Part 7: Traditional items that remain vibrant on in Kyobashi – Kyohashi Matsukin –

2017.03.24

Kyohashi Matsukin, run by Kinyosha Insatsujo, founded in 1931, is a store with an appealing concept of printing with Edo and Kyobashi as themes. We spoke to Tsuyoshi Hosoda, president and owner of the store, about the products creating a buzz at the store.

 

“Shiko no Meishi (supreme business card) is special and very popular. We use two printing techniques, copper plate printing and letterpress printing. Letterpress printing in particular has become popular as designers have rediscovered its appeal, and we are now receiving even more requests for our services.”

 

When you touch the card, you can feel the carvings, and it has an indescribable sense of weight. Also, unlike ordinary business cards, only a name is printed on the front,and the format is a little different.

“When expressing your character, things like an address or phone number are not necessary. That’s our philosophy. If you really want to include it, we print them on the back. We also use special typography based on the idea that business cards should be just as formal as formal dress and offer both formal and semi-formal fonts.”

 

Business cards are captivating at first glance, but what kind of people order them the most?
“Corporate representatives and executives. They are quite expensive, so please use them as a sign of success and a way to show your pride.”

Tenugui made with the Chusen dyeing technique, which began in the Tenpo era, offers a taste of Japanese culture.

 

“It is also called Hon-zome, and its characteristic is that it can be dyed the same on both sides. Because it is made of natural materials, it feels good to the touch. Originally, intricate patterns were the norm, but recently more people are framing them to display them, and designs with patterns on a single piece are selling well.”

He said he would like to see companies actively adopt the same tradition as Kabuki actors who bring towels with them to greet people at Bonkure (Bon and year-end).

“When we were asked to make one for the opening party of Kyobashi Edogrand, we created an original design Kyobashi lattice tenugui towel that expresses the Kiyau Hashi carved into the baluster finial at the head of Kyobashi 3-Chome, with ‘Kiyau’ written in Edo characters and ‘Hashi’ in the Edo lattice design that is the exterior theme of Kyobashi Edogrand. We put it in our unique packaging and it was very well received.
It’s perfect not only for greetings, but also for uses like this.”

 

Matsukin’s popular  goshuin-cho (goshuin note) is a special item that sets them apart from other stores. Since they are the only store that can make stamps using fabric brought in by customers, many people travel from far away to visit.

 

“It is customary to place a goshuin-cho in the coffin when the deceased departs for the next world. Since it is impossible to tell who the deceased is in white robes, it is meant to be protected as proof of a connection with the gods and Buddha. That’s why we make them with the hope that people will create their own goshuin-cho, filled with their feelings.”

 

Many people enjoy it like a stamp rally, but when you know its original purpose, Matsukin’s goshuin-cho will have a special resonance with you.

“We wanted a quality product that would maintain its dignity when the goshuin-cho is placed in the coffin at the end with a durable design that people would not tire of and something that is easy for the person writing the goshuin to write on. For this reason, we brought several types of paper to Hie Shrine, the local guardian deity, and had the priest actually write on it to select the paper. While it is thicker than those of other stores, the reason they were able to successfully produce it is thanks to the binding technology that only a printing company can offer.
Also, taking advantage of the concept of an album as a way to preserve important things, the cover is padded with cushioning material to make it plump.”

They say they put the most effort into the endpaper.

 

“The endpaper connects the cover to the main text, and play an important role in protecting the goshuin. The endpaper allows the cover to be replaced without damaging the main text. We also use thick, sturdy, and beautiful paper with a design of the auspicious two-leaf hollyhock, with an eye for the beauty of the binding. The name on the last page and the packaging in a storage box are all unique to our shop, as we understand that goshuin-cho is important.”

The fabrics available are also very special. What kind of selection?

 

“We do our best to stock special patterns and fabrics, such as the Arisugawa- no-miya Japanese crest of the deer pattern and Takeda bishi (the crest of the Takeda family, familiar with Takeda Shingen), so please feel free to consult us.”

The difference becomes even more clear when you listen to the voices of customers who are captivated by Matsukin’s goshuin-cho.

 

“My husband and I started collecting goshuin so that we could go out regularly every month. My late grandmother was a tea ceremony teacher, so she had a lot of kimonos, but even if I sold them, they would only bring a pittance. I was worried about what to do with them. Then I heard that you can bring your own fabric and have them made, so I asked them to do it. Not only will it be a good memory, but Matsukin’s goshuin-cho has a heavy feel to it, so I recommend it.”

 

“Since I started collecting goshuin, my outlook on shrines and temples has changed. I’m also happy to see that my manners have become more refined. I came to Matsukin because I wanted them to make a goshuin-cho using my own kimono. I’m thinking of making several goshuin-cho, one for each of Seven Deities of Good Fortune.”

At Matsukin, you can find a wide variety of attractive products, so be sure to find one that suits your taste.