Kappan Kobo Tan

Kappan Kobo Tan is a letterpress printing workshop operated by Jitsugyo Printing Co., Ltd., a design and printing company based in Nara. Drawing on expertise accumulated since the company’s founding, the workshop revives traditional letterpress techniques while embracing the charm of paper products in a digital age. The result is a warm and tactile approach to design that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

The workshop’s name, "Tan," refers to an ancient Japanese term for red clay, symbolizing the reddish hue of mercury rust. This color was significant in ancient Nara, once the cultural heart of Japan, and embodies the shop’s connection to local history and tradition.

Visitors can purchase beautifully crafted paper items inspired by Nara’s rich heritage, such as postcards and message cards featuring motifs from "Rokusan-somoku Kyōketsu Byōbu" (a treasure of Shōsōin). Each piece highlights the unique textures and depth of letterpress printing, making them a delight to hold and admire. Additionally, the shop offers unique items like paperweights made from type blocks, a true nod to the craftsmanship of the printing trade.