Launch of the first International Nōsatsukai

[Rose M.]

Dear all, 

Hozuki Books and Sekioka Mokuhan are proud to announce the launch of the first International Nōsatsukai. 

Until now, nōsatsukai have been accessible only to those living in Japan. From 2025, however, Sekioka Mokuhan and Hozuki Books will host a nōsatsukai open to participants living outside of Japan. Twice a year (three times annually from 2026) participants will receive a mailed package containing woodblock prints featuring the names or pseudonyms of all participants as well as a selection of single senshafuda (senjafuda) offered by members who have commissioned prints. The theme of each print will be decided four months in advance of the nōsatsukai date by the participants via online vote from three options proposed by the organisers. This will provide time for the calligraphers, artists, carvers, and printers involved to produce the prints. 

A growing interest in pilgrimages amongst Japanese people in the Edo period provided the impetus for the production of a new type of woodblock-printed ephemera – senshafuda (also called nōsatsu). At the very beginning, pilgrims pasted their senshafuda – slips of paper woodblock-printed with dark grey pigment with their name – on temple gates. As pilgrims ran into each other multiple times on the trail they came to exchange the printed slips like business cards. Around the same period, businesses started to print woodblocks with multiple colours. These businesses began to print colourful shop cards and colleagues had competitions over the best designs. The popularity of senshafuda and gatherings at which senshafuda were exchanged increased, and the first nōsatsukai were born. 

As of 2023, there were three nōsatsukai in Japan. The International Nōsatsukai will be the fourth active nōsatsukai, and the world’s first international association. In preparation for a typical nōsatsukai in Japan, the members’ names are engraved in new woodblocks. The prints are distributed at the nōsatsukai together with senshafuda created by members, which may include congratulatory or consolation messages and designs. The January meeting is always lively, with people bringing hand towels and calendars for the New Year. In July, a memorial service is held for members who passed away during the year. Although the nōsatsukai members have different occupations, their common interest in senshafuda brings them together. The exchange of senshafuda is a fascinating tradition that continues to be passed down from generation to generation. 

Registration for International Nōsatsukai placements for 2025 has just opened. One hundred places will be available for the first kai. This number will be raised for successive kai if the number of applicants is higher than expected. Successful applicants will be contacted in January 2025. The first kai will take place in June 2025, and the second in October 2025. The theme of the first kai will be chosen by the organisers and announced in January. The number of participants will determine the print run of each print. International Nōsatsukai prints will not be sold or given by the organisers to non-participants. 

The nōsatsukai will provide members with the opportunity to share their love of Japanese woodblock prints by actively participating in the production of new artworks and supporting papermakers, calligraphers, carvers, printers, and artists involved in print production. The exchange of commissioned senshafuda – the core of all nōsatsukai – will also provide members with opportunities for networking and creative collaboration. We hope you join us in writing this new chapter in the history of senshafuda. 

To become a member or to receive more information and updates about the International Nōsatsukai, please register your interest here:

https://www.sekiokamokuhan.jp/international-nosatsukai/

Best wishes, 

Rose Counsell 

Book Huntress 

Hozuki Books