Japanese Bookbinding & Goshuinchō Workshop

Explore the beauty and cultural depth of traditional Japanese bookmaking in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn two classic Japanesebinding techniques—Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding) and Kikkō Toji (tortoise-shell binding)—methods that have been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, poetry collections, and artist books.

The workshop also introduces the Goshuinchō, the traditional Japanese temple and shrine stamp book. Used to collect goshuin—beautiful calligraphic stamps received during visits to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples—these accordion-style books have deep spiritual roots and have become cherished keepsakes for travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Participants will begin by constructing a handmade Goshuinchō using Japanese paper. While the adhesive dries, they will learn and practice both Yotsume Toji and Kikkō Toji binding techniques on small sample books. Students will then apply their newly learned skills to create a finished notebook using decorative Japanese papers, choosing either binding style or experimenting with their own variations and stitching patterns.

By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with:

• A handmade Goshuinchō (accordion-style temple stamp book)
• A Yotsume Toji practice book
• A Kikkō Toji practice book
• A finished stitched notebook featuring decorative Japanese papers

Along the way, participants will learn about the history of Japanese book arts, the cultural significance of Goshuinchō, and the enduring appeal of handmade books in both traditional and contemporary Japan.

No experience required. All materials are provided.

About the instructor:

Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and a scholar working both in Chicago and Tokyo. She received her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and earned a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan. For more details, visit https://mamitakahashi.art/

With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives to many U.S. communities. Takahashi also aims to connect Japan and communities in Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques.