BPJ WIRE2026-10-16FEATUREMembers only13 min read
BPJ FEATURE

Fore-edge color differences ranged from 2.00 to 15.73

Is the limited-edition premium set by three-side printing—or by prototyping and inspection too?

In 2026, Tanaka Techo moved to roll out D-EDGE nationwide, printing designs on the head, tail and fore edge of books. Meanwhile, a study of four text papers found color differences between the flat surface and fore edge ranging from 2.00 to 15.73. Testing profitability requires figures for trimming, prototyping and inspection as well as speed.

Gathered with AI. Thought through on the shop floor. Written for the future of print.

BPJ WIRE: stories selected and drafted by the BPJ desk from world news, fact-checked against the source ledger — published alongside the editor's own picks.

Translated from Japanese by AI. The Japanese original is authoritative.

Fore-edge color differences ranged from 2.00 to 15.73

Tanaka Techo has turned a book’s cut edges into a new printing surface. The three sides are the head, tail and fore edge—the top, bottom and opening side of the book. President and Representative Director Naohiro Tanaka described the effect this way: “The stack of paper asserts itself”.…

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