Japanese Bookbinding: Goshuinchō & Yotsume Toji

Explore the beauty and cultural depth of traditional Japanese bookmaking in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding), a classic Japanese stab binding technique that has been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books.

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

Participants will learn how to construct a simple accordion-style Goshuinchō using Japanese paper, and will also create their own Yotsume Toji bound notebook, learning the fundamentals of Japanese stab binding.

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

• A handmade Goshuinchō (accordion temple stamp book)
• A Yotsume Toji stitched notebook

All materials are provided, and the workshop is beginner-friendly and welcoming to all levels.

No experience required.

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.

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Host or Publisher Japanese Culture Center