Introducing easy-to-use stationery and ZINE binding tools, and ergonomic computer peripherals

Why did a comedian become an editor? The Life of Takeshi Fujiwara

Takeshi Fujiwara, an editor, began his career as a comedian who "thought he would make it big." He entered Yoshimoto's training school (NSC) with a junior high classmate and spent his days honing his act while working part-time at a convenience store. He never thought of quitting, but his partner did. This is the story of how he became an editor.

[Interview] Joe Keery and New Zealand's "Coup De Main" on Making a The 1975 Zine

Coup De Main is a ZINE-producing unit based in New Zealand. The name means "surprise attack" in French (pronounced "coo-duh-man"). They produce ZINEs and web magazines, and recently interviewed the cast of Netflix's "Stranger Things" (I bought a copy), and have had a long-standing relationship with the band "The 1975." They pour their respect for actors and artists into their work, truly creating "fan ZINEs." I happened to meet them by chance and decided to interview them via email about their activities.

What is saddle-stitch binding? What it can and cannot do, and how to do it.

Saddle stitching is a bookbinding method where the center of a folded sheet of paper is secured with wire, such as a stapler. You often see it in weekly magazines and pamphlets. We will explain the features of saddle-stitched binding.

Choosing an app to create a ZINE: Canva, InDesign, Word... What do you recommend?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions at DIY BOOKS' DIY ZINE School. Canva, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Word, PowerPoint, Affinity... The answer is "use whatever you're most comfortable with" or "choose the software that's easiest to use," but I'll summarize the features of each.

CMYK vs. RGB: Why colors on screen differ from printed colors

"The data showed a vivid blue, but when I printed it, it turned out dark." This is a common complaint from people making a ZINE for the first time. This happens because computer and smartphone screens use "RGB" and printing uses "CMYK," which are different color expression methods.

Offset, On-demand, Risograph: What's the Difference? Which Printing Method Should I Choose for My Zine?

Many people who try to order a zine from a printing company are overwhelmed by the number of options. "Offset printing," "on-demand printing," or "risograph." What's the difference, and which one should you choose? The answer becomes quite clear when you consider the number of copies and your purpose.

What are grain directions in paper? Use paper with the grain running parallel to the spine (Y-grain) for saddle-stitching.

Grain long (T-grain) refers to paper where the fibers run parallel to the longer dimension of the sheet. Grain short (Y-grain) refers to paper where the fibers run parallel to the shorter dimension of the sheet. In printing company material lists and paper sample books, these are indicated as "T-grain" and "Y-grain."

Paper types and how to choose them for your zine: Understanding basis weight and characteristics

Many people who create a ZINE and hold the finished booklet in their hands feel that "it was more glossy than I expected" or "it's too smooth." While this can sometimes be a pleasant surprise, it's easier to prevent such situations if you can touch the paper beforehand or order with knowledge of paper types and characteristics. Before submitting your work, take a moment to learn a little about paper.

Guide to Book Part Names (Head, Tail, Fore-edge, Gutter, and Type Area) and Margin Setting

When making zines, you might encounter unfamiliar terms in conversations with printing company operators or when researching printing-related information. For example, "Perhaps you should leave a little more space on the fore edge," or "The gutter might get caught." Learning the names of the parts of a book just once will make these interactions much smoother. It's definitely worth remembering them.

Perfect Bound or Saddle Stitched? Compare the Features Before Making Your Zine

When making a ZINE, you broadly have two options: "perfect binding" or "saddle stitching." Perfect binding is like paperback books or novels, where a spine is created, allowing the title to be visible when lined up on a shelf. Saddle stitching is cheaper and easier, and has the advantage of opening flat to 180 degrees, but perfect binding has a different aesthetic.

Zine: Right-to-Left or Left-to-Right? Choosing the Right Binding Direction and What to Watch Out For

When creating a ZINE, the first thing you should decide is whether it will be a right-to-left or left-to-right binding. If you try to change it later, you'll have to re-layout all the pages. This is the most fundamental part of a book's format, so consider it first.

How to Choose the Right Zine Size: A5, B6, and Custom Sizes

The size of a ZINE (format) is a crucial factor that directly impacts not only its appearance but also its readability and cost. When submitting your work to a printing company, one of the first things you'll choose is the size. Knowing your options can help you visualize the final product. The most important thing is the overall impression you envision for your ZINE. Let's explore the size that feels most right when you hold it and when you see it.

What is imposition? Mastering the "Booklet Printing" function

When making a ZINE, you might encounter the term "imposition." This happens when submitting to a printing company or when trying to print and bind it yourself. Understanding the mechanism of imposition can significantly smooth out the submission process.

What is a bleed? Settings you must check before submitting your ZINE

A white border appeared on the edge of my ZINE after submission... This article explains the basics of "bleed" and how to set it to prevent such mistakes. It covers procedures for various software such as Canva, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Be sure to check it before submission to ensure your booklet turns out beautifully, exactly as you envisioned.

[Preview] The owner's first manga, "Bomb Dad: Making a Place for Anger"

Drafted in 4 days → Bound. We're publishing a preview of DIY BOOKS' owner's first manga. Up to the first 13 pages.

A masterwork on "What is Logical Thinking?" has been born. What is logical varies depending on purpose, situation, and culture.

I read Masako Watanabe's "What is Logical Thinking?" (Iwanami Shinsho). It's an amazing book. It was the most impactful book I've read in 2024.

When "logical" or "rational" is mentioned, an American logical structure of "claim, evidence, conclusion" often comes to mind, like the PREP method.

However, the author argues that appropriate logical methods differ depending on the purpose, country, religion, ideology, and situation, and it's important to use them pluralistically.

What is a Risograph? How to use it and create data (with images)

RISO Kagaku's Risograph stencil duplicators are popular for producing Zines (small-run booklets created by individuals) and paper crafts because of their unique printing quality.
However, they require careful handling as their operation differs from conventional printers. This guide explains the basic use of a Risograph.

As author Kim Young-ha says, everyone should become an artist.

I believe that everyone should be a writer, not just to make a living. Yongha also says, "Everyone has multiple identities, and I hope at least one of them is an artist." I hope for a future where everyone practices art, whether they show it to others or not.

[BIG NEWS] The background music at the cafe I've been going to for 5 years (Kohakuya) has changed.

This news was personally shocking, so I felt compelled to write about it. It's about Kohakuya Coffee, a cafe located about 5 minutes from Mukonoso South Exit in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture.

To give form to an idea, first, quickly jot it down!

I believe there's a common approach I take when it comes to writing drafts and creating zines. It's very similar to brainstorming. First and foremost, it's crucial to jot down all the images and ideas in my head without any self-criticism.

The day Kobayashi Bookstore closed. The store's life was reflected in its stance of giving to others until the very end.

Kobayashi Bookstore closed on May 31st. I attended the "Thank You Party," which was less of a farewell party and more of a gratitude event, held from noon. I believe the fact that they held an event to give back to people on their last day truly encapsulates everything Kobayashi Bookstore stood for.

Attended the talk event "The Future of Town Bookstores" at Kobayashi Shoten.

Kobayashi Shoten, a new bookstore that has been in business for over 70 years in Tachibana, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, will close at the end of this month, May 2024.

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, a talk event titled "The Future of Local Bookstores" was held at Kobayashi Shoten, where store owner Yumiko Kobayashi invited three owners of local bookstores to discuss the topic. Hirata, owner of DIY BOOKS, also participated as a speaker.

How to write a novel, by Melon Umi Nekozawa. Catapult the emotional arc upward.

On the first day I met novelist Melon Umiushi, I asked her about her creative writing process. Umiushi debuted with "Hidari-maki-shiki Last Resort" and is active as a novelist with works such as "Natsu no Hakobune" and "Kids Fire Dot Com", and also as a non-fiction writer and essayist with works like "Tomorrow, Machines Will Become Human." Umiushi says the trick is not to let your emotions drop, but to elevate them.

Bento and essays. Writing has meaning beyond merely making a living.

I've been making my own lunch recently to save money (and for health reasons). Usually, it's just leftovers from the previous day, supplemented with sausage or an egg dish. It suddenly occurred to me that "essays are much like bento boxes."

Why Start a "Maker Bookstore" in Mukonosho?

Why I decided to open a bookstore in Mukonoso, Mukomotomachi, and why I chose to open a "Tsukureru Honya" (makeable bookstore) in particular... I've written most of the reasons in the ZINE "Living in Mukonoso," so I hope you'll read it, but I'd like to tell you about it again.