Japanese Bookbinding & Goshuinchō Workshop

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

The workshop also features a special introduction to the Goshuinchō, the traditional Japanese temple and shrine stamp book. Used to collect goshuin—beautiful hand-stamped seals received during visits to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples—these books have deep spiritual roots and have become beloved keepsakes for travelers. Participants will create a simple accordion-style Goshuinchō using Japanese paper.

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

• A Yotsume Toji book

• A Kikkō Toji book

• A handmade Goshuinchō (temple stamp book)

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

No experience required. All supplies included.

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.