The "ZINE and Goods Series" has been gaining momentum with each installment, and this time, the theme is "Risograph." This is an incredibly important theme for SUT, as we aim to have a Risograph workshop in the summer of 2025. It's surprising that it hasn't even been three years since SUT's first encounter with Risograph in 2022, with the series' first installment, "ZINE, Goods, and Chocolate." Among the many items on display, some ZINEs possessed a unique texture and presence. We, who knew almost nothing about Risograph printing, were captivated by the mysterious charm of these ZINEs, and before we knew it, we were hooked on "Riso," completely engrossed and unable to escape. (We were obsessed.)

For those who still wonder what "Riso" is, "Riso (Risograph)" is a printing method called "digital stencil printing," and it's the name of a digital printing press made by RISO KAGAKU CORPORATION in Japan. Originally, it was used in places like schools and government offices where printing speed and running costs were important, and where large quantities of monochrome printing were required. Risograph printing, once associated with a rather rigid image, has now captivated artists worldwide. Especially in Europe, it's so widespread that open risograph studios are readily available in cities. With its retro feel and enjoyable color combinations, risograph printing is expanding in a unique way, from mass printing to art printing. In Japan, it's gaining popularity beyond art, and with the rise of ZINE culture, it's become a printing method that many ZINE creators want to try at least once.

This time, while the theme might seem straightforward for a ZINE event, it's a theme we've been waiting for, driven by a strong desire to "learn more about risograph printing, to delve deeper into it."

Of course, we haven't forgotten about miscellaneous goods!

We anticipate a wide variety of goods from many artists. In particular, we'll have a large selection of stickers, using sparkling holograms and die-cut printing, which, like risographs, can express their presence in a cute way.

SUT is accepting submissions of various ZINEs and goods, regardless of the theme. Even if you're not quite ready to participate in an event yet, small quantities are welcome. Please feel free to contact me.

I hope that my zines and miscellaneous goods will find their way into someone's hands.