Handmade zines find an audience in Kyoto despite digital era

KYOTO, Japan — Two artists working at a print shop in Kyoto have produced a photo essay in the form of a newspaper-style print. Kazuma Obara and Akihico Mori made the work on a printing press provided by Kyoto Shimbun. Self-publishing and handmade zine magazines continue to draw interest in Japan despite declines in the publishing industry. The format has kept a following among readers and makers who value the physical object. Obara said paper engages all five senses, while Mori said the effort that goes into a work can be felt when it is held in the hand. Mori added that artificial intelligence cannot imitate that feeling.