Introducing Crepe Paper Prints (Chirimen)

Chirimen-bon refers to books produced in Japan from the Meiji to Taisho eras (1885–1920s) crafted using Japanese traditional paper (washi). They featured woodblock-printed color illustrations combined with movable type text, processed to give the pages a texture resembling crepe fabric.

Their origin traces back to the "Japanese Fairy Tale Series," first published in 1885 (Meiji 18) by Takejiro Hasegawa (Kobunsha).

The term "chirimen" (crepe) refers to washi treated with a specialized mechanical technique that creates fine crinkles across the surface, mirroring crepe cloth. Authentic crepe fabric is woven from highly twisted silk threads and scoured (washed with water and heat), producing an uneven surface texture and its signature crinkled finish. Deliberately adding these crinkles confers a unique tactile feel and a sense of luxury.

Born during the Edo period, Takejiro Hasegawa learned English after recognizing that language skills would drive commercial success. Skilled in publishing, international trade, and coordinating traditional craftsmen, he began publishing English chirimen-bon tailored specifically for foreign audiences. As a result, these books became highly popular souvenirs among foreign tourists and residents in Japan, enjoying widespread distribution.

The series featured iconic Japanese folklore, legends, and customs, including classics like Momotaro (Peach Boy), The Tongue-Cut Sparrow, and The Old Man Who Made the Dead Trees Blossom.

Translations were handled by foreign residents of the era, including missionaries, teachers, diplomats, and military personnel. Illustrations were drawn by prominent artists like Eitaku Kobayashi and Kason Suzuki, though many books remained unsigned.

While primarily published in English, the series was also translated into multiple languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German.

At the time, Western interest in Japanese culture was peaking through the "Japonisme" trend, heavily influencing Western artists with Japanese fine art, crafts, and lifestyle culture—much like an early precursor to modern "Cool Japan."

These fairy tales featured supernatural creatures like oni (ogres) and kappa (water imps), carrying strong cultural elements unique to Japan. Such stories provided Western readers with an authentic taste of Japanese tradition. Furthermore, because the tales were concise and could be clearly presented through paired text and imagery, they were ideally suited for translation and publishing.

These factors likely led Takejiro Hasegawa to choose Japanese fairy tales as the inaugural theme for his crepe paper books.

See more example of work through which you can experience the world of Crepe paper prints here.

- J