Jillian Locke from the U-M Center for Japanese Studies will present a short talk on the history of traditional Japanese family crests and share information about this selection of crest plates in the Ann Arbor District Library's letterpress collection.

Letterpress is the traditional process of printing by hand using movable type. This lab will feature a short guided activity to get familiar with assembling and printing a letterpress project. Participants will be able to use wood type, handset lead type, and ornaments, as well as learn how to hand ink and print on a Vandercook cylinder press. If you'd like, you can stay longer to work on a more involved project.

Due to the presence of lead-based type, this program is intended for adults.

New to letterpress? Please arrive at the start of the program for a 20-minute demonstration of how to use the equipment.

This event is part of Ann Arbor Japan Week 2026, held in partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library: https://aadl.org/node/666415

The 12th annual Ann Arbor Japan Week is from June 14 to 20. Join us for an exciting week of free, Japan-themed events and activities for all ages! View the complete schedule at: https://myumi.ch/V7nxn.

Accommodation: If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us at cjsevents@umich.edu. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.