Ryōhei Murata, Picking Up Type: Connecting Graphic Design and Letterpress Printing (Photographs by Naoki Matsuda)

Clank, clank.
The dry sound of the Chandler letterpress machine resonates through the workshop today, as it does every day.

――――

In 2012, a letterpress printing house in Kyoto closed its doors.

In an age where offset printing, which ensures mass production and uniform quality, is mainstream, the survival of a letterpress printing house was difficult. However, its tools and letterpress machines were taken over by a certain individual, and even now, the pleasant sound of the letterpress machine continues to resonate as it diligently carves out type.

Graphic designer and letterpress printer Ryohei Murata, owner of "Liten-do," presents a photo-essay filled with his thoughts on letterpress printing, the tools involved, and the figures of artisans, accompanied by photographs by photographer Naoki Matsuda.

Why did he start letterpress printing in an era that extols rationality? The book explores Murata's encounter with letterpress printing after starting out as a graphic designer, his decision to open "Liten-do," and his days of self-study as a letterpress technician.
Through letterpress, which seems to be at odds with modern printing, Murata feels that something has been lost in the midst of digitalization and rationalization. For example, the very existence of tools passed down by artisans, or the weight of type—this book became just that. (From the publisher's website)

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