a Perfect Stop on Your Japan Itinerary
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To travel agencies and tour planners creating packaged tours, cultural tours, and group travel programs in Japan:
The Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop (Ishikawa Shigyo) is located along a convenient loop route from Nagoya toward Takayama and Kamikochi, making it an ideal tour stop for a break, hands-on activity, and shopping—especially for inbound group tours.
“We use the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, but going straight to the final destination means a long bus ride.”
For travel companies facing that itinerary challenge:
Just about 1 hour by expressway from Nagoya, we sit at a hub that connects routes combining Gujo-Hachiman, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama.
We strongly hope you will include the Mino Washi craft experience as one proposal in your Japan tour itinerary.
If you’re looking for a cultural activity that takes about 1.5 hours including movement and scheduling, we highly recommend the “Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop (Ishikawa Shigyo)” in Mino City, Gifu!
Recommended points for travel agencies
1. [Up to 50 guests per session] × 6 sessions = [Up to 300 guests per day]. Outside workshop time, guests can enjoy the historic townscape sightseeing and visit the Mino Washi-no-Sato Kaikan museum—perfectly located in the center of the heritage district.
2. Time options: [Follow the sample: 30 min] / [Creative: 45–60 min]. Next session can start 15 minutes after finishing.
3. Finished on the spot—guests can take their creations home immediately (no waiting time).
4. Suitable for all ages. *Preschool children can join with a guardian. Unlimited use of Mino Washi parts! Both “sample-style” and “creative-style” are very popular—create a one-of-a-kind piece.
5. For group bookings, travel agencies may receive an R10 return/commission.
6. Direct from the manufacturer: 600+ Japanese gift items for shopping. 10% OFF for purchases over 1,000 JPY.
7. Excellent location: 5 minutes from Mino Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway (about 5 minutes on foot from the parking area).
8. The workshop is held in an Edo-period house, located in the center of a key sightseeing area.
9. A truly hands-on Japanese traditional craft experience: touch, cut, and paste authentic Mino Washi—fully enjoy Japanese culture through making.
10. As of December 12, 2025: Google Reviews ★4.9 (922 reviews) — still growing!
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 hour 15 min
From Shirakawa-go: Shirakawa-go IC (Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway) → Mino IC | approx. 110 km | about 1 hour 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 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 | around 30 min
*Please note: We do not have a private parking lot. Please use the municipal parking (shuttle service available).
Ishikawa Shigyo’s workshop is highly rated by domestic and international visitors as a fun way to discover Japanese culture through an interactive activity.
Please add the Mino Washi craft experience to your tour proposals and Japan group travel itineraries!
▼ Workshop Website
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Mino City Parking Map (useful for group tours & coach itineraries)
Front: https://minokanko.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/30ddbcbb17e8592a50b2d0c9fcab3229.pdf
Back: https://minokanko.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/90c3049d7dadf0b1aa05f315a3aacf68.pdf
▼ Access Information for Mino City (Gifu) — transportation planning
https://minokanko.com/access/
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Our Hometown, Mino City — Winter-Only Highlights
The Hina Doll Stamp Rally and Mino Washi “Kansarashi” (Winter River Bleaching)
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Winter in Mino City feels refreshing—crisp cold air and a beautifully clear sky, ideal for slow travel in Japan and cultural sightseeing in Gifu.
The Udatsu-no-agaru Machinami historic streetscape also shows a calmer, more elegant atmosphere than in summer or autumn.
What instantly brightens the winter townscape is an event hosted by the Mino City Tourism Association:
“Udatsu Townhouse Hina Dolls” & the Hina Doll Stamp Rally.
Centered around the Udatsu historic district, you’ll find rows of vintage Hina dolls and beautiful Mino Washi Hina displays set inside traditional townhouses, shops, and storefronts.
The stamp rally starts by picking up a stamp sheet at the Tourist Information Center “Banya” (free).
Collect stamps while shopping or enjoying food and drinks at participating stores. When you reach five stamps, return to Banya to join the prize drawing—spin the capsule machine for a chance to win fun little gifts♪
Of course, the “Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop Ishikawa Shigyo” is also a participating shop—please stop by to get your stamp.
And the other winter star is the traditional scene of soaking kozo (paper mulberry), the raw material for Mino Washi, in a midwinter river:
the “Kansarashi” process.
In the crystal-clear cold water of the Itadori River, artisans soak the white kozo bark for days to remove impurities, while sunlight naturally bleaches the fibers. It’s an essential step for producing high-quality washi paper—an authentic craft tradition that travel professionals often seek for cultural tours.
This work used to be seen all along the Itadori River, but today it is preserved as an annual winter tradition where artisans gather once a year.
In temperatures near freezing, watching craftspeople step into the river and carefully handle the kozo is truly “the winter origin story of Mino Washi.”
Paper born from fibers refined by midwinter water and light has a clean, luminous whiteness and a gentle texture—often described as “winter-born Mino Washi = Kansarashi.”
Stroll through the Udatsu townhouses to see Hina dolls, enjoy the stamp rally as you explore the streets,
and if the timing is right, visit the Itadori River to observe Kansarashi.
After that, please also stop by the “Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop Ishikawa Shigyo”—a perfect cultural activity stop for Japan itineraries.
Inside our shop, you’ll find Mino Washi Hina doll gifts, washi accessories that match winter interiors,
and hands-on experiences such as making your own Washi Korokoro Hina dolls—ideal for group travel programs and inbound cultural tours.
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 of winter, the festive beauty of Hina dolls,
and the story of the “winter river” that gives birth to Mino Washi.
We would be delighted if you come and enjoy Mino City in winter at a relaxed pace—an off-the-beaten-path Japan experience in Gifu.
▲ Kansarashi (winter river bleaching)
▼ Mino City Tourism Association: “Udatsu Townhouse Hina Dolls” Stamp Rally — details here♪
https://minokanko.com/news/event/p9001/
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Ishikawa Shigyo’s “Conquer the World & Japan” Project — Please Add Your Hometown Sticker^^
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Mino City’s pride—and a cultural heritage recognized worldwide—Mino Washi.
At Ishikawa Shigyo, founded 123 years ago, we want people around the world to discover and enjoy the tradition and charm of Mino Washi—
and with that passion, we started a special, interactive campaign!
Its name is…
[Are “You” Visiting Ishikawa Shigyo for Washi?] Campaign!
Ishikawa Shigyo is located right in the center of Mino City’s Udatsu historic streetscape!
Our shop is a designated property within a nationally protected historic district, built in 1760,
and the interior—renovated from an Edo-period townhouse—awaits your visit.
Inside the shop, we’ve placed a world map and a map of Japan, and we invite every guest to place a sticker on their hometown.
As the stickers increase, you can instantly see how far Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi experience has spread around the world.
Watching the maps fill with colorful stickers is exciting for both staff and visitors!
◆ Conquer-the-World Project ◆
So far, visitors from 44 countries (individuals and groups) have come to our shop!
But there are 193 UN member states—so our journey continues.
For guests visiting from a country for the first time…
・We’ll give you a small Mino Washi gift!
・Please add a sticker to your hometown^^
Which country will color the map next? Please tell our staff your home country.
◆ Conquer-Japan Project ◆
Among guests who join our Mino Washi craft experience,
which of Japan’s 47 prefectures sends the most visitors?
From nearby—or from far away?
Decorate your hometown sticker and add color to the map of Japan!
*Right now, the sticker pile has become a fluffy little “mountain”^^
The more stickers we add, the more Ishikawa Shigyo and our guests become connected.
That’s what makes this a “participation-style project.”
Even if you’ve never visited before, please come and see us.
To make your Mino City travel memories even richer, please enjoy a Mino Washi craft experience^^
Your single sticker becomes the first step of a brand-new story.
All of us on staff look forward to welcoming you!
*Here is the list of countries that have visited our shop so far:
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
▼ Ishikawa Shigyo Craft Workshop Website is here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Information for Guests with Disabilities: Enjoy with Confidence — Introducing Our Support Services
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At our shop, for special needs schools,
and group visits from disability support facilities,
we have started the following support services.
For groups only: “Special needs school groups” and “Groups with disability ID holders”
For group visits including students from special needs schools or people who hold a disability ID,
one free try of our 300-yen capsule toy (gacha) service
Shopping practice program: 40% off product purchases (craft experiences not included)
Our hands-on making menu has no difficult steps, so anyone can easily create a wonderful piece.
(Washi Korokoro, uchiwa fan, bookmark, washi plate, pen holder) are made by
pasting pre-cut paper pieces onto the base shape, and then…
you can create your very own original item^ ^
Build it up to match your own sense of style, or finish it just like the sample—either is great!
Choose your paper, apply glue, and stick it on!
Why not repeat these simple steps and create a beautiful piece?
For special needs schools,
after-school day service programs,
and coordinators planning outings or accessible group travel for care facilities,
please feel free to use our services!
▼ Contact the Ishikawa Shigyo Mino Washi Craft Workshop (group bookings & inquiries) here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Meet Ishikawa Shigyo! Introducing Our Popular “Washi Korokoro” OEM Projects!
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Ishikawa Shigyo offers a wide range of services—from selling Mino Washi gifts and traditional Japanese craft products, to hands-on cultural experiences, and even developing fully original items for brands and destinations.
For 123 years, we have used our craftsmanship and know-how to help bring our clients’ ideas to life through thoughtful OEM/ODM manufacturing and custom product development.
Here are a few past examples of our original custom-made products!
◆ Everyone in Gifu knows it!? The Gifu Bus has become a Washi Korokoro roly-poly figure!
Enjoy it as a finished souvenir—or as a DIY craft kit!
And the instruction blueprint comes in both Standard Japanese and the Gifu dialect version!
Commissioned by Gifu Noriai Jidosha Co., Ltd. (Gifu Bus),
which operates route buses and charter buses mainly in Gifu City, and produced by our team!
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1874.html *DIY craft kit
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1875.html *Finished product
◆ The adorable Washi Korokoro “Komari-chan”!
An artist’s character has been turned into a Washi Korokoro figure＾＾
This one was commissioned as concert merchandise. The unique vibe fits Washi Korokoro perfectly＾＾
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1773.html
◆ Osaka icon “Kuidaore Taro” appears as a Washi Korokoro^^
Round glasses, red-and-white stripes, a pointy hat, and a blue ribbon.
At first glance, you can almost hear someone say, “Whoa—That’s Taro!”
Made as an okoshi-e style roly-poly from Mino Washi of Gifu/Mino,
so even when you roll it around, it pops right back up.
A charming and slightly surreal Washi Korokoro that blends Osaka flair with Mino craftsmanship.
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_534.html
▼ We produce original products (OEM)! — Create something special for your brand with our experience since 1902.
Japan’s No.1 in number of registered Mino Washi brand products!
From doll-making, papier-mâché, Japanese souvenirs, traditional stationery, DIY craft kits, to custom name printing—leave your original manufacturing to us. We can propose various materials such as washi paper, chirimen fabric, wood, and ceramics to match your concept.
▼ Contact Ishikawa Shigyo Headquarters (OEM/wholesale inquiries) here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/index.html
Beyond the commercialized “Washi Korokoro” products, original creations are also quietly born in our Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop^^
We’re 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 creative freedom is the real charm.
Going forward, we’ll also introduce these fun creations on our blog with photos♪
With the maker’s imagination, endless expressions are possible—our popular Ishikawa Shigyo product, “Washi Korokoro.”
It’s an experience that children—and adults too—can get completely absorbed in, rediscovering a childlike sense of wonder.
Would you like to create your own original piece together at the Mino Washi Craft & Gift Workshop?
[See the photos!] We also share this newsletter in photo format on the blog below! [Updated monthly]
Newsletter Blog (with photos)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/index__23.html
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Introducing Our Customer Gallery! Here are real creations made in our workshop♪
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This week’s featured creation is here♪
A Santa Korokoro is born!
Everyone, please enjoy customizing and arranging your own creation in your own way♪
[See the photos!] We also share this newsletter in photo format on the blog below! [Updated monthly]
Newsletter Blog (with photos)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/index__23.html
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Mayu “Mino” Diary: We Went to the Mino Washi Day Anniversary Event!
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Recently, I’ve been joining lots of events and workshops with my daughter’s mom friends and our families.
The other day, we went to a commemorative event for “Mino Washi Day”＾＾
Do you know what day November 27 is?
It’s an anniversary established in connection with the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage inscription of “Washi, techniques of Japanese handmade paper,” and this year marks an amazing 11th anniversary!
This time we joined
the Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan Night Museum & “Let’s Make an Original Washi Lantern” event (with a bento meal!).
Both my daughter and I had been looking forward to this day so much.
In past years, they even launched fireworks and sky lanterns,
but this year, the star was “making your own lantern”!
First, we made our own sheet of Mino Washi “rakusui-shi,” and then used that paper to create a lantern.
There were also many colorful washi papers laid out at the venue,
and even choosing paper alone had us excited—“This one is cute… that one is nice…”
After the lanterns were finished, it was time for the long-awaited bento.
Once we had a good meal, it was finally time for the lighting ceremony.
When the lanterns were lined up in a row,
the MC said something like this:
“So… what shape does this arrangement look like to you?”
As people called out “A heart?” “Waves?” “Mountains?” and all sorts of ideas,
we looked closer…
“It looks like an M!” “From the other side it’s a W!”
and everyone went, “Ah!” at the same time.
Apparently it was designed by combining the M of Mino City with the W of Washi.
The moment we understood, it felt like solving a little puzzle—and spontaneous applause broke out＾＾
After that, the Night Museum began.
With a quiz-bingo style orientation,
we ran around and around inside the Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan searching for hints!
Counting lanterns, finding hidden letters,
and looking for exhibits that matched the quiz answers—both adults and kids got seriously into it.
表紙を飾るのは、ふるとカランコロンと音が鳴る土鈴。
美濃和紙ブランド、美濃和紙使用、石川紙業の和紙人形、手作りキット
