At our company, we deliver traditional Japanese cultural items, including kakejiku (hanging scrolls), to customers all around the world.

This time, we would like to introduce an episode involving a repeat order from a bonsai enthusiast in the Netherlands.

We have had several transactions with this customer in the past, and they are a valuable repeat client with a deep understanding and love for Japanese culture.

 

This episode is a result of the trust we have built over the years.

Our first encounter was in 2019 when the customer consulted with us about making a tanzaku-gake. As a bonsai enthusiast with a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, the customer expressed a desire to share the beauty of Japan with those around them.

Since then, we have continued to receive orders, deepening our mutual understanding.

 

A New Order

This new order presented a fresh challenge for us. While the order for tanzaku-gake was the same as before, the customer also requested a karuta-gake, a rare type of kakejiku.

Karuta are traditional Japanese playing cards made of washi paper, and the idea of displaying them like tanzaku was innovative for us.

To meet the customer’s needs, we proposed four designs for both tanzaku-gake and karuta-gake.

The customer placed an order for four of each tanzaku-gake design and three of each karuta-gake design.

In the process of creating these designs, we put great effort into blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western sensibilities.

The trust built over our long-term relationship allowed for smooth communication and mutual understanding.

Although communicating in English can sometimes be challenging, our mutual respect for each other’s cultures helps us overcome language barriers. We are always grateful for the customer’s flexibility and understanding.

 

Completion of the Tanzaku-gake and Karuta-gake

The tanzaku-gake and karuta-gake were successfully completed.

 

Sharing the Joy

When the products safely arrived in the Netherlands, we received a heartwarming email from the customer:

Dear Yuuichi-san,

The parcel has arrived. And it is fine. We are very happy with the products. The tanzaku an Karuta-gake are very nice. And we like al de different designs ! My clients will like them to. So, thank you very much for that…

 

Receiving such feedback makes us feel that our effort to craft these items for a customer in a distant country was truly worthwhile.

 

As a Bridge Between Cultures

Through this experience, we were reminded that our work goes beyond simply selling products—it plays a role in conveying the charm of Japanese culture to the world. By building long-term relationships with overseas partners who, like this customer, have a deep understanding and love for Japanese culture, we are confident that our traditional techniques will continue to spread more widely and deeply around the globe.

Through such international transactions, we continuously gain new challenges and learning opportunities. We will continue to listen to the needs of our customers worldwide and develop products that combine traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary cultural trends.

This episode with this customer has become one of our treasures. We will continue to cherish every encounter and maintain heartfelt exchanges with customers around the world. Long-term relationships with repeat customers like this one form the foundation of our company’s growth and global expansion.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding kakejiku hanging scrolls, please feel free to consult us anytime.