Review of Our Japan Journey
In Tokyo, the owners of Oblation Papers and Press, Ron and Jennifer attend the 26th International Stationery and Office Products Fair, and explore the Japanese stationery culture.
Noodles for breakfast! A fresh way to start the day.
Arrival to the fair. Ron begins the Oblation Papers and Press booth set up.
Our crew prepares for a busy day at the booth at the International Fair.
The grand splendor of Designphil display intrigued all who passed by.
After the show, they explored the rest of the city to discover the paper culture in Japan. Our adventure seekers stepped into a dream during their visit to Itoya in Ginza, Chūō, Tokyo – they explored 9 stories of high-end paper goods. All these new and lovely visions are sweeping them off their feet!
Street view of the Itoya building.
Inside, it is a wonderful world of pens and paper.
Each floor of the impressive Itoya shop offers an endless selection of colors and textures.
Since the wall of swatches can be quite overwhelming, they have a Paper Concierge.
The paper concierge directs you through this well-curated world of paper, to best serve all your paper needs.
The Wrapping Stylist Station inspires customers to bring in their gifts for the custom wrap service.
From the wrapping stylist station, to the ink testing bar featuring J. Herbin, this shop offers an array custom of services.
The top floor they grow their own hydroponic lettuce for their café!
Details of exploring the cultural experience : vending machines, smoking sign, eel filet, and street vendors.
Ron and Jennifer met up with former Oblation designer, Mayumi, and together they visited the world heritage site called ‘Washi No Sato’ in Chichibu province. Lifetime master papermaker, Teizo Takano hosted their tour.
Washi No Sato makes very fine kozo paper, which we will be carrying in our store for our ‘Tokyo in August’.
This display shows a papermaker’s stream-side hut, for washing and preparing kozo plants.
Towards the conclusion of Ron and Jennifer’s trip, they stopped into the Spiral Art Center, there they have a sophisticated gift shop that featured emerging artists. The atmosphere of the space is calm and inviting with subtle earth tones and soothing textures.
Now our fearless leaders are arriving back to the states to share their finds in our upcoming month of ‘August in Tokyo’. We are excited to see what treasures they’ve discovered throughout their journey.
A u g u s t i n T o k y o
Coming Soon!
