【Part 1】 Transforming Japanese Heritage Culture into Modern Classics: Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi Paper Crafts, OEM Partnerships, and Global Brand Appeal for Trade.Ishikawa Paper Goods Ltd. 2025.03.31
2025.04.01Ishikawa Shigyo Company Profile (Japanese Paper Goods Wholesale for Global Markets)
Ishikawa Shigyo Co., Ltd. was established in 1902 (Meiji 35) in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, renowned for its Mino Washi production. Guided by our philosophy of “Handcrafted by a Genuine Washi Maker,” we plan, produce, wholesale, and sell Mino Washi crafts and merchandise. We incorporate entertainment into traditional Japanese crafts, carrying out the planning, development, manufacturing, and distribution of each product. We hold the highest number of Mino Washi Brand certifications in Japan (and globally). We also focus on global B2B markets for Mino Washi-based products, strengthening our presence among international importers of Japanese crafts.
OEM production, customized original designs. Hand-dyed Mino Washi, chiyogami paper, DIY craft kits, washi dolls, zodiac New Year ornaments, Twelve Zodiac decorative items, Hina dolls (Ohinasama), May dolls (samurai dolls), samurai helmet (kabuto) displays, koi-nobori carp streamers, entrance decorations, seasonal ornaments, seasonal products, Washi Korokoro figurines, chirimen fabric dolls, washi papier-mâché, kokeshi dolls, inbound-oriented products, overseas souvenirs, Japanese souvenirs, Japanese stationery, small money gift envelopes (pochibukuro), noshi gift envelopes, bookmarks, memo pads, origami paper, diaries, pencil boxes, postcard boxes, goshuincho (stamp books), wagasa (Japanese umbrellas), sensu (folding fans), uchiwa (handheld fans), fan cases, washi photo frames, business card holders, card cases, washi accessories (earrings, brooches, hair ties), washi magnets (clip-on magnets), tenugui cloths, Japanese-patterned towels, kaishi paper, oil blotting paper, washi coasters, chigiri-e torn paper art, postcard hangers, tapestries, netsuke charms, toothpick holders, ear picks, Japanese toys, local folk toys, and more. We produce over 1,200 varieties of handmade washi goods and wa-style crafts each year for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in Japan and worldwide, catering to the global corporate B2B market seeking unique Japanese imports.
Original papier-mâché (hariko) production for anime characters, event mascots, corporate mascots, local yuruchara mascots, and popular shrine items. We have extensive experience in OEM manufacturing and creating custom designs.
OEM Examples
【Character Anime】
Chibi Maruko-chan, Snoopy, Monchhichi (Nippon Vogue Co., Ltd.), (Sekiguchi Co., Ltd.), Rurouni Kenshin
Pochita from Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan, Nyanko-sensei from Natsume’s Book of Friends
【Yuruchara Mascots: Regional, Corporate, Sports】
Kuidaore Taro, Tsubakuro (Yakult Swallows, Yakult Corporation), Chukyo-kun (Chukyo TV Broadcasting Co., Ltd.), Giffy (FC Gifu Co., Ltd.)
【Vehicle Characters: Public Agencies & Museums】
Lunar exploration probe SLIM (JAXA), Type 3 Fighter Plane “Hien” (Gifu-Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum), “Nagara” sightseeing train (Nagaragawa Railway Co., Ltd.), Gifu Bus
【Historical Figures & Warlords】
Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Akechi Mitsuhide, Kicho (Nohime), Ishida Mitsunari, Otani Yoshitsugu, Kuroda Nagamasa, Fukushima Masanori, Shimazu Yoshihiro, Kobayakawa Hideaki, Ushiwakamaru
【Animal Characters】
Dormouse, Jersey Cow, Wolf
Tourism and local specialty sales, everyday goods sales, department store wholesale, online sales, mail-order sales, doll retail, pottery sales, lacquerware sales, stationery and bookstore sales, kimono sales, tea production and sales, confectionery/food production and sales, paper specialty stores, wholesale to shrines and temples, flower shops and floral material sales, event planning companies, paper museums, general museum shops, worldwide exporting wholesalers, overseas sales, advertising agencies, promotional product sales, commemorative gift sales, craft stores, hobby shops, and washi specialty shops. We produce and wholesale to manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in various industries.
Foreign-oriented washi souvenirs, high-end washi products, Japanese cultural souvenirs, traditional Japanese crafts for overseas markets
Washi goods for inbound tourism, Japanese cultural gifts, overseas exports of Japanese souvenirs, original production of traditional crafts
Washi items for international visitors, Japanese-style gifts for overseas clients, Mino Washi as part of Japan’s tradition, popular Japanese souvenirs abroad
Washi product gift sets, exporting washi goods overseas, traditional Japanese crafts
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“Give the Gift of Japan’s Rich Spirit” — Overflowing with Information!!
■Ishikawa Shigyo HP ⇒ http://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/
(You can view our latest updates from the top page.)
■[Special Offers] Ishikawa Shigyo New Product Purchase Benefit Introduction Blog is here ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1377.html
Lots of deals to help you save! Many benefits you can use once you know about them!
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★★★ Announcement of our latest blog posts, all in one place! ★★★
Part 1: [New!] Announcement of “Iki-Iki News” April Issue!
Part 2: The Fifth Wave of New Products! Plus, the Summer Catalog has been renewed!
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★★★ Notification: The latest issue of Iki-Iki News ★★★
Each month we release the latest company updates and best-sellers in the Ishikawa Shigyo monthly bulletin.
Here is the April issue of Iki-Iki News.
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1637.html
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<Topics>
■New service for May Doll (Gogatsu Ningyo)! Benefit for valued clients: Name Plaque Notice!!
We will create a personalized name plaque for each end-user for 330 yen (tax and shipping included)!
■A wave of new products! Washi accessories and washi brooches!! A total of 55 variations!
New shapes featuring hexagrams, flowers, and hearts have arrived! All-new brooch designs are now available!
・[Special Offer] Purchase 10,000 yen or more including “Washi Brooches” or other items → Free shipping!
■Recommended new products! Perfect for the summer season!
・The line of “Chirimen Beanbag Rabbit Yuzen” items has expanded with more rabbit-themed products!
・New colors have arrived for Wagasa (long umbrellas and folding umbrellas)!
■Summer Item #1 for Summer Solutions!
・Original Made in Japan hand-dyed Mino Washi folding fans!
Crafted with meticulously hand-dyed Mino Washi, all made in Japan! Highly recommended as a gift! Comes with a special bamboo display stand bonus and free shipping!
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■Summer Item #2 for Summer Solutions!
A hugely popular series, especially for inbound tourists! Silk fans featuring Japanese painting designs!
Available in a white box or a clear case!
■Summer Item #3 for Summer Solutions!
Original Made in Japan hand-dyed Mino Washi Uchiwa fans: “Washi Maker’s Handcrafted Uchiwa”
Crafted in Japan with carefully hand-dyed Mino Washi! Includes a special bamboo display stand bonus and free shipping!
■Summer Item #4 for Summer Solutions!
Beautifully cool-sounding glass wind chimes in 10 varieties
For glass wind chimes, folding fans, or handheld fans, plus a total wholesale price of 10,000 yen or more for regular products, you qualify for free shipping!
■Summer Item #5 for Summer Solutions!
Extremely popular! A gorgeous design with 24 ribs—various lightweight wagasa made with fiberglass
Japanese-design wagasa: Order 20 or more to receive a free sample!
■Summer Item #6 for Summer Solutions!
Extremely popular! Tenugui cloth featuring Japanese cultural designs! 49 varieties in total!
Komon-pattern tenugui with a benefit of creating your own store’s original label!
■Summer Item #7 for Summer Solutions!
Perfect for festivals! Japanese folk toys! Paper balloons in goldfish, cat, panda, and penguin designs, plus blowouts!
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■Ongoing Campaign Benefits!!
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See here for details on each campaign!
[Special Offers] Introduction to Ishikawa Shigyo new product purchase benefits
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1377.html
■Notice of Price Revision (Starting April 1)
3024 Iki Toothpick Holder: 450 yen → 500 yen + tax
■Notification of Office Closure
May closures: 1st and 2nd
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★★★ Announcement of the Latest Blog Posts ★★★
◆Fifth Wave of New Products!!!◆
・New colors added to the “Ultra-Lightweight 24-Rib Long Umbrella Series”!
・New colors added to the “Ultra-Lightweight 12-Rib Folding Umbrella Series”!
・[Renewed] Summer Catalog
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Here are the fifth wave of new products!!
・“Ultra-Lightweight 24-Rib Long Umbrella Series”
・“Ultra-Lightweight 12-Rib Folding Umbrella Series”
More durable! Lighter! With handy UV protection! Check out the wagasa umbrella catalog here ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/94/294_1_file.pdf
※Special discount rates apply
These are traditional janome umbrellas arranged in a modern style,
Umbrellas with a chic, modern Japanese color scheme that complement casual attire.
They feature simple color palettes suitable for all genders, and can also be used as parasols.
【Recommended Benefits of Sourcing from Ishikawa Shigyo】
・(For repeat orders, with contract benefits) Special discount rates are currently available.
・Order from a minimum of one umbrella! Choose your preferred color! (Packaged in an umbrella box)
・When you order 20 or more wagasa umbrellas, get one sample of our choice for free! (Please note that you’d like this benefit when ordering.)
・Same-day shipping is possible at the earliest!
◆New Products: Waves 1–4◆
■“Ceramic Omikuji” is here (p. 28–) ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/58/258_1_file.pdf
▼A full lineup of popular characters: “Maneki Neko,” “Otogi Inu,” “Daruma,” “Ojizo-san,” “Shishimai,” and “Heart”!
A series you can enjoy both as a test of luck and as decorative ornaments♪
【Two Special Benefits!】
・Comes with a dedicated display box and bilingual (Japanese-English) POP for promotional use!
・Free shipping included (no separate shipments), as long as your combined order, including omikuji items, totals at least 10,000 yen wholesale (limited-time offer).
▼Recommended for inbound demand!!▼
Although the fortune slips are in Japanese, overseas visitors can enjoy them via translation apps (e.g., Google Lens) to read their fortunes in their own language♪
■“Washi-ya no Ishou Kokeshi” (Washi Costume Kokeshi) Dolls Catalog here ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/58/258_1_file.pdf
We have now adopted washi paper for the heads of our existing Costume Kokeshi series!
・Given the large influx of overseas tourists and the shortage of artisans producing our Costume Kokeshi lineup...
・Our wish at Ishikawa Shigyo is to meet the supply demand as best as possible, so we created the “Washi-ya no Ishou Kokeshi” series!
・Perfect for inbound audiences, each box includes English text and visuals.
・We also accept reservations for changing the face or kimono designs! OEM orders welcome!!
Our inbound-focused catalog is here ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/76/276_1_file.pdf
[Contents: Washi Korokoro self-righting dolls, Costume Kokeshi, Maneki Neko, Daruma, Tenugui, Folding Fans, Decorative Paper Art, Toys, Magnets, Yuzen-patterned items, etc.]
■“Summer Goods” Catalog renewed on March 27
Includes uchiwa fans (P2), glass wind chimes (P5), folding fans (Mino Washi Fans, Silk Fans) (P6), and more!
◆Renewed pages◆
・Added 50+ types of brooches!
Our brooches are perfect for everyday use on clothing, hats, or even as obi clasps!
They’re made of washi that has been hand-dyed, and you can easily place an order for a coordinated set of designs.
・New “koku” series earrings!
Crafted with hand-dyed Mino Washi, these earrings are lightweight. The chic black base color with gold and silver accents creates an elegant look!
・New wagasa (umbrella) and folding umbrella lines!
Featuring a stylish kiriko-inspired pattern, these designs will brighten your rainy day!
The Summer Goods Catalog is here ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/36/136_1_file.pdf
【Three Special Benefits!!】
・Order 20 or more “Washi Maker’s Handcrafted Uchiwa” fans, and we’ll gift you a bamboo display stand (upon request)!
・Order 12 or more “Hand-Dyed Mino Washi Folding Fans” and we’ll gift you a special bamboo display stand (upon request) for promotional use!
・Free shipping! If you order glass wind chimes, folding fans, or uchiwa fans, plus other regular items totaling at least 10,000 yen wholesale (limited-time offer).
▼[Folding Fans] and [Uchiwa Fans] – officially recognized Mino Washi Brand products▼
・Painstakingly hand-dyed in Kyoto using Mino Washi, then made entirely by hand in Japan.
▼[Wind Chimes] – recommended all year round, even for inbound markets▼
・They’re popular even in areas like Shirakawa-go, a heavy snowfall region, throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
・Visitors from abroad love to bring home this exotic Japanese sound to enjoy in their own countries!
■“Kigokoroya Komon Tenugui”
Two new patterns! Introducing new designs: [88 Peach], [89 Hawk]!
See the Wazakka Catalog (p. 7) here ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/36/136_1_file.pdf
Original labels possible for our Tenugui (see our Rakuten page) ↓
https://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/%E6%89%8B%E3%81%AC%E3%81%90%E3%81%84/?sid=391090
Minimum lot of 100 for creating custom labels. An additional design fee may apply (please inquire).
Made in Japan with 100% cotton! Absorbent, and gets softer with continued use!
Promote your company, store name, or region with a one-and-only original tenugui!
We’ll create a free custom label for you!
Here’s the link again for original-label tenugui (our Rakuten page) ↓
https://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/%E6%89%8B%E3%81%AC%E3%81%90%E3%81%84/?sid=391090
Tenugui original label: lot 100+; additional design fees may apply (please inquire).
■“Chirimen Beanbag Rabbit Yuzen” is here (p. 33–) ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/58/258_1_file.pdf
Available in blue or red! Our hugely popular “Rabbit Hina” has been renewed!
We revamped it so that it can be displayed throughout the year, not just for the Doll Festival!
Its palm-sized, compact design is simply irresistible♪
■“Iki Silk Sensu” / Clear Case with Hook – Silk Fan Catalog (p. 9–) ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/03/25/325_1_file.pdf
Previously available in a white box only; now also offered in a clear case!
For an additional 25 yen on the wholesale price, we can switch to a clear case (lot of 100+, mixing is possible).
Comes with a hook for easy display!
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〇●〇 2025 May Dolls (Gogatsu Ningyo) Information 〇●〇
Ready-to-ship May dolls stock list, plus brand-new name plaque service!
May Doll Catalog & Product Profiles
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We have released our ready-to-ship May Doll inventory list!
Use this for building your in-store displays.
We hope it helps you create a beautiful sales floor.
■As of March 28, here are the May Doll items available for immediate shipping ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/17/217_1_file.pdf
[Use this stock list as an order form!]
Items in stock can be shipped right away!
Since these items are produced in limited quantities, please secure your order as soon as possible.
※Inventory fluctuates daily.
■As of March 28, here are the May Doll items available for immediate shipping ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/17/217_1_file.pdf
[Use this stock list as an order form!]
Items in stock can be shipped right away!
Since these items are produced in limited quantities, please secure your order as soon as possible.
※Inventory fluctuates daily.
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[PURCHASE BENEFIT] — Currently running a campaign!
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New product + other regular items combined total of
10,000 yen wholesale or more → Free shipping♪ (limited-time offer)
Take advantage of this opportunity♪
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■New Service: Name Plaque Creation
[For Official Partner Retailers Only]
For customers who purchase our eligible May Doll items at your store, we can later ship a personalized name plaque directly from us.
We can create a name plaque for 330 yen (including shipping)!
There are two ways to request this service: via our Rakuten shop or by using our Excel form.
For details, see below:
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/magazine/01/66/166_1_file.pdf (Iki-Iki News, November Issue)
We will send more information upon request.
This is a fantastic deal, so please take advantage of it!
Our new May Doll creations are officially recognized as a new Mino Washi Brand!
■2025 May Doll Catalog
May Dolls → https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/71/171_1_file.pdf
(Related Blog) https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1503.html
*As of Nov. 22, new additions to May hariko dolls appear on p. 44–
*Some hariko items will have updated JAN codes in sequence
■2025 May Dolls Product Profiles
May Dolls → https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/71/171_1_file.pdf
This sheet includes product-by-product introductions that can be used for sales talks or promotional POP!
It includes photos, JAN codes, suggested retail prices, sizes, and set contents.
Feel free to use it to create marketing materials.
We also have Excel data available. Please contact the Circulation Department if you would like it!
We can also provide individual product photos upon request. Feel free to inquire.
[Recommended Highlights for May Dolls 2025]
◆A luxurious set combining the gorgeously decorated Mino Washi kabuto helmet display with our original high-grade chirimen carp streamer decoration.
Modern users love a display that features both “carp streamers” and “kabuto helmets” in a single compact format.
◆Enjoy separate displays! Each set comes with its own high-quality whitewood base for the kabuto and the carp streamer decorations.
◆The Mino Washi kabuto offers intricately beautiful patterns not possible with fabric alone.
Choose from original designs: “shira Wave,” “Dot Gold,” “shira Sakura,” “shira Wave Black,” “shira Wave Gold,” “Yuzen Gold.”
Select from “Long Kuwagata,” “Big Kuwagata,” or “Crescent Moon” for the crest shape.
Carp streamer decorations come in either “shira” style or “color” style.
◆We have options ranging from the popular paulownia box type to whitewood base types, so you can choose the style that suits your needs.
◆DIY Kits for “Experience-Based Consumption”
Responding to user demands, our handcrafted kits are very popular. Both kids and adults can easily enjoy them, making them ideal for workshop events.
◆Popular Items
We have a full lineup of new to long-selling items, including May hariko dolls, shimenawa hanging ornaments, mobile dolls, and sewn stuffed ornaments.
Since our products are made domestically in Gifu Prefecture, supply is stable.
*Each item is handmade. We set order deadlines to maintain top quality.
*We produce orders in the sequence they are received. Delivery is prioritized for early orders.
*Please specify the item number/name clearly when ordering (Excel or FAX). Orders cannot be canceled after confirmation, due to our handmade production process.
*If you need to change quantities or delivery dates, please contact us within 8 days of placing your order. We may not be able to accommodate all requests.