Practical Guide to Design, Printing, Paper, and Finishing: 'Design no Hikidashi 57' Released!

What is 'Design no Hikidashi'?

'Design no Hikidashi' was first published in 2006 and has consistently provided in-depth, practical insights into paper, printing, finishing, binding, packaging, and merchandise production. The magazine goes beyond theoretical knowledge, offering detailed information on available paper types, possible finishing techniques, printing methods, feasible specifications, and where to source them—presented in a way that supports actual production, ordering, and planning. A key feature is the inclusion of generous physical samples, allowing readers to see, touch, and experience printing and paper materials firsthand.

How can a printed book be delivered as an appealing product? What added value can be given to the book as a product? How can editing, design, printing, binding, and distribution be effectively connected? 'Design no Hikidashi' is a book for everyone supporting the publishing industry, thoroughly exploring what value means for the future of publishing.

About Issue 57

This issue's special feature is 'Get Even Better at Choosing Paper!'. For the cover, marking the new beginning with Suireisha, we selected Hosho paper (machine-made Japanese paper), which we felt was the most auspicious among the papers introduced in the paper special feature. This was combined with aluminum lamination, dyed gold, and further processed with a fine embossed wavy pattern using Yoshimori Foil. On this paper, we applied UV offset printing with four layers of white and one layer of custom red ink, creating a visual inspired by traditional gift-wrapping paper.

'Design no Hikidashi 57' Cover

Inside, the issue includes interviews with professional designers on paper selection, inspiring examples of creative paper use, 'Fundamentals for Getting Even Better at Choosing Paper [7]', which breaks down essential knowledge into seven categories, and a curated selection of must-know papers recommended by the editorial team, categorized into nine groups.

The physical samples are also extensive. The issue includes a special appendix titled 'Extra-Large Paper Sample Book' containing 157 types of recommended papers featured in the special feature. Additional extras include a pulp-molded box made from the previous issue's Yare paper, a comprehensive and up-to-date quick-reference chart comparing all available printing paper types and thicknesses in Japan, and the Tago Price Scale, which provides cost references for fancy papers—making this issue a treasure trove for mastering paper selection.

Physical Samples

Message from Book Designer Naomi Nagai

Book designer Naomi Nagai shared a message on the new beginning of 'Design no Hikidashi'.

Since the birth of 'Design no Hikidashi', I’ve been running a factory tour series, so I’m especially delighted that the series will continue with Suireisha. Let’s continue to enjoy and support the publishing world’s most unruly yet brilliant magazine—Design no Hikidashi!

Greeting from the Editor-in-Chief on the New Beginning

Thank you sincerely for your long-standing support of 'Design no Hikidashi'.

In December last year, we abruptly learned that publication by Graphic-sha would cease, causing significant inconvenience and concern. We sincerely apologize for this.

Due to circumstances at Graphic-sha, I stepped down from my role as Representative Director in December last year, making it difficult to continue publication in its previous form.

The thought that unfinished issues and future editions might never reach the public was deeply troubling—not only for our waiting readers and bookstore partners but also for the many printing, paper, and finishing companies that have supported the magazine. Personally, since launching the magazine 20 years ago, I’ve visited countless production sites across Japan and around the world, discovering the fascinating world of printing, paper, and finishing. I strongly wanted to continue sharing this world through 'Design no Hikidashi'. This determination pushed me to seek a new path and continue publication at all costs.

After discussions with Graphic-sha, we reached an agreement at the end of last year: I would continue publishing the currently edited issue 57 and future issues from a new platform.

Suireisha was the first to respond with strong support. They emphasized that 'Design no Hikidashi' must not disappear and expressed their passionate desire to continue producing it just as before, delivering essential printing, paper, and finishing information to those who need it. Despite being primarily known for literary books, Suireisha willingly took on the significant challenges of sales and production systems to publish this entirely different genre. I am deeply grateful. Additionally, 33 other publishers offered to continue the series. I am profoundly thankful and heartened to know so many care about the magazine’s future. Thank you truly.

Since the new year, preparations have advanced, and we are pleased to announce that the Suireisha edition of 'Design no Hikidashi' will launch in June 2026. We will continue to publish with a strong commitment to deeply exploring printing, paper, and finishing—clearly explaining where to source high-quality printing and finishing, what precautions to take, and how to use them effectively. We will also continue including physical samples so readers can see, touch, and feel the materials.

We are committed to evolving and deepening 'Design no Hikidashi' to help create more appealing paper and printed products. We will continue crafting covers and designs that stand out on shelves and excite our readers.
We will strive to make 'Design no Hikidashi' even more satisfying for our readers. Thank you for your continued support.

— Junko Tsuda, Editor-in-Chief, 'Design no Hikidashi'

Upcoming Events

Editor-in-Chief Tsuda will speak at the following events, sharing insights on 'Design no Hikidashi' and the charm of paper.

[Discover and Play with Paper: Paper Summit Japan]
• Date: July 24 (Fri) – 25 (Sat), 2026
• Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center, Hamamatsucho Building, 3F
• Content: Booth exhibition, talk event by Editor-in-Chief Tsuda
• URL: https://japan.paper-summit.com/

[Midnight Junku Club]
• Date: August 22 (Sat), 2026
• Venue: Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore, Ikebukuro Main Store
• Content: 'Design no Hikidashi' talk session and paper-naming karuta game
• URL: https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/pages/midnightjunkuclu