About 'Chosen Companies – Kansai 100'
'Chosen Companies – Kansai 100' (operated by Laugh-lier Co., Ltd.) is a recommendation-based business platform that honors 100 outstanding companies and executives contributing to the economic development and sustainable growth of the Kansai region.
The selection process is strictly by recommendation, with no open applications or public recruitment from companies. Only 100 truly valuable companies are carefully selected and featured.
Through in-depth interviews, the platform reveals the essential philosophies and lesser-known management insights of these selected companies and leaders.
This time, our editorial team has selected Artlife-sha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Osaka City; President: Shigeru Kondo) and published an exclusive interview on its dedicated website. Artlife-sha is a publisher specializing in calligraphy books, renowned for its uncompromising pursuit of essence—delving into the meaning of characters and their historical context—and has earned deep trust from calligraphy enthusiasts and experts alike.
▼ Official Website of 'Chosen Companies – Kansai 100'
Background and Reasons for Selecting Artlife-sha Co., Ltd.
Shigeru Kondo, President of Artlife-sha Co., Ltd.
Contemporary calligraphy often emphasizes flashy performances and visual beauty.
However, Artlife-sha goes far deeper, exploring the historical context in which each work and poem was created, as well as the personality and philosophy of the writer. The company advocates for calligraphy not merely as something to be 'viewed,' but as an art form to be 'deeply read and savored'—reviving its original cultural value and enjoyment.
At the heart of this mission is the strong conviction of President Shigeru Kondo: 'We want to convey the true value of calligraphy to society and pass it on to the next generation.'
This sincere publishing philosophy has earned passionate support from calligraphy enthusiasts and experts nationwide, leading to Artlife-sha’s recognition as a leading exemplary enterprise in the Kansai region.
Highlights of the Interview
President Kondo shares his thoughts in the interview:
1. The Founding Story: Born from the Belief to 'Deliver Only Truly Valuable Works'
After experiencing the bankruptcy of a long-time employer and grappling with the ethics of a 'pay-to-publish' business model at a magazine startup, President Shigeru Kondo founded Artlife-sha to uphold his unwavering belief: to deliver valuable, authentic content directly and sincerely.
2. 'Shogaku Taikei' and Editorial Excellence: Winning Trust in the Calligraphy World Through In-Depth Analysis
In a field often fixated on 'visual beauty,' the creation of 'Shogaku Taikei'—a series featuring detailed annotations, modern Japanese translations, and calligraphic analysis—marks a turning point. Artlife-sha’s editorial rigor, which explores the meaning of characters, their historical origins, and philosophical context, has earned the trust of calligraphers across Japan.
3. 'Sleeping Masterpieces Series': Building Trust Through Repeated Visits and Personal Connections
By personally visiting owners and families of private collections, Artlife-sha has carefully conveyed its mission, resulting in the publication of previously unpublished materials over ten volumes spanning more than a decade. Through repeated visits to local museums and antique shops in China, the company has built relationships that transcend business, creating new opportunities through genuine human connections.
4. Reconnecting Calligraphy and Scholarship: A Vision for Passing on Essential Beauty to Future Generations
Recognizing the growing separation between 'writing' and 'studying' in today’s calligraphy world, Artlife-sha emphasizes the importance of reading calligraphy deeply—not just viewing it. With the upcoming 40th issue of 'Shoho Kangaku Kenkyu' and the goal of reaching issue 51, following the legacy of its predecessor 'Shoron,' the company’s passionate commitment to cultural continuity is clearer than ever.
Over its 25-year history, Artlife-sha has cultivated unparalleled editorial expertise and a management philosophy rooted in deep trust and industry relationships.
This interview captures the essence of Artlife-sha Co., Ltd.—a company that continues to pursue the joy of understanding history and context beyond mere technique and performance.
▼ Exclusive Interview Feature on Artlife-sha Co., Ltd.
A video excerpt from President Kondo’s interview is also available.
From the 'Chosen Companies – Kansai 100' Reporting Team
Through this interview, we deeply understood why Artlife-sha has, for a quarter of a century, steadfastly rejected short-term profits and easy expansion, instead persistently pursuing the 'uncompromising essence' of conveying calligraphy’s history and background.
The stories of repeated visits to owners and families of private collections to publish rare, unpublished materials—building trust over more than ten years—reveal a profound sense of mission that transcends business.
Through the accumulation of 'sincere beliefs' and 'authentic human connections'—values that cannot be measured by online metrics or visual appeal—Artlife-sha has earned the continuous trust of calligraphers and experts nationwide. The entire 'Chosen Companies – Kansai 100' team will continue to follow this sincere company with great expectations.
・Company Overview
Company Name: Artlife-sha Co., Ltd.
President: Shigeru Kondo
Address: Daimae Co-op 606, 1-3-23 Temmabashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Established: October 6, 2000
Phone Number: 06-6920-3480
Business Activities: Planning, editing, publishing, and sales of publications; import, export, and sales of calligraphy works, antiques, and art pieces
Website URL: http://www.artlife-sha.co.jp
・Operating Company of 'Chosen Companies – Kansai 100' Company Name: Laugh-lier Co., Ltd. Location: 5F, Ichigo Nakanomachi Building, 1-3-5 Nakanomachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City Website URL: https://www.laugh-lier.co.jp/
Official Website of 'Chosen Companies – Kansai 100'
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News