About the Brand
Elegant Japanese Stationery
Nichome paints a distinctive niche in the realm of Japanese stationery with subtle and sophisticated designs seeped in traditional Japanese elements. Offering a moment of visual peace and tranquility, we are thoughtful brand presenting pieces that enrich without overpowering, whilst proudly standing with those who cherish art in stationery.
Introducing: Elegant Slice-of-Life Stationery, from Nichome ❤︎
Meet The Team
Our internal strength lies in a supportive workplace that allows creativity to flourish. Nichome Brand Managers and Designers are a varied bunch—all with training in traditional arts—from design, to painting, to tea ceremony to Japanese dance, we adhere to a culture that values human creativity and contribution, respect, empathy and a certain sensitivity.
Kyoto Heritage & Craftsmanship
Based in Kyoto, the ancient city where refined manners, traditional arts and the appreciation of natural elements are deeply cherished, we incorporate these aesthetics into every product while paying discerning attention to craftsmanship, paper and ink quality, adhesive strength, precision of the cut, ease of use and thoughtful presentation.
An Artist's Brand
We celebrate human creativity and skill, thus digitally created images have no home at Nichome.
All Nichome creations begin with soot based ink on Japanese paper. Designs are hand-sketched by artisans specialized in creating ukiyo-e, Nihonga and other classical Japanese art forms.
Outlined, then shaded and painted, monochrome illustrations are a basis to our designs. Delicate pencil marks, sharp brushstrokes and layers of pigment remain in the finished product as a testament to the value we place on human artwork.
100% brass is used in our brass stationery, allowing warmth, slight imperfections and the unique characteristics of the metal to shine whilst reminding that each instrument has life.
Our stationery is deeply rooted in the Japanese aesthetic of wabi sabi: or admiring beauty in temperance and imperfection. To create the final product, hand drawn and painted original art is scanned at high resolution to enable reproduction on a machine press—thereby maintaining artistic integrity and a hand-crafted feel. Our brass stationery is produced in small quantities with discerning attention to quality, detail, beauty, durability and ease of use.
Striking Simplicity
By restricting artwork colors to black and white, Nichome places focus on lines, textures, and composition. We invite you to notice subtle brushstrokes, nuanced shading and quiet emotion conveyed in the absence of color, as a single pigment creates a vast spectrum of expression.
This monochromatic approach is rooted in sumi-e (墨絵), a traditional Japanese art form where emphasis is placed on individual brush strokes. Black ink on fibered paper allows for designs of striking simplicity that encourage contemplation and engagement.
Drawn with a soft, artistic touch, the artwork never competes or overpowers, preferring to be a supportive backdrop or a subtle accent that compliments the narrative of the page and allows your own thoughts, handwriting and themes to remain central.
Gold Accents
Gold accents weave throughout in respect of kintsugi principles. Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is the Japanese art of mending pottery with gold lacquer to create extended life for broken pieces. In kintsugi philosophy, preciousness is found in unique additions to a simple base. At Nichome, we harness this philosophy with the use of gold accents. The gold enhances the simplicity of the black and white artwork, allowing for the appreciation of the subtleties in color, texture and balance.
Brass Stationery
Our brass line-up of keychains, rulers, bookmarks, and pens extends our artistic vision beyond paper goods into functional and collectible items while reinforcing brand values of quality, elegance, and connection to a bygone era. Nichome’s signature hand-painted characters connect these brass items to our hometown of Kyoto.
Durable and long-lasting, over time, the brass develops a beautiful patina that adds character and charm. Its golden-brown hues naturally complement and provide a warm metallic accent to our Washi tape, PET tape, sticker sets and journals.
Packaging
Not merely a container for our brass stationery, designing packaging in-house ensures that every aspect, from the stationery inside, to the package it is enclosed in is a seamless extension of our artistic vision and brand philosophy.
Made of natural elements, every fold, crease, sticker and typographic choice is intentional. The packaging for our brass stationery is adorned with our signature script and a 100% brass closure designed to be kept, admired, and cherished—much like a piece of fine jewelry. The brass closures can be lovingly re-purposed as buttons or cufflinks.
Meet the Girls
The Entantresses
Nichome is inspired by The Entantresses, the stunning women, who grace the pages of our washi and PET tape, journals, stickers, games and accessories.
Always Elegant; Aways Lovely
The Entantresses bring a sense of serenity and quiet beauty. Calm, graceful and introspective, they adorn with both stillness and gentle movement. Appearing in cityscapes and amidst nature in a pensive and harmonious manner, they create a subtle story that allows the viewer to imagine their thoughts and emotions.
A modern take on bijin-ga (美人画), or Japanese paintings emphasizing the beauty of a female’s appearance, the Entantresses take you on a journey throughout Japan as they live it. They represent a commitment to excellence in the face of any challenge. Appearing serene and composed amidst the bustling city, they pose in quiet perseverance and dignity. Allow the Entantresses to serve as imagery that invites contemplation and inspiration.
Meet The Entantresses:
Lai
Hobby: Gifting
Personality: Lai’s hidden charm is in her ability to navigate complex social landscapes. Her reserved and calm demeanor make her well suited to represent clients at the PR agency in which she works.
Find Her: Leasing samples and socializing.
Why Lai ❤︎s Nichome: Lai loves giving Nichome brass stationery to clients or bringing it as a gift to the host of party or event; She knows she will be remembered for it.
Featured In: Neon Lights Sticker Set, The Girls PET Tape, Tokyo Nights Journal, Taxi Washi Tape
Seika
Hobby: Collecting Japanese Stationery
Personality: Easygoing and empathetic, Seika's smile always precedes her. Charmingly curious, her eyes light up at the thrill of each new discovery.
Find Her: Bike riding thru Daikanyama and Ebisu on blissful summer nights.
Why Seika ❤︎s Nichome: Seika's an avid writer. She uses various stickers and PET tape to decorate handwritten letters and adores the Brass Pocket Fountain Pen for its portability and style.
Featured In: 東京 Nights Journal, 東京 Girls Sticker Set, The Girls PET Tape
Zei
Hobby: Walking in nature, imagining the possibilities ♡
Personality: Finding comfort in the still and silence, Zei is the mastermind behind Nichome--quietly working hard to help people connect.
Why Zei ❤︎s Nichome: Zei uses the journals to give life to her ideas. They help with organization and turn thoughts into actionable steps. The Tied in 東京 Journal is used for memos and documenting, while the 東京 Nights Journal is reserved for deeper strategizing and reflecting.
Find Her: Propelling the brand into new heights with blissful determination.
Featured In: 東京 Nights Jigsaw Puzzle, 東京 Girls Sticker Set, The Girls PET Tape, 東京 Nights Journal
Juri
Hobby: Scrapbooking
Personality: Juri rarely utters a spoken word—preferring to savor moments in silent bliss. When heard, she is known to posses a gentle humor that compliments her otherwise stoic nature.
Find Her: Piecing things together
Why Juri ❤︎s Nichome: Juri scrapbooks as a creative outlet. She also loves to travel and keeps the Brass Charmed Keychain with her as a reminder to be seen and set her intentions high.
Featured In: Brass Charmed Keychain, Neon Lights Sticker Set, The Girls PET Tape, Tokyo Nights Journal, 東京 Nights Jigsaw Puzzle
Misa
Hobby: Documenting
Personality: Although cheerful in disposition, Misa is prone to succumb to self doubt about her capabilities. Her thoughts, scattered like desert sand, have a natural affinity to conceal the abundance of opportunities that patiently await her.
Find Her: Working on being more assertive...and confident.
Why Misa ❤︎s Nichome: Misa’s feircly determined to accomplish her goals. She loves writing out her dreams and documenting progress with the Numbered Brass Bookmarks.
Featured In: The Girls PET Tape, 東京 Nights Journal 東京 Girls Sticker Set
Shion
Hobby: Crafting Memories
Personality: With an air of quiet assurance, her movements are as tranquil as a flowing stream. Instilled with a deep sense of duty and responsibility, Shion--a keen learner and adept problem solver--confidently knows that everything she touches turns to gold.
Find Her: Going with the flow
Why Shion ❤︎s Nichome: Shion thrives in the present moment. She likes to carefully plan outings then write about it. She loves the weight of the Brass Ballpoint Pen in her hand when journaling the wonders of the day.
Featured In: 東京 Nights Journal, 東京 Girls Sticker Set, The Girls PET Tape
Eri
Hobby: Reading
Personality: With a heart as light as a feather, Eri’s knowledge is vast and she adores both quoting obscure literature and all things cute. While blissful in the company of a good book, she also finds joy in organizing book clubs and hand-writing the invitations.
Find Her: Exploring the mysteries of the pages that wrap her attention.
Why Eri ❤︎s Nichome: Eri loves to use the washi tape and sticker sets to decorate and sends out invitations with the Brass & Tigerwood Ballpoint Pen.
Featured In: 東京 Nights Journal, 東京 Girls Sticker Set, The Girls PET Tape
Ji-A
Hobby: Organizing Life
Personality: Often found with a journal and pen on hand, Ji-A carefully takes notes on what she has learned from others. A natural observer, she is fascinated by the still that encompasses the city during the peak of twilight.
Find Her: Walking along the riverbank, enjoying the sunrise and sunset.
Why Ji-A ❤︎s Nichome: For the journals! Ji-A is pre-occupied with attracting her future husband. All lessons learned are denoted in her journals with the Brass Ruler and Brass Fountain Pen.
Featured In: Neon Lights Sticker Set, The Girls PET Tape, Tokyo Nights Journal, 東京 Nights Jigsaw Puzzle
Jyu Jyu
Hobby: Searching for the very best matcha parfait
Personality: Abundant in patience and understanding, Jyu Jyu is a tranquil spirit and mother of two. Passionate about raising her little ones, she is fascinated at the speed in which they absorb information and vows to be an accomplished role model.
Find Her: Dreaming of running her own business. She uses washi and PET tape to make action boards and places the stickers all around to keep her motivated.
Why Jyu Jyu ❤︎s Nichome: Jyu Jyu likes to wind down by playing games. She has a personal goal to complete the Tokyo Nights Jigsaw Puzzle in 48 hours.
Featured In: Neon Lights Sticker Set, The Girls PET Tape, Tokyo Nights Journal, 東京 Nights Jigsaw Puzzle, Taxi Washi Tape
Elegant Japanese Stationery
Enjoy Nichome While:
Decorating
From making collages or borders to creating beautiful layouts or labels, the options for decoration are limitless with Washi & PET tape in hand.
Bookmarking
Brass bookmarks allow for immediate return in elegant style. Numbered to assist in organization.
Corresponding
Allow thoughts to be seen while corrosponding--with stately brass pens.
Organizing
The Brass Charmed Keychain keeps keys secure and orginised while allowing for easy additions and removals.
Relaxing
Piece together the Tokyo Nights Jigsaw Puzzle in leisurely style. A formidable way to relax.
Measuring
Accurate and elegant, the It's Written Ruler alluringly delivers when preciseness matters.
Did You Know?
二丁目 is written Nichome in Roman letters and means "2nd District" in Japanese. The name is a metaphor for a second chance to relive life as you see fit, where you see fit.
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