Taking on challenges for small-lot, multi-kind, full-color printing with four colors + white ink!
Mr. Ryosuke Miyakawa, Yanagimachi Factory Manager, Manufacturing Division of Yawataya Isogoro LTD.
Conclusive fact in introducing UJF-7151 plus
- Support for small-lot, multi-kind production
- Support for full-color printing with four colors + white ink
- Realization of quick delivery
To make our “Anniversary can” known to more people
Founded in 1736, we mainly manufacture and sell Shichimi Togarashi (a spice mixture of seven ingredients including pepper). In recent years, we have built our own farm, focusing on everything from cultivating ingredients to manufacturing products.
Originally, we offered a service called “Anniversary can”, in which we put your name or company logo on the lid of a can of the Shichimi pepper. In the beginning, we utilized outsourcing, but it allowed us to use only one color and limited designs. Because of the outsourcing, there was a minimum lot size requirement of 50 cans per design. This was another problem for us, because we were afraid that it might be difficult for customers to place an order.
At that time, we learned that Mimaki's “UJF-7151 plus” requires no plate and can handle even a single piece. We thought it would help customers to order more easily and comfortably, so we decided to introduce the printer.
“Anniversary can” service information leaflet
Original design examples of “Anniversary cans”
One color to four full colors + white ink are supported for a wider range of designs to choose from
By introducing the UJF-7151 plus to produce the “Anniversary can”, we can now handle full-color printing. This means that we can print photos and design data, instead of mostly printing company names and logos in one color (black). People use this product as a small wedding gift or for other events like Shichi-go-san (celebration of children's growth), where some customers have their children’s photos printed on the lids. We also use white ink in the four full-color printing. The use of white ink on the base allows us to express vivid colors and offer a wider range of designs.
We also sell a “year-model can” once a year, and for the year 2021, we printed an original design on the lid of the can by using the UJF-7151 plus. The product cannot be seen because it is in a box when sold, but several different designs can be enjoyed.
In the past, when we outsourced printing, it was not always possible to meet the minimum printing lot size, but now we can produce in small lot sizes from even one internally.
Many kinds of design printed on “year-model cans”
Data management using digital data
enables production from one piece and shortens delivery time
When we outsourced printing, we had to keep plates for repeat orders, but now we have digital data and are able to manage it easily. A wide range of production quantities, from 1 piece to over 1,500 pieces, can be handled. Since we receive a steady stream of repeat orders every year from customers who have placed an order with us once, we believe that our customers are satisfied with our products.
To set up a system that allows us to produce 140 pieces on the table per one printing, we use a metal jig to be placed on the printing board, which was manufactured by a local metal processing company in Nagano Prefecture. We also visually inspect products for any misalignment before shipping.
Printing on the lids arranged on the board with a special jig
It used to take about two months from the time we received an order, but now we can deliver products to customers in two weeks at the earliest, and usually in four to six weeks.
I was a beginner at operating a printer, so I was confused at first, but once I got used to it, I found it easy to use. We also use the UJF-7151 plus for acrylic fixtures for stores and some printed materials for company events, in addition to printing on the “Anniversary can”. It's interesting because we can print on a variety of materials.
In the future, we hope to expand our lineup with more design variations
At the moment, we print a design on the “Anniversary can” as requested by the customer, but we would like to increase the lineup of designs that customers can choose from. Some of the cans in our lineup have different sizes, so it would be nice to be able to print on them as well.
Yawataya Isogoro LTD.
A long-established Shichimi Togarashi manufacturer that has been in business for 285 years since 1736 (the first year of the Genbun era: Edo period). Located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. The company sells Shichimi Togarashi nationwide as one of Japan's top three Shichimi Togarashi manufacturers.
Its official online store is also operated. Not only the Shichimi Togarashi but also sweets, cosmetics, and other products are offered.
Head Office and Factory: 102-1 Yanagimachi, Nagano-shi, Nagano 380-0805
Main Shop: 83 Daimoncho, Nagano-shi, Nagano 380-0841
<Introduced products>
High Performance Flatbed UV Inkjet Printer: UJF-7151 plus
User profile
- NameYawataya Isogoro LTD.
- IndustryManufacture and sale of Shichimi Togarashi
- Address102-1 Yanagimachi, Nagano-shi, Nagano, Japan
- Phone number+81-26-232-3966
- URLhttps://www.yawataya.co.jp/en/index.php