At a print factory in Kyoto, two creators watched their photo essay come to life in broadsheet form as part of a growing movement to revive handmade publishing in Japan during the age of AI.
Despite the decline of the publishing industry, self-published magazines and “zines” are gaining popularity, reflecting Japan’s continued cultural attachment to physical print in a digital world. The creators, photographer Kazuma Obara and writer Akihico Mori, used a printing press operated by the Kyoto Shimbun newspaper, which is now seeking new uses for its equipment as subscriptions fall.
Obara said print engages all five senses in a way digital media cannot, describing social media as “insular” compared to physically sharing printed work. Mori added that holding a printed piece allows readers to feel the creator’s passion, something he believes AI cannot replicate.
Their work was later featured at the Kyotographie photography festival, part of a wider resurgence of interest in independent publishing. Kyoto Shimbun Printing staff noted that their services are now used by artists across generations, from teenagers to people in their 70s, with younger audiences particularly drawn to the format’s “old” feel.
Japan’s print industry has seen a steep decline, with book and magazine sales falling to around 40 per cent of their 1996 peak, and newspaper circulation dropping by more than half since its 1997 high. Similar concerns exist globally, with many writers fearing AI and social media will further reduce demand for traditional publishing.
However, DIY publishing continues to grow, with Japan’s self-publishing market nearly doubling in recent years. Zine fairs in cities like Tokyo now attract large crowds, showcasing handmade works ranging from illustrations to personal essays and experimental design.
Visitors and creators alike say the appeal lies in having something tangible, contrasting with algorithm-driven digital content. Some young artists argue that zines offer diverse perspectives not shaped by online feeds.
Bookstores such as Sanseido in Tokyo’s Jimbocho district have also begun stocking zines to reach new audiences. Creators remain hopeful that printed media will endure, emphasising the unique warmth and emotional connection that only paper can provide. -AFP
AloJapan.com