Yata Katazome Shop
In 2003 (Heisei 15), he was officially recognized as a Traditional Craftsman of Katsushika Ward.
Kōzō Yata, head of Yata Katazome Shop in Katsushika Ward, devoted his student years to sports, but today he sits at a small desk, carving stencils with nothing but a single knife as a master stencil carver.
At first glance, stencil carving may seem like a quiet, delicate craft, but Yata describes its essence as “a continuous series of razor-sharp judgments.” Anyone can cut and remove a millimeter of material, but what is truly required is the skill to stop just short—at a mere 0.1 millimeter. The moment he decides whether to push the blade forward or hold back determines both the beauty of the pattern and the lifespan of the stencil.
It is precisely within this tension, where mistakes are not allowed, that technique is honed and the depth and satisfaction of the work emerge.
In this world where stillness and motion coexist, Kōzō Yata continues today, quietly guiding his blade with unwavering focus.
Yata Katazome Shop places great importance on passing down the traditional art of stencil carving, cultivated in Katsushika Ward, to the present day and to future generations. While preserving patterns and techniques honed over a long history, the shop continually considers design approaches that can be naturally embraced by modern lifestyles and sensibilities.
Stencil carving is a craft built upon countless hours of meticulous work. Even in the most intricate carvings, which many might find daunting, no compromises are made—each cut is carefully and deliberately executed. This dedication reflects the desire to respond sincerely to customer requests with reliable quality.
Times may change, but truly excellent work endures in people’s hearts. At Yata Katazome Shop, tradition is not preserved merely for its own sake; it lives on when it is used and cherished. Each stencil is carved today with the same unwavering dedication, embodying the artisan’s skill and sincere commitment to craftsmanship.
The Ise stencil is considered the origin of Japanese stencil carving. Over time, it developed through a variety of techniques, including kuzuri-bori (awl carving), dougu-bori (tool carving), tsuki-bori (punch carving), and shima-bori (stripe carving). Techniques were further subdivided according to the tools used and the intended expression, and they evolved uniquely in different regions to suit local industries and climates.
During the Edo period, many Ise stencil artisans moved to Edo, where the flourishing townspeople culture encouraged them to explore new forms of expression. Drawing on the traditions of Ise while reflecting Edo aesthetics, Edo stencil carving was born.
A major characteristic of Edo stencil carving is the beauty of sharp, decisive lines created using a technique called hiki-bori (pull carving). These tense, continuous lines embody the Edo sense of style, wit, and elegance, combining strength with refinement. Edo stencil carving is also distinguished by compositions that make bold use of empty space and patterns that remain visually striking even from a distance.
Through these developments, Edo stencil carving has been cultivated as a form that conveys the artisans’ advanced skills and refined aesthetics, standing today as a symbol of Edo culture.
We use rare, genuine Ise tannin paper.
Since this is a stencil for dyeing real kimonos, it is extremely strong.
We have prepared five limited edition Year of the Horse stencils for 2026.
To use it, place the stencil on top of the New Year's card, then apply small amounts of acrylic paint to a brush or cloth and lightly apply the paint by tapping it thinly from above.
The trick is to avoid rubbing too hard or smearing the product.
Just apply the color little by little, tapping it from above.
Yata Katazome Shop
In 2003 (Heisei 15), he was officially recognized as a Traditional Craftsman of Katsushika Ward.
Kōzō Yata, head of Yata Katazome Shop in Katsushika Ward, devoted his student years to sports, but today he sits at a small desk, carving stencils with nothing but a single knife as a master stencil carver.
At first glance, stencil carving may seem like a quiet, delicate craft, but Yata describes its essence as “a continuous series of razor-sharp judgments.” Anyone can cut and remove a millimeter of material, but what is truly required is the skill to stop just short—at a mere 0.1 millimeter. The moment he decides whether to push the blade forward or hold back determines both the beauty of the pattern and the lifespan of the stencil.
It is precisely within this tension, where mistakes are not allowed, that technique is honed and the depth and satisfaction of the work emerge.
In this world where stillness and motion coexist, Kōzō Yata continues today, quietly guiding his blade with unwavering focus.
Yata Katazome Shop places great importance on passing down the traditional art of stencil carving, cultivated in Katsushika Ward, to the present day and to future generations. While preserving patterns and techniques honed over a long history, the shop continually considers design approaches that can be naturally embraced by modern lifestyles and sensibilities.
Stencil carving is a craft built upon countless hours of meticulous work. Even in the most intricate carvings, which many might find daunting, no compromises are made—each cut is carefully and deliberately executed. This dedication reflects the desire to respond sincerely to customer requests with reliable quality.
Times may change, but truly excellent work endures in people’s hearts. At Yata Katazome Shop, tradition is not preserved merely for its own sake; it lives on when it is used and cherished. Each stencil is carved today with the same unwavering dedication, embodying the artisan’s skill and sincere commitment to craftsmanship.
The Ise stencil is considered the origin of Japanese stencil carving. Over time, it developed through a variety of techniques, including kuzuri-bori (awl carving), dougu-bori (tool carving), tsuki-bori (punch carving), and shima-bori (stripe carving). Techniques were further subdivided according to the tools used and the intended expression, and they evolved uniquely in different regions to suit local industries and climates.
During the Edo period, many Ise stencil artisans moved to Edo, where the flourishing townspeople culture encouraged them to explore new forms of expression. Drawing on the traditions of Ise while reflecting Edo aesthetics, Edo stencil carving was born.
A major characteristic of Edo stencil carving is the beauty of sharp, decisive lines created using a technique called hiki-bori (pull carving). These tense, continuous lines embody the Edo sense of style, wit, and elegance, combining strength with refinement. Edo stencil carving is also distinguished by compositions that make bold use of empty space and patterns that remain visually striking even from a distance.
Through these developments, Edo stencil carving has been cultivated as a form that conveys the artisans’ advanced skills and refined aesthetics, standing today as a symbol of Edo culture.
