By MICHITAKA KONO/ Staff Writer
March 1, 2021 at 07:00 JST
Kamika's "bunkobako" document boxes (Provided by Kamika)
Editor’s note: This series showcases what we are calling “kawaii” (cute) items made locally in the iconic Japanese city.
* * *
Kamika, founded in the Genroku Era (1688-1704) of the Edo Period (1603-1867), is a long-time supplier of fine paper, ink brushes, inksticks, inkstones and other stationery items to the ancient capital's famed Chionin temple.
"We've been selling items to the temple for more than 200 years," said sales representative Junko Maeda.
The shop produces original "bunkobako" document boxes for temples on a made-to-order basis, which can contain pens, letter paper and other items. Its clamshell type sells for 2,500 yen ($24), excluding tax.
Kamika's calligraphy set has also become recently popular with customers, Maeda added.
Address: 97 Ooidecho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto.
Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays, national holidays and the second and fourth Saturdays.
KYOTO GOES KAWAII: Confectionery offers modern way to enjoy traditional sweet
February 15, 2021
KYOTO GOES KAWAII: Enjoy Japanese-style facial with Kyomiori’s natural cleansers
December 28, 2020
KYOTO GOES KAWAII: Yamada-Matsu offers incense woods that calm the nerves
December 8, 2020
KYOTO GOES KAWAII: Tie-dye shop’s scarfs, hats and bags inspired by sea creatures
October 20, 2020
KYOTO GOES KAWAII: Traditional tea shop puts pop art twist on teapots to cater to young
August 7, 2020
KYOTO GOES KAWAII: Kimono tailors at Erisho create masks for hot, humid conditions
July 17, 2020
Stories about memories of cherry blossoms solicited from readers
Cooking experts, chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life.
A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry
A series on the death of a Japanese woman that sparked a debate about criminal justice policy in the United States
A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II
Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors.
