Kumazawa Screen Printing, Inc., a company with a 60-year history, is one of Japan's leading printing firms specializing in silkscreen printing. With the decline of commercial printing driven by digital innovations, they approached us with a vision to inspire designers by showcasing the appeal of silkscreen printing, introducing new techniques, and exploring diverse creative possibilities.

The biggest challenge was to establish a cohesive design concept for the sample book. While the objective was to showcase a diverse range of printing techniques, we realized that using entirely different designs for each sample could distract viewers from focusing on the techniques themselves. After careful consideration, we decided to adopt a unified, simple format and tailored the visual expressions within it to best complement each technique.

While Kumazawa initially planned a short promotional video, we proposed a more immersive, innovative approach: a tactile print sample book paired with a documentary video showcasing the craftsmanship and precision behind silkscreen printing. We believed that this combination would engage designers both visually and tangibly, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the technique. To maximize impact, we suggested showcasing the project at “Aoyama MIHONCHO,” the renowned showroom of paper distribution company TAKEO Co., Ltd., which is celebrated for its expertise in fine paper planning. As it was already frequented by designers and creatives, this venue was the perfect setting to elevate the project’s visibility. TAKEO fully embraced the concept, generously providing the paper used in the sample book and offering the exhibition space.

Through this collaborative project, we learned so much about the craftsmanship, tools, techniques, and the variety of inks involved in silkscreen printing. Every design had its own intention, and the team at Kumazawa understood this deeply. They were incredibly supportive, suggesting innovative techniques to enhance and elevate our designs and intentions. We discovered countless possibilities and detailed nuances we would never have understood without being present for each step of the process.

We also had the freedom to choose from TAKEO's extensive paper selection—around 7,000 types of paper with different textures, colors, and weights. We selected a unique paper for each sheet in the sample book, making this a dream opportunity for any designer, though also a logistical challenge.

The “FINE PAPER x SILK SCREEN Sample Book” showcases 39 unique designs printed on a variety of fine papers, featuring a range of techniques, from simple single-color printing to fluorescent, textured, flocking, and thermochromic printing. Organized into four sections—BLACK & WHITE, COLOR, TEXTURE, and EFFECT—the book provides detailed specifications on each sample sheet, including the types of paper, printing colors, and processing techniques, arranged sequentially to provide practical insights and specialized knowledge.

The exhibition attracted a significant audience of designers, artists, students and industry professionals. The sample book received high praise, and the event served as a pivotal moment in highlighting the versatility and expressive potential of silkscreen printing. By merging tactile design with visual storytelling, the project not only achieved its goal of inspiring designers but also redefined how silkscreen printing can be experienced and appreciated.

The Sample Book received Japan’s “Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award” from the Japan Federation of Printing Industries. It was highly evaluated for its innovative design, printing quality and effectiveness in social education.