We were delighted to be approached by an existing client - Akashi Shotokan Karate Association to produce some dan grade certificates for them.
We got the call over the Christmas break and was aware that they had a dan grading planned for 12th January. Their Chief Instructor did not expect us to to be able to have the commission complete by then, but we always do what we can.
We normally only produce an electronic version for the client to arrange printing themselves locally, but Akashi had asked if we could also arrange for printing, they are reasonably local so we were happy to oblige.
There are so many options to consider we prefer to provide information and then have a conversation to discuss details, this is usually over the phone but we arranged to meet Akashi on New Years eve.
Akashi wanted a a blank template where they could fill in the name, date and grade themselves. We restructured the traditional format by removing the column for the translated name and date in the imperial calendar format. In the top right hand side the registration kanji were also removed in accordance with our clients brief.
The Akashi logo was imported and converted to a vector file and the background removed. The association name was translated into kanji, it was noted that Akashi translates to evidence, proof or testimony. The first kanji on the right is Sho meaning proof from the word shomeisho which is certificate. So the first kanji in the association's translation is the same as the large kanji on the right of the certificate.
We also reproduced the association hanko, adding the kanji for In from Inkan meaning stamp. This is common practice in Japan it brings the total kanji to 9 allowing for symmetry in the stamp so the kanji have a 3 x 3 format.
The draft was approved and we made arrangements for the printing to be completed on a 350gsm silk card, the image is sent in a A3 format with printers crops marks so it is printed on oversized card and then cropped to size to ensure perfect alignment.
The certificates were delivered today on the 5th January, we surprised ourselves on this commission, but really pleased to see another happy customer.
Current costings can be found in the relevant shop page please click on the button below to view.
Top Tip
If you are accessing this site on your phone you may wish to view the "Web version" and access the menu in the side-bar to navigate. Just scroll down for the link.
