Okoshibumi

Introducing Machinami Hagaki, Torii, Noren Byoubu

Okoshibumi, what is it?


A letter is far more personable than a phone call or email, it elicits emotion that cannot be achieved through other communication methods. The excitement that one feels when opening an envelope is unique to letters. Okoshibumi adds style and colour to this wonderful method of communication.

Japan has a wonderful culture where you “open it up to use, and fold it up to put away”, an example being the Japanese fan. The okoshibumi follows this culture, where you fold the okoshibumi to send it in an envelope, and the okoshibumi will open up and display a wonderful scenery when the envelope is cut. The letter displays the plain beauty of Japan by utilizing light transparency and spacing.

Machinami Hagaki (Town Scenery Post Card)

This post card distplays the scenery of a traditional Japanese town, it will elicit nostalgia in those familiar with Japanese culture. If folded along the pre-made lines, the town will pop up in a 3-D fashion. For building instructions, please refer to the bottom right illustration on the post card. Also, if you are sending the card, please don’t build the card and send it in the post, the receiver will be the one to build the card. Even if you have already built the card, you can flatten the card and resend it.

Dimensions:
150 x 105 per card (L x W in mm)

Torii

This was originally designed as a wedding invitation, it is the first ever okoshibumi made. When opened, 12 beautifully red toriis pop up and one can observe the scenery of a temple. The ground and walls of the postcard displays cloud and leaf designs which have been stamped in gold.

Dimensions:
180 x 90 (L x W in mm)

Noren Byoubu

You can insert nice poems and drawings into the small norens (partitions) to decorate it. When placed by the window, you can see the light transmit through a circle window, as well as the beautiful blue waves, accentuating the beauty. Simply breathtaking.

Dimensions:
220 x 90 (L x W in mm)

About the author, Yamaoka Susumu

Yamaoka was born in Negishi, Tokyo, and graduated from the Kuwasawa design school. Shortly after graduation, he worked as a graphic designer at Endo Susumu Design Studio. He also worked as a product and package designer at Yonenoi Design Ltd. Throughout his career, Yamaoka has held various exhibitions of his work. Some examples being Senbikiya gallery, Yanaka Kumai gallery, and the Ginza Matsuya gallery. His beautiful works of art has been praised by many, and he has published a book titled “Daredemo dekiru okoshi-bumi” (okoshibumi, what everyone can do).