2015.02.12
Japanese characters are cool! Original personalized goods that can be made easily
If you are confused as to what souvenirs and presents to choose during your vacation,how about some goods that are characteristic of Japan? We report on stores where you can to quickly and easily make original goods,such as character stamps and senjafuda (wooden or paper strips usually posted in Japanese shrines),that include the names of yourself,your family members or your friends!
You can make original stamps pictured with light-hearted characters at the store"Jaakuna-hankoya Shinimono-gurui". This idiosyncratic name for the store originates from it being ran in a "Shinimono-gurui" (frantic) manner with an overflowing passion towards stamps. Images of various animals, such as cats and pandas, to images of Buddha and historic ruins are turned into motifs, thereby propagating unique worldviews that are in vogue. The unique character stamps are recommended for a souvenir or present with a different flair. In addition, the time required for a stamp to be completed is about 30 minutes, so you can also stop by easily while sightseeing.
How to order
Order by deciding on the design, words to include, font, ink color, and stamp case color.
You can choose from 5colors of ink and 6types of character fonts. It is recommended to get the staff to write down the words you wish to include.
You can choose from 6 colors for the stamp case. It is fine to choose the same color as that for the stamp ink, or even a different color if you wish to do so.
The suggested number of characters to include is 3 for kanji (Chinese characters),and 4-6 for hiragana and katakana (syllabic Japanese characters)or letters of the alphabet.Please take note that including more characters than that will result in them becoming smaller.
The walls inside this small store are lined with rows of stamp designs. We hear that there are even 440 types of designs in total that can be chosen from.
The characters are attractive not just in their cuteness, but somehow also in their humor and poignancy. It seems that the store's simple cat designs are popular among the numerous designs that it has.
Jaakuna-hankoya Shinimono-gurui
Address: 3-11-15 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Getting there: A 5-minute walk from Nippori station on the JR Yamanote line,
or a 10-minute walk from Sendagi station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line
Operating hours: 11:00 - 17:30
Closed on certain days
Credit cards not accepted
website: Jaakuna-hankoya Shinimono-gurui
Waiting time becomes painless with a nostalgic - feeling stroll around Yanaka Ginza!
The Yanaka Ginza shopping district, where the store "Jaakuna-hankoya Shinimono-gurui" is located, has become popular in recent years as an area where the atmosphere of old lingers. As it is lined with stores like delicatessens and Japanese-style dessert cafes,you would want to have a leisurely stroll here,while enjoying good food in the Shitamachi area.
For those who want to make stamps by themselves, go here!
A stamp kit that allows you to easily enjoy the joy of DIY
Eraser stamps that are a delight for those who love DIY are sold at this 100 yen shop. You can enjoy creating various shapes easily. If you change the ink color, you can set a different mood even with the same shape.
They also have an abundance of various other stamp kits, which are shown here. All of them are at the low price of 100 yen (excluding tax), which is also another pleasant point.
Let's try going through the actual process of making eraser stamps!
Eraser stamps come in 2 sizes,postcard size and half that size.The thickness differs slightly depending on the size.
Using a box cutter or a chisel, steadily cut out the portions which you want to leave white. Take note to make the lines of the design thicker so that they do not become blur when pressed.
Install the stamp on an eraser stand sold separately, and the original stamp is complete.
Combining letter stamps will allow you to finish making even message cards effortlessly. You can also apply them for birthday cards, greeting cards, and to pass on short memos.
If you use schedule stamps, looking and writing in your notebook will also become fun. Stamps with faces on them can have many different expressions, so you use them according to how you feel at that point in time.
Can Do Seibu Shinjuku PePe branch
Address: 8th floor, Seibu Shinjuku PePe, 1-30-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Getting there: Directly connected to Seibu-Shinjuku station on the Seibu Shinjuku line,a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-nishiguchi station on the Toei Oedo line, or a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku station on the JR, Tokyo Metro, Odakyu, and Keio lines.
Operating hours: 11:00 - 22:00
Credit cards accepted: JCB, VISA, MASTER, MUFG, UC, SAISON, AMEX, DINERS CLUB, UnionPay
website: Can Do
Senjafuda have been familiar to the Japanese since ancient times. They were originally pasted to commemorate visits to shrines and temples, and traditional calligraphic styles are used in them. At this store, you can easily make such straps. You can include any characters that you like, and even customize the design and strap, so they are ideal for presents! These wooden straps with names etched on them are perfectly suitable to carry around by attaching them to your personal belongings, such as bags and mobile phones. Small orders take a short 20 minutes, so it is pleasant that they are completed in the blink of an eye.
How to order
Order by deciding on the type of wood, strap size,character font,design, and strap color.The store has order forms in English, so be at ease!
You can choose from 4 types of wood: cypress, cherry tree, box tree, or ebony. The characters look different depending on the wood used, we recommend cherry tree and ebony for those who would prefer clear and distinct characters.
For overseas customers, the staff will help think of suitable characters based on pronunciation on the spot. Of course, the characters can not only be in kanji, but also hiragana and katakana, as well as letters of the alphabet. (Left: Geri, right: Katherine)
The store not only carries straps,but also senjafuda stickers. It is possible to include characters of your liking upon ordering.
*1 set of small-sized stickers will contain 27 pieces of the same design.
Straps made from silk crepê, a traditional Japanese textile, encased in acrylic. You can also include your name on them.
The store has a promotion where you can get postcards as a present if you say that you have seen"Japan Hot Now!"at the point of purchase.
StockPlus
Address: 1st floor, Nankai Tokyo Building, 5-15-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (facing Kabuki-za)
Getting there: A stone's throw away from exit 6 of Higashi-ginza station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya line and the Toei Asakusa line
Operating hours:
10:00 - 20:00 (Weekdays)
12:00 - 18:00 (1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month)
Closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, Sundays and public holidays
Credit cards accepted: VISA, MASTER, AMEX, etc.
website: StockPlus
Waiting time becomes painless at Japan's leading shopping district, Ginza!
Ginza has been developed as a high class shopping area representative of Japan. Large numbers of luxury brands are lined up here, which displays its bustle when many shoppers crowd the area on weekends. Ginza also has many art galleries, cafés, and restaurants, so you can enjoy them apart from shopping.
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