The Philosophy Behind “imprint”: Preserving Printing’s Enduring Charm
For over a century, Takayama Printing House has been deeply involved in the creation of various printed materials. However, as times and lifestyles evolve, the demand for traditional printing has shifted. The company embarked on a journey to explore how it could continue to nurture the culture of printing.
The answer, while still evolving, lies in the enduring appeal of printing itself: its ability to leave a profound impression through the five senses. The brand name “imprint” itself, derived from the Latin “imprimere” (to press into), signifies a “trace” or “mark.” It embodies the aspiration to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation, building upon the company’s rich heritage while embracing new ideas and collaborators.
First Collaboration: Graphic Designer Ikki Kobayashi and the “Sou-shu-bako”
“imprint” plans to feature different creators in each collection, each exploring the possibilities of printing from their unique perspective. For its inaugural collection, the brand partnered with graphic designer Ikki Kobayashi, known for his distinctive visual language.
Kobayashi, born in Shiga Prefecture in 1992, is a graduate of Tama Art University and previously worked at Shiseido before establishing his independent practice. He is also a part-time lecturer at Joshibi University of Art and Design and Tama Art University.
His inaugural product, the “Sou-shu-bako” (Collection Box), emerged from a deeply personal reflection on the challenge of storing cherished, often peculiar, items collected in daily life. Kobayashi describes his fascination with “selfish” boxes that demand consideration for what they hold, fostering a unique dialogue between the object and its owner.
These boxes are designed not for conventional storage but for “treasures”—the acorns, fallen leaves, or small crafts that might seem like trifles but hold immense personal value. Kobayashi envisions them as companions, inviting users to engage in a playful interaction to decide what belongs inside, akin to a childhood “treasure box.” The result is a series of boxes that provoke thought and emotion, capturing the essence of forgotten moments.
Craftsmanship and Design of the “Sou-shu-bako”
The “Sou-shu-bako” collection features 10 distinct designs, each based on sketches Kobayashi created from fleeting everyday scenes. The boxes utilize “NT Rasha” paper, known for its warm texture, with different colors for the lid and body. To faithfully reproduce the paper’s hues, special spot inks are carefully adjusted for each of the 10 designs, ensuring the print and paper colors blend harmoniously.
Manufacturing of these boxes is a collaborative effort with Iwasaki Shiki Co., Ltd., a long-established paper container manufacturer in Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture. Their precise techniques and delicate craftsmanship bring Kobayashi’s designs to life, ensuring each box feels like a treasure in hand.
The boxes have a slip-on style, with outer dimensions of approximately 232×162×H80mm (lid H73mm), featuring V-groove processing on both lid and body. They are constructed from chipboard #26, with “NT Rasha” paper laminated on the inside of the lid and body, and also used for the outer wrapping paper.
Voices from the Project Members
The creation of “imprint” and its first collection was a journey of deep reflection, as shared by the project members:
Mitsuharu Yamamura of BOOKLUCK, who handled the brand statement, expressed his personal connection: “I love printed matter, and I don’t want it to disappear. We each have our ways of showing support, whether it’s creating something together, buying printed goods, or, like me, advocating through writing. What’s most crucial is to clearly express and act. Just as it’s important to keep visiting a favorite restaurant rather than regretting its closure, I see ‘imprint’ as providing a clear path for such support.”
Shuhei Nagao of Nagao Bijutsu, the logo designer, shared his interpretation: “The word ‘imprint’ is derived from the Latin ‘imprimere’ – ‘to press into’ or ‘a trace.’ Yet, in an era where printed matter is diminishing, reading this word also feels like ‘I am print,’ a fervent declaration of their identity. This interpretation guided the design of the ‘imprint’ logotype. I hope that many creators will continue to produce unique items that allow us to fully appreciate the wonder of printed matter.”
Ryuki Inoue of mazeru, responsible for the brand concept, reflected on the process: “In developing the ‘imprint’ brand name and concept, I often found myself pondering, facing questions about the future of printing with no easy answers. Yet, through it all, the recurring realization was, ‘I still love printing.’ The feel of paper, the smell of ink, the sounds of the factory, the voices of people – I still believe in the power of things that leave an impression on the five senses. That emotion became the core of this brand. Though there’s no perfect answer yet, I quietly felt this was the right path. Relying on such small certainties, I hope ‘imprint’ leaves a trace in someone’s memory.”
Global Pop-up Schedule
Experience the world of “imprint” firsthand at these upcoming pop-up events:
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Studio NIKIBI (Berlin, Germany): November 28-30, 2025
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THINK OF THINGS (Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo): January 15 – February 3, 2026
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graf studio (Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka): February 10-23, 2026
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B・B・B POTTERS (Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka): February 13-15 & February 21-22, 2026
Further details will be announced on the official website and social media channels. Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imprint_tp
A Future Etched in Everyday Life
Takayama Printing House, through “imprint,” is not merely launching new products but is igniting a new flame for the culture of printing. By collaborating with creators and focusing on sensory experiences, the brand seeks to embed the subtle traces of printing into the fabric of daily life. The hope is that each “imprint” product, like the “Sou-shu-bako,” will become a small, cherished mark in the memories and routines of those who hold them, ensuring the art of printing continues to evolve and resonate for generations to come.
Company Overview:
Company Name: Takayama Printing House Co., Ltd.
Location: 301-1 Katashimajirigomi, Oita City, Oita 870-0943, Japan
Representative: Eiichiro Takayama, President and CEO
Business Activities: Offset printing, On-demand printing, Letterpress printing, Exhibition space management
Website: https://takayama-printinghouse.jp
