Exploring the Art of Letterpress Printing at Worldwide Kappan Exhibition
The Worldwide Kappan exhibition is scheduled to take place from June 6 to October 25, 2026, at the Ichigaya no Mori Book and Letterpress Museum located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This event is organized by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), known for its dedication to preserving the art of letterpress printing and bookmaking.
This exhibition highlights a fascinating aspect of print culture that remains relevant today. There are still workshops around the world that actively cast type and assemble books, and many dedicated individuals are working hard to preserve these invaluable techniques for future generations. The exhibition will provide attendees with insights into the global community behind letterpress printing, including type foundries that continue to create lead alloy type, printing houses that meticulously compose letters for each printed piece, and cultural institutions passing on these vital skills.
Letterpress printing made its debut in the mid-15th century, established by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany, and slowly spread around the globe over the centuries. In the distant East, Japan embraced the craft in the 19th century, leading to a unique adaptation of the technology that varies between countries, languages, and cultural approaches to printing. Today, despite letterpress no longer being the dominant form of printing, the efforts to carry on these traditions continue worldwide.
This event comes as a significant moment for both the museum, which celebrates its 5th anniversary, and DNP, which marks its 150th anniversary in 2026. As a company that first opened its doors as a letterpress printing shop in Japan in 1876, this exhibition serves as a timely exploration of the current state of letterpress printing globally, presented during a milestone year for DNP.
This exhibition will also feature notable contributors to this art form, such as the renowned Astier de Villatte from France, and the Sasaki Type Foundry from Japan, showcasing the global tapestry of letterpress printing practices.
The Ichigaya no Mori Book and Letterpress Museum aims to recreate a working environment for letterpress printing, displaying the entire process from type design to casting, printing, and binding in a so-called 'real factory' setting. Visitors can witness early Showa-era printing machines in operation and observe letterpress artisans at work through dynamic displays. The museum also features a workshop that allows participants to experience the craft firsthand via interactive workshops. For more information, visit their official website: Ichigaya no Mori.
Please note that company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The information provided is accurate as of the publication date and may be subject to change without prior notice.
This exhibition highlights a fascinating aspect of print culture that remains relevant today. There are still workshops around the world that actively cast type and assemble books, and many dedicated individuals are working hard to preserve these invaluable techniques for future generations. The exhibition will provide attendees with insights into the global community behind letterpress printing, including type foundries that continue to create lead alloy type, printing houses that meticulously compose letters for each printed piece, and cultural institutions passing on these vital skills.
Letterpress printing made its debut in the mid-15th century, established by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany, and slowly spread around the globe over the centuries. In the distant East, Japan embraced the craft in the 19th century, leading to a unique adaptation of the technology that varies between countries, languages, and cultural approaches to printing. Today, despite letterpress no longer being the dominant form of printing, the efforts to carry on these traditions continue worldwide.
This event comes as a significant moment for both the museum, which celebrates its 5th anniversary, and DNP, which marks its 150th anniversary in 2026. As a company that first opened its doors as a letterpress printing shop in Japan in 1876, this exhibition serves as a timely exploration of the current state of letterpress printing globally, presented during a milestone year for DNP.
This exhibition will also feature notable contributors to this art form, such as the renowned Astier de Villatte from France, and the Sasaki Type Foundry from Japan, showcasing the global tapestry of letterpress printing practices.
Exhibition Details:
- - Date: June 6, 2026 – October 25, 2026
- - Location: 2nd Floor Exhibition Room, Ichigaya no Mori Book and Letterpress Museum (1-1-1 Ichigaya Kaga-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan)
- - Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open on holidays)
- - Admission: Free
- - Organizer: Ichigaya no Mori Book and Letterpress Museum
About Ichigaya no Mori Book and Letterpress Museum:
The Ichigaya no Mori Book and Letterpress Museum aims to recreate a working environment for letterpress printing, displaying the entire process from type design to casting, printing, and binding in a so-called 'real factory' setting. Visitors can witness early Showa-era printing machines in operation and observe letterpress artisans at work through dynamic displays. The museum also features a workshop that allows participants to experience the craft firsthand via interactive workshops. For more information, visit their official website: Ichigaya no Mori.
Please note that company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The information provided is accurate as of the publication date and may be subject to change without prior notice.
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