National Printing Bureau Hosts Special Lecture on Craftsmanship in Graphic Design Techniques

Special Lecture by the National Printing Bureau

The National Printing Bureau (NPB) is set to host a special lecture on October 24, 2025, at Tokyo Zokei University, located in Hachioji City, Tokyo. This marks the first time such an event will be held at this university. The lecture aims to engage students primarily enrolled in the graphic design discipline, offering them insights into the intricate world of craftsmanship inherent to the NPB’s operations.

Event Details

- Date: October 24, 2025 (Friday)
- Time:

- 17:00 – 17:50: Introduction to NPB's operations and craftsmanship roles.
- 17:50 – 18:10: Security design (from product inception to execution).
- 18:10 – 18:30: Presentation of new currency (counterfeit prevention technologies and universal design).

Please note that the content may change based on the progression of the lecture.

Audience

This event is targeted at current students and alumni of Tokyo Zokei University. However, members of the general public are also welcome to attend.

Location

Tokyo Zokei University, Building 12, Room 12-201

- Address: 1556 Uzunukicho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute school bus ride from Aihara Station, JR Yokohama Line (15 minutes on foot).

Key Points for Coverage

Special Exhibition

- Please be aware that some exhibits may not permit video or photographic recordings.

Public Lecture

- Recording or photographing the entire lecture is not allowed from start to finish.
- Projection materials displayed during the lecture cannot be filmed; still images are permitted.

General Guidelines

- Refer to the instructor as “Craftsman from the National Printing Bureau” or simply “Craftsman.”
- Photography of the craftsman's face is strictly forbidden, and personal information will not be disclosed.
- Photography of the craftsman’s own works is also prohibited.
- Avoid any filming that could disrupt the lecture’s progression.

Media Coverage Arrangements

- Media representatives wishing to cover the event must apply in advance by October 21, 16:00.
- Interested parties should fill out the media request form available on the National Printing Bureau's website and submit it along with their queries to the NPB public relations office via email at [email protected]. Please be aware that applications submitted past the deadline cannot be accepted.
- Details regarding meeting locations and additional information will be provided to those who apply for media coverage.
- A preliminary briefing will also be conducted for media representatives before the lecture, including materials distribution.

- Date of Briefing: October 24, 2025, from 16:30 to 16:50.
- Location: Tokyo Zokei University, Building 12, Room 12-201. Please arrive by 16:20.

Recognition

The special lecture by the NPB's craftsmen has been recognized for contributing significantly to the promotion of Japan's cultural arts, leading to the prestigious Cultural Agency Commissioner’s Special Award for the 2024 Fiscal Year. This honor acknowledges individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to cultural activities and the promotion of Japanese culture both domestically and internationally. This award also marks the first time it has been granted to a national institution like the NPB since its inception in 1989.

About the National Printing Bureau

Founded in 1871 as the Bureau of Banknotes under the Ministry of Finance, the NPB plays a critical role in producing national currency, official gazettes, passports, and other products essential to public life. Celebrated for its 150th anniversary in 2021, the NPB employs skilled craftsmen, referred to as “Craftsmen,” who possess exceptional artistic ability and techniques. These professionals are responsible for designing and manufacturing the original plates of banknotes and passports.

Starting from the 2022 fiscal year, the NPB has initiated lectures targeting students of art and design universities. The goal is to impart the exceptional skills of craftsmen and the intricate art of micro-sculpting to the next generation, thereby aiding cultural and educational endeavors. The program has expanded from two universities in the 2022 fiscal year to six universities in the following year, with plans for further sessions at four universities and one vocational school in 2024.

The craftsmanship practiced by NPB involves traditional handwork, particularly the precise engraving done with specialized tools known as 'burins.' Mastering the burin requires significant skill and dedication over many years, and this lecture will provide insights into the processes involved in achieving intricate engravings.

Such initiatives aim to convey vital information necessary for maintaining public trust in national currency, highlighting how Japan's traditional culture manifests as a unique industry. It also emphasizes the NPB’s role as a platform for confirming and preserving Japan's historical cultural practices, with the high quality of craftsmanship serving as the foundation for anti-counterfeiting technology.

Expert Commentary

Fumiyo Kodama, Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Tokyo Zokei University, emphasizes the growing importance of 'security' and 'universal design' in all design fields. Currency design particularly incorporates advanced measures for counterfeit prevention and user-friendliness for the diverse public. This lecture hopes to enhance understanding of security design and universal design principles through insights from professionals engaged in real-world currency design processes.

About Tokyo Zokei University

Established in 1966 by fashion designer Yoko Kuwasawa, Tokyo Zokei University in Hachioji City embodies a broad perspective on art and design. The school promotes an educational philosophy that emphasizes flexible thinking and nurtures students’ uniqueness.