Kyoto-based bookbinding manufacturer Sowa Seihon Co., Ltd. (SOWALABO) has launched a new goshuin book on March 11, 2026 — the "Maarui Goshuincho Sakura" (Round Goshuin Book: Sakura). The product stands out in the market with its circular form, featuring a 130mm diameter domestic hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood cover and accordion-folded Japanese paper that has also been die-cut into a round shape.
The cover is made from 6mm-thick hinoki wood, a material chosen in collaboration with Yasuma Seichou Co., Ltd. (Shizuoka Prefecture), a chopstick manufacturer and business partner of SOWALABO. The 6mm thickness was selected specifically to minimize warping. The natural cypress gives off a calming fragrance, adding a sensory dimension to the experience of using the book.
The inner pages use SOWALABO's proprietary water-repellent-treated "goshuincho" Japanese paper, developed in 2019, which prevents ink from bleeding through to the back side — a common complaint among goshuin enthusiasts. The accordion-style binding runs to 24 pages per side (48 pages total), with an unfolded length of approximately 2.5 meters.
Why a Round Shape?
SOWALABO developed the circular design to embody the concepts of "enman" (harmony) and "en" (good fortune/connection) — ideas traditionally symbolized by the circle in Japanese culture. The round form also means there are no corners to fray or damage, lending a gentle, peaceful character to the object.
The sakura (cherry blossom) print was chosen to match the spring release season. The design features a pastel pink achieved by printing white first, then overlaying pink, creating a soft and charming aesthetic.
One engineering challenge in the production process was that the circular accordion fold results in shorter connection points compared to a standard rectangular book, making it more susceptible to tearing if handled roughly. SOWALABO reinforced the fold sections with a special adhesive agent to address this.
Includes a Dedicated Stand
Because the round shape means the book can roll off a flat surface, a dedicated display stand is included as a bonus with every purchase. The stand is assembled from two pieces (no tools required) and features an animal-inspired four-legged base design. It can also serve as a smartphone stand. When the goshuin book is removed from the stand, the text "Odekake-chu" (Currently Out) is revealed — a playful detail.
Ink Bleed-Resistant Japanese Paper
The inner pages use SOWALABO's special "goshuincho" paper, which features a water-repellent coating on the reverse side to prevent ink from seeping through. This paper earned the 2019 Life-Related Parts Award from the Cho-Monodzukuri (Super Manufacturing) Awards program. Note that the fold lines of the accordion are not coated with the water-repellent treatment.
Product Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Maarui Goshuincho Sakura (Round Goshuin Book: Sakura) |
| Binding Style | Round accordion fold |
| Body Size | Diameter 130mm × Thickness 23mm |
| Inner Pages Size | Diameter 120mm × Width 107mm × 24 pages per side |
| Unfolded Length | Approx. 2.5 meters |
| Stand Size (assembled) | 130mm × 120mm × Height 160mm |
| Materials | Cover: 6mm hinoki cypress wood; Inner pages: hosho Japanese paper with ink-resistant coating |
| Cover Printing | White base + 4-color UV printing |
| Pages | 24 pages per side, 48 pages total |
| Weight | 230g per book (including 75g stand) |
| Price | 3,300 yen (tax included), includes stand |
Note: Some shrines and temples may decline to stamp round goshuin books. When affixing paper goshuin stamps, the paper will need to be trimmed to fit the circular pages.
The "Maarui Goshuincho Sakura" is available via SOWALABO's official online shop at https://sowalabo.shopselect.net/.
