About Azami Press
Azami Press is based in Frankfort, IN, and is part of Azami Linguistics and Martial Arts [ALMA]. ALMA’s other main arm is the Azamikan Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Academy.
When you place an order with Azami Press, your project will be handled from start to finish by people who are very knowledgeable in the fields of both linguistics and martial arts. This is an indispensable combination with regard to this particular type of printing project. You may be able to find an online or local print shop who can print certificates, but will they be able to typeset them in Japanese? Will they know the traditional conventions of Japanese certificates? Will they know the difference between the various styles of writing and what is appropriate for a given application? How about traditionally styled seals? Will they know how to compose them properly or how to use the archaic fonts so commonly seen on these seals, which are difficult to read even for native Japanese speakers? How about the subset of Japanese terminology that is really only used in the specific field of the martial arts?
A print shop that can boast this specific combination of skill sets is truly unique indeed. Unfortunately, this combination is also absolutely necessary in order to ensure that this particular kind of project gets done right. We at Azami Press know graphic design, printing, linguistics, and the martial arts. We possess all of the skills necessary to produce exactly what you’re looking for in a traditionally styled Japanese certificate, seal, or logo.
To top it all off, Azami Press can also come through on all of the claims mentioned above even if Spanish is your native language (or that of your students). We are just as competent in Spanish as we are in English, and we hold ourselves to the highest of linguistic standards.
Additionally, we operate in a small business environment, which means that not only will you be speaking and/or corresponding with real people instead of an automated service, you will actually be in direct communication with the very people who are personally working on your project.
Azami Press was set up with the specific goal of servicing those martial arts schools and organizations that would like to issue traditional Japanese certificates sealed with traditional Japanese seals but who lack the large budget that is necessary to pay a professional calligrapher to hand-brush each certificate or hand-carve every seal. This is not to detract from the incredible craftsmanship possessed by calligraphers and other artists. However, the reality is that a lot of small martial arts schools and organizations cannot afford to pay for such a labor-intensive skill every time they need to issue a document.
We use several fonts that simulate the calligrapher’s brush rather than having each project crafted by hand. We make no claims that this is in any way superior to a hand-brushed certificate, only that it still produces a very aesthetically appealing, traditionally styled document or seal but without the hefty price tag.
The most important thing to remember is that this is your project, and our goal is to produce a finished product that looks the way you want it to look. We will answer your questions and most likely offer advice and suggestions along the way in case you’re curious about what would make your project look and feel more traditional. However, since these documents and seals will most likely serve to represent your school and to certify, validate, and/or commemorate a very special point in your students’ training, this should ultimately be something with which you are satisfied.Please, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions that you might have.