Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop — Ishikawa Paper Goods (hands-on cultural workshop in Mino, Gifu, Japan — ideal add-on for Japan group tours and educational travel)
Shop Newsletter No. 260
Cool and full of fun! Highly recommended Mino Washi workshops for summer vacation — a memorable cultural immersion activity for group tours and FIT travelers.
Thank you for visiting the Ishikawa Paper Goods Experience Shop!
As of August 25, 2025 — Google Reviews ★4.9, 877 reviews and counting!
At the “Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Paper Goods,”
our hands-on programs let you enjoy traditional Japanese culture with all five senses.
Discover the beauty and heritage of Mino Washi while creating one-of-a-kind dolls and crafts — perfect for cultural immersion itineraries and creative team-building.
Feel the texture of washi, enjoy choosing colors and patterns, and shape your ideas into something unique — a sensory experience of living Japanese craftsmanship.
Right in the heart of Mino!
We are a designated property within the Udatsu-lined historic townscape, a Nationally Selected Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District.
Come make Mino-Washi crafts together inside an Edo-period building featuring an udatsu firewall (built in 1760) — an authentic setting for cultural tourism and study tours.
We can host from solo travelers up to 45 guests at once (about one tour bus) for simultaneous workshops.
(For groups over 45, we recommend splitting time between a Mino town walk/shopping group and a workshop group.)
Couples, friends, families, group tours, company incentive trips, school trips — everyone is welcome!
Workshop menu includes:
Washi Korokoro dolls, washi uchiwa fans, washi earrings, washi plates, washi pen stands, washi bookmarks, and more — customizable for tour operators.
Follow the samples or create freely with your own intuition — both are great!
Take home a one-of-a-kind, handmade souvenir that captures your Japan trip.
Over 30 kit options!
Please check our operating schedule and come visit — we look forward to welcoming tour groups and DMC partners!
▼ Shop opening days for June–August ▼
▼ Shop opening days for September–November ▼
[Note] We accept group reservations even on days outside the above schedule!
▼ Official Website ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Rakuten Online Store ▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Lingering late-summer heat is still with us.
Obon has passed and we’re back to work — and as always we enjoy lively days at a fun workplace.
Here’s a little peek into our everyday office moments at Ishikawa Paper Goods. ^^
When our manager stood up and said, “I’ll wash everyone’s cups,” the whole office suddenly buzzed.
“Boss! I’ll do it!” — we dashed to the sink together.
Then another senior colleague shouted, “Mayumi! Pick up the pace!” — cheering us on.
“Sorry! Uh, senpai, please defend the manager instead!”
It turned into a classic comedy sketch — and the whole place erupted in laughter.
Meanwhile, the manager quietly finished washing all the cups with graceful efficiency.
“Us, trying hard to stop the manager from doing odd jobs vs. the manager calmly getting them done.”
This has become a running gag that fosters both laughter and teamwork.
Someday we want to finish tasks before the manager even moves!
With that goal in mind, we cooperate and keep improving together — it makes every day fun. ^^
◆ Today’s Topics ◆
• For individual guests: a heart-warming “17th anniversary” Mino Washi craft experience that became an unforgettable memory.
• Ishikawa Paper Goods’ “secret ambition” finally launches — aiming to share Mino Washi across Japan and worldwide.
• New workshop content: next year’s zodiac is the Horse! Our Washi Korokoro series welcomes a commemorative white horse.
• Introducing Ishikawa Paper Goods: OEM versions of our popular Washi Korokoro — perfect for travel trade gifting and museum shops.
• Customer gallery: a showcase of works actually made by our guests.
• About our hometown, Mino City: introducing the luminous art of the Mino City Akari (Light) Art Exhibition in the historic district.
• Travel tip for visiting Mino: our shop is easy to access —
Just off the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway Mino IC! A perfect cultural stop for tour itineraries and charter bus rest breaks.
• For groups: highly flexible and very satisfying — consider the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop for your next group activity.
• Mayu “Mino” Diary — Watermelon: The Final! The story that began with seed-spitting reaches a shocking finale.
Every little moment becomes a spark of happiness.
Today as well, our Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop helps create smiles — welcoming tour operators, DMCs, and travelers alike.
We hope you’ll follow along. ^ ^
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For individual guests: a memorable “17th anniversary” Mino Washi craft experience.
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I usually work at headquarters, but the other day I staffed the shop counter.
A couple came in and immediately said, “We’d like to try a workshop.”
From the menu, they chose a summery double-sided uchiwa fan.
For about an hour they worked quietly side by side — and I caught glimpses of their warm, affectionate exchanges.
“I saw my wife’s piece and loved it, so I copied her method. ^^
We found lots of goldfish-pattern washi — so perfect for summer that we had to use it.”
“Exactly — the papers you encounter change the work. What a lovely bit of serendipity. ^^”
When I guided them to the photo spot with their finished fans, they said—
“Actually, today is our wedding anniversary. We’ve made a wonderful keepsake.”
“It’s our 17th year.”
“Still so close after 17 years — how inspiring!”
We’re truly honored they chose our Mino Washi workshop for their special day.
Creating pieces with family or friends on anniversaries and special days becomes a lasting travel memory.
Don’t just sightsee — turn your memories into “works of art.”
We hope you’ll come, too, and enjoy your own encounter with Mino Washi.
▼ Click here for the Experience Shop website ♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Ishikawa Paper Goods’ “secret ambition” is finally in motion!
Aiming to reach the world — and all of Japan.
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Mino Washi — the cultural pride of Mino City — is recognized by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
With 123 years of history, Ishikawa Paper Goods wants people worldwide to know and enjoy Mino Washi — and so we’ve launched a special project!
Its name is…
The “Did YOU come for Washi? Visit Ishikawa Paper Goods!” campaign.
Ishikawa Paper Goods is located right in the heart of Mino’s historic Udatsu townscape! Inside an Edo-period house built in 1760—designated within Japan’s Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District—our renovated shop welcomes you. An authentic venue for Japan cultural tours, group travel itineraries, and educational study tours.
Inside the shop we display world and Japan maps. Guests place a sticker on their place of origin.
As the stickers grow, you can see at a glance how far the Ishikawa Paper Goods Mino-Washi experience has spread worldwide. Watching the maps fill with color excites both our staff and visitors—great for international group tours and cultural exchange.
◆ Global Outreach Project ◆
We’ve welcomed guests (individuals and groups) from 40 countries so far!
But the United Nations has 193 member states—our journey continues.
For guests visiting from a country for the very first time…
• Receive a complimentary Mino-Washi craft gift!
Which country will color our map next? Please tell our staff your home country.
◆ Japan Coverage Project ◆
Among Japan’s 47 prefectures, which sends the most visitors?
From nearby—or from far away?
Add a flower sticker to your hometown and let’s make the Japan map bloom!
The more stickers on our maps, the more connections grow between Ishikawa Paper Goods and our guests.
It’s an interactive “participation project.”
If you haven’t visited yet, please come by.
Your single sticker can become the first step of a new story.
All of us on staff look forward to welcoming you—tour operators, DMCs, schools, and travelers!
※ Countries that have visited our shop so far:
North & South America
United States, Brazil, Canada
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
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand
Africa
South Africa
▼ Experience Shop website ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Cultural exchange for international students and site visits for overseas employees ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
The Mino City Hall Mino Washi Promotion Division
is currently conducting a survey for inbound travelers.
We’re receiving responses from many countries.
To make Mino tourism even more attractive,
we’re gathering insights from overseas visitors—please look forward to improvements for international group tours and cultural travel.
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New workshop content: next year’s zodiac is the Horse! A commemorative white horse joins the Washi Korokoro series.
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A brand-new item has joined our workshop kits!
In honor of next year’s zodiac (Horse), a charming white horse has arrived.
Other related items in the Washi Korokoro Zodiac—Horse White Horse lineup are here ♪
Our shop has prepared white-horse kits so you can be among the first to try the experience.
Come make an adorable white horse—ideal for family trips, student groups, and incentive tours.
◆ Click here for the Ishikawa Paper Goods Experience Shop website ♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Introducing Ishikawa Paper Goods: OEM versions of our popular Washi Korokoro—custom souvenirs for tour operators, museums, and destination marketing.
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Ishikawa Paper Goods sells washi crafts and related items, runs hands-on experiences, and develops original products.
With 123 years of craftsmanship, we help turn your ideas into reality—private-label/OEM souvenirs and custom merchandise for travel trade partners.
Here are some examples of our original products.
◆ Beloved by fans: the Tokyo Yakult Swallows mascot “Tsubakuro” became a Washi Korokoro doll.
Tsubakuro, the Swallows’ mascot loved for years,
is now one of pro baseball’s most popular characters, with humorous expressions and playful gestures.
That team symbol “Tsubakuro” has become our Washi Korokoro!
Just looking at it makes you smile.
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1870.html
◆ Known to everyone in Gifu! FC Gifu’s mascot character became a Washi Korokoro doll.
FC Gifu is the professional soccer club based in Gifu Prefecture.
Its official mascot “Giffy”
has been transformed into a traditional craft “Washi Korokoro” made with Mino Washi.
A collaboration between a club that loves its hometown and artisans preserving Mino tradition—meet the charming, wobbly Giffy!
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1876.html
◆ Also famous in Gifu: Gifu Bus became a Washi Korokoro doll.
Enjoy both a finished product and a DIY kit.
We even prepared instructions in both standard Japanese and the local Gifu dialect!
Operating scheduled and charter services centered on Gifu City,
Gifu Bus (Gifu Noriai Jidosha Co., Ltd.) commissioned us to produce it.
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1874.html *DIY kit
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1875.html *Finished product
◆ JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) turns into an okiagari-koboshi roly-poly doll!!
Our Washi Korokoro is a lucky charm that pops back up every time it’s tipped—embodying the Japanese spirit of “fall seven times, stand up eight.”
A client asked us to express SLIM’s lunar landing as an okiagari-koboshi, and we brought it to life as a Washi Korokoro. ^^
By realizing SLIM, humanity can shift from landing “where it’s easy to descend” to landing “exactly where we want,” achieving a qualitative advance in lunar missions.
Future solar-system exploration will require higher-performance instruments. To allocate more resources to payloads, spacecraft systems must be lightweight—mass reduction is essential.
SLIM aims to realize pinpoint landing and a compact, lightweight spacecraft system, contributing to future lunar and planetary exploration.
※ Source: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) website
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1802.html
◆ A beloved national anime character becomes an okiagari-koboshi!!
TV-favorite Chibi Maruko-chan debuts as a Washi Korokoro—an adorable Japanese craft perfect for museum shops and family travel souvenirs.
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1800.html
~ We produce original products (OEM) on request! ~
Leveraging experience since 1902,
we craft exclusive originals for your brand!
Japan’s No.1 in certified Mino-Washi brands!
Leave original production to us—dolls, papier-mâché, washi gifts, stationery, DIY kits, product name printing, and more.
We propose a variety of materials such as washi, chirimen (crepe), wood, and ceramics—ideal for private-label souvenirs, destination gifts, and cultural merchandise for Japan group tours.
Minimum order quantity: from 300 units (negotiable depending on product)
Lead time: approx. 1–3 months after design is finalized (negotiable by item)
※ Partial shipments available; additional fees may apply based on client-specified processes.
Cost items: product processing, prototyping/sample fee, label design, molds, etc.
For inquiries and requests, please contact our Circulation Department.
Contact Ishikawa Paper Goods ← Click
OEM page (cases & guidance) here ← Click
For corporate clients we offer wholesale pricing.
Corporate transactions, purchases, and inquiries: please visitthe Ishikawa Paper Goods contact page
Not only our commercialized Washi Korokoro—original ideas are quietly born every day in our Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop as well.
Children’s creativity never ceases to amaze us!
We’ll share works that go beyond the sample kits on our blog with photos—great inspiration for tour leaders planning hands-on cultural activities.
▼ See photos: our e-newsletter is posted with images on the blog (updated every Monday).
E-newsletter blog (with images)
Our top-selling Washi Korokoro lets makers express endless ideas—perfect for creative group tours and cultural team-building.
Give it a try!
▼ Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop — Ishikawa Paper Goods website ♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Contact the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop ♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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= Customer Gallery = Works actually created by our guests ♪
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This time’s piece is…
Hey hey, you’re not the one who’s supposed to be rising from the sea (lol)!
Please enjoy adding your own creative twists, too. ♪
[See photos] Our e-newsletter is posted with images on the blog (updated every Monday).
E-newsletter blog (with images)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/index__23.html
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Discover our hometown, Mino City! Introducing the luminous art of the Mino Washi Akari (Light) Art Exhibition in the historic townscape. ^^
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Japan’s only town-wide immersive experience where tradition meets art—an unforgettable evening activity for Japan group tours and educational travel.
This year again, the — Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition — lights up the very center of Mino City.
Part I: Oct 12 (Sun) – Oct 24 (Fri) — all submitted works on display
Part II: Oct 25 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Sun) — award-winning works from past years
On Oct 18, an award ceremony will be held for top artists, and the streets of Mino become a pedestrian zone.
Hours: 17:00–21:00.
Once a year, the Edo-period “Udatsu-lined” townscape of Mino is bathed in gentle light.
Quivering lights and emerging shadows.
Hundreds of light-art works crafted with 1,300 years of Mino-Washi heritage transform the town into a dreamlike stage. Each piece shines with its creator’s intent, warmly embracing visitors—a festival of light that has colored Mino’s autumn for over a quarter century.
Every work shows a new expression with each step you take. Stroll the path of lights in crisp autumn air and let daily cares melt away—time spent in this magical glow is truly special.
On Oct 18, our Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop will also be open late until 20:00!
Drop in between your walks to create a one-of-a-kind piece using Mino Washi. Don’t just observe—experience the craft with your own hands to deepen your travel memories. Perfect for tour operators planning evening cultural activities.
On an autumn night, be wrapped in the warmth of washi and the glow that lights Mino’s historic streets.
We hope you’ll enjoy a truly special evening.
▼ Contact the Ishikawa Paper Goods Experience Shop here ♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ If you’d like to stroll Mino in kimono, enjoy great prices and a wide selection at the Kami-i (上井) Kimono Dressing School. ^^
https://minokanko.com/activity/category/%e4%bc%9d%e7%b5%b1%e5%b7%a5%e8%8a%b8%e3%83%bb%e3%82%a2%e3%83%bc%e3%83%88/p8666/
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Recommended for sightseeing in Mino City! Our Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop is easy to access—ideal for Japan group tours and bus tour itineraries.
Located in the center of Japan—perfect for a mid-route stopover on escorted tours.
Just off the Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway at Mino IC—please stop by and use us as a convenient rest-and-activity break. ♪
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Calling travel planners designing set-departure and group packages at tour operators and DMCs,
our Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop sits
on the Nagoya → Takayama corridor,
and on the Nagoya → Kamikochi route—
a perfectly placed stop between these must-see destinations.
“We use the Tokai–Hokuriku Expressway, but going straight to the destination means long continuous time on the coach.”
If that’s your concern,
we strongly recommend adding our Mino-Washi craft workshop as a hub stop—about 1 hour by expressway from Nagoya—on circular routes combining Gujo Hachiman, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama.
If you’re seeking an activity of about 90 minutes total including transfers,
Ishikawa Paper Goods’ Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop in Mino City, Gifu is a perfect fit.
Why we work well for tour operators and receptive agencies:
1) Exit Mino IC (Tokai–Hokuriku) → 5 min to parking, 5 min on foot to the shop—fast logistics.
2) Hands-on time is within 60 minutes—great for coach tour schedules.
3) Guests can take their finished craft home immediately—no drying/shipping required.
4) R10 return for travel agencies (agency rebate program available).
5) Participants receive 10% OFF in-shop purchases over ¥1,000—nice add-on for souvenir time.
6) Not a fixed template—create freely with personal flair (truly original crafts).
7) Located right in the famed Udatsu Historic District in central Mino—authentic atmosphere.
8) Use Mino-Washi, a traditional local industry product—hands-on Japanese culture & heritage.
9) Proven guest satisfaction: Google rating ★4.9, 868 reviews (as of Aug 18, 2025).
Through memorable experiences at our Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop,
overseas guests enjoy Japanese culture in a fun, interactive way,
and domestic guests can touch and explore Mino-Washi traditions firsthand.
Because each craft is created with personal sensibility, guests form a real attachment to their one-of-a-kind souvenir.
[Getting to the Mino City Experience Shop (Ishikawa Paper Goods)]
From Nagoya
Nagoya Loop Line IC (Nagoya Expressway) →
Ichinomiya JCT → Tokai–Hokuriku Expwy → Mino IC
Approx. 67 km — about 1 hour by car.
From Takayama
Takayama-Nishi IC (Chubu-Jukan Expwy)
Hida-Kiyomi IC → Tokai–Hokuriku Expwy → Mino IC
Approx. 100 km — about 1 hr 15 min.
From Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go IC (Tokai–Hokuriku Expwy) → Mino IC
Approx. 110 km — about 1 hr 15 min.
From Gujo Hachiman
Gujo Hachiman IC (Tokai–Hokuriku Expwy) → Mino IC
Approx. 28 km — about 17 min.
From Chubu Centrair International Airport
Centrair East IC (Chita Cross-Island Road)
Nagoya Expwy / Meini-kan → Ichinomiya JCT → Tokai–Hokuriku Expwy → Mino IC
Approx. 95 km — about 1 hr 20 min.
From Toki Premium Outlets
Toki IC (Chuo Expwy)
Toki JCT → Tokai-Kanjo Expwy → Mino–Seki JCT → Tokai–Hokuriku Expwy → Mino IC
Approx. 39 km — around 30 minutes.
Please make use of our shop on your itineraries!
※ We do not have private parking. Please use municipal parking—we can arrange pickup.
▼ Mino City map — municipal parking map
Full of handmade charm! It also lists many local shops in Mino City. ^^
[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 to Mino City — parking information
https://minokanko.com/access/
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Planning group-friendly activities? High flexibility, high satisfaction—here’s our Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop for student groups, MICE, and cultural tours.
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Elementary, junior high, and high schools; kids’ clubs; family trips; PTA parent–child tours; company outings; corporate trainings; sports clubs; senior clubs; NPO/volunteer groups; cultural-experience tours, and more.
If you’re the coordinator, planner, concierge, or person in charge seeking a hands-on destination, we’d love to host your group.
Give kids an experience unlike regular school life.
Create shared memories while everyone has fun together.
Yes! In those cases, please consider Ishikawa Paper Goods’ Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop.
We’ll help you create wonderful “monozukuri” (craft-making) memories. ^^
We still have availability.
We welcome group reservations as well as individual bookings via our reservation site. ^ ^
Our hands-on programs, including the signature “Washi Korokoro” craft,
are easy for anyone—yet allow highly original results.
“Is that all the instruction?”
“Is it really this flexible?”
We’ve been asked those questions while guiding groups.
We clearly explain the few crucial points you must not miss,
and then, using the easy-to-follow instruction sheet,
please finish freely as you like—follow your inspiration. ^^
When you visit the shop, our staff will gladly offer light assistance as needed. ^^
Our year-round “Washi Korokoro Series”
is great for making your own zodiac animal,
In fact, our lineup is packed year-round to match monthly events and seasonal festivals—perfect for Japan group tours seeking authentic cultural activities. ^ ^
Our shop staff have picked the best-selling items for each season based on real visitor demand from tour groups and FIT travelers. ^ ^
January: Zodiac animals, Setsubun (Red Oni
February: Hina Dolls (Girls’ Day)
March: Easter (Rabbits
April: Boys’ Festival samurai dolls & Koinobori carp streamers
May: Warlords & Princess series (historic Japan themes)
June: Frogs & Goldfish (summer motifs)
July: Handheld fan (uchiwa) making workshop
August: Handheld fan (uchiwa) making workshop
September: Halloween crafts
October: Cute animals (sheep, Shiba-inu dogs, cats, etc.
November: Cute animals (sheep, Shiba-inu dogs, cats, etc.
December: The Twelve Zodiac, Daruma, Maneki-Neko (lucky cat)
We also offer popular year-round “Good-Luck & Prosperity” collections and “History (Samurai & Princess)” series—ideal for cultural tourism souvenirs and incentive travel gift-making.
If you’re lucky, you might even find limited “Washi Korokoro” designs available only at the Ishikawa Paper Goods Mino-Washi Experience Shop.
Beat the heat: enjoy a hands-on craft experience together in our cool, comfortable indoor venue—great for coach tours and school trips.
Make memories with your usual crew in an unusual setting—an immersive, hands-on Japanese culture workshop.
We keep 30+ DIY kits ready at all times,
so something is sure to spark your child’s “I want to make this!” sensor. ^ ^
Got a vision? Look up papercraft ideas on your phone and customize freely—our workshops are flexible and beginner-friendly.
Why not create pieces that express who you are right now and share the results with your group?
Come visit the Ishikawa Paper Goods Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop—we look forward to welcoming tour operators, DMCs, and travelers alike. ♪
▼ Shop website (Mino-Washi Craft Experience)
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 & piercings DIY kit — tool rental guidelines
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/84/284_1_file.pdf
▼ Hands-on menu: “Washi Plate,” “Washi Pen Stand,” “Washi Bookmark,” “Washi Piercings,” “Washi Earrings”
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/23/123_1_file.pdf
▼ Family Hands-on Menu (3 set options)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/09/209_1_file.jpg
▼ Hands-on menu: Washi Korokoro “Samurai Warlord” series workshop
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/69/269_1_file.jpg
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Mayu “Mino” Diary — Watermelon: The Final! The seed-spitting saga reaches a shocking finale.
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This is an update on the watermelon we shared twice before.
It grew steadily to about the size of two cupped hands, then stopped…
And during the mere 2–3 days our daughter stayed at my husband’s parents’ house for Obon, the “watermelon incident” happened.
When I found it, I realized we’d missed the best time to eat it…
The sign of ripeness is when the curly tendril near the stem turns brown and dries…
That sign was there—it was harvest time—but we picked it too late…
The rind had split with a large crack.
“How do I break this to our daughter…?”
Peeking into the crack, the red flesh was swarming with ants—so big I mistook them for seeds.
Since we couldn’t eat it, I split it along the crack,
and about 20 ants poured out—and then began climbing up my hand!
The sight of that writhing swarm,
the sensation of ants running up my arm—
it felt like a scene from a movie: terrifying and surreal.
I shook them off,
grabbed my camera for evidence,
but most had already fled.
I carefully messaged my 5th-grader,
sending photos to break the tragic news…
“Wow, it’s so red! Pick it up!” came her carefree reply.
Apparently she didn’t notice the ants (lol).
Trying to stay calm, I explained gently,
“There are lots of ants… let’s leave it as food for them.”
…Okay, that sounded like I was talking to a kindergartener!
But my straightforward daughter answered with steady “uh-huhs,”
and finally a simple “Okay.”
What a sweetheart (lol).
Our tense watermelon saga melted into laughter thanks to her innocent comment,
and that’s how this year’s story came to an end.
And so—another small story th
粋粋通信 2025年 9月號 NO.490 ←點此檢視PDF 
