Make to Order Scrolls
If you are a martial arts teacher and are looking for an affordable way of awarding licenses in the traditional fashion (that is in the form of a makimono), maybe my "Make to Order" service might be of interest.
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Based on the content (the text you would have to provide), I would create a draft of the certificate in makimono form. Usually, it takes 2-3 drafts to agree on the final design of the scroll. I usually use a nice calligraphy font which matches the overall design of the scroll very nicely.
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We would agree on further details such as dimensions, the design of the end caps or the design and material of the cover.
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You would have the option to order (in addition) a wooden box with the title of the scroll written on the lid - made in Japan!
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Based on all the previous discussions, I would come up with a price offering.
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Depending on my work schedule (and backlog), it might take up to 2 months to finish the scroll. Depending on if I have all materials in stock, some scrolls only take up to 2 - 3 weeks.
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After payment has been executed I would start working on the scroll. The scroll would be shipped to you via Japan Post or other available express services (UPS) with tracking information.
Until today (August 2025), I already created more than 20 licenses for schools, within Japan as well as outside of Japan.
Having the option of being able to offer reasonably priced scrolls is not only frequently requested from outside of Japan, but also from within, as the costs for a written scroll by a professional artist can cost up to several thousand Euro. Even having a teacher proficient in calligraphy is nowadays becoming more rare. Some teachers completely stopped giving out makimono, as the numbers of students increased tremendously and one would not be able to catch up with issuing licenses the old fashioned way. One reason why many switched to a more simple system by giving out plain certificates (menjo), elaborate sheets of paper which usually do not contain any school related content, but rather the confirmation that the student has reached a certain level and is awarded with a certain rank.
My offering combines the traditional form with a modern approach of producing makimono while assuring that they stay affordable.
If you are interested, please don´t hesitate to contact me.
Yours in Budo,
Michael