It’s School Season Once Again

Every year, come late July and early August, parents and educators begin to plan and organize for Back-to-School time. There is an endless supply of resources on what you will need to prepare for the new school year, what supplies your children will need, and where to get them. So, we thought we would take a bit of a different approach this year. Here are some interesting facts about the U.S. School system and the behaviors of American parents and students.

The number of students enrolled in American schools from Pre-K through college totals approximately 78.8 million.

The oldest public school in the United States is Boston’s Latin School, founded on April 23, 1635. Five of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence graduated from the Latin School, including Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, Samuel Adams, and William Hopper.

Although Thomas Jefferson had supported the concept of free public education, elementary schooling was only available to America’s wealthy until the 1840s when reformers like Horace Mann of Massachusetts and Henry Barnard of Connecticut began to push for tax-funded schools in the belief universal education would produce good citizens, unite society, prevent crime, and end poverty.

Prior to the 1930s, most Americans only completed eight years of school. “High School” only became popular during the Great Depression when job-strapped communities saw benefits to keeping teenagers in class and out of the workforce where they’d only serve as low-cost competition to adults.

The largest high school in America is Morton High School in Berwyn-Cicero, Ill., with a student body of over 8,000 students.

Ohio State University is the largest college campus by enrollment, currently having 66,444 students enrolled.

Crayola produces nearly 3 billion crayons each year. By the time a child turns 10, they will have worn down approximately 730 crayons with an average of 28 minutes spent per day coloring.

The average pencil can write 45,000 words or draw a line 35 miles long.

Americans spend $8.5 billion on back-to-school clothes annually. 60% of these purchases are completed online.

In a poll of more than 1500 teachers, 93% of teachers said they need to spend their own money on school supplies for their classrooms.

The current spending per pupil for elementary and secondary public school systems in the United States is over $14,000 annually.

Sources: Everest.edu / U.S. Census Bureau / kendranicole.net

Embracing Sustainable Living: A Commitment to Planet Earth.

Sustainable living is based on an approach that seeks to minimize ecological impact, conserve resources, and foster harmony between humanity and nature. It encompasses a range of practices from energy efficiency and waste reduction to ethical consumerism and renewable resource utilization. At its core, sustainable living recognizes the interconnectedness of all life and looks to preserve this ecological balance for future generations.

In today’s world, the urgency of environmental stewardship cannot be overstated. Climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution pose existential threats to our environment and human well-being. As inhabitants of this shared planet, we bear a collective responsibility to mitigate these challenges through concerted action. Embracing sustainable living practices is not merely a choice but a moral obligation to safeguard the integrity of our ecosystems and secure a sustainable future.

Here at Shachihata, our dedication to our planet is a commitment we take very seriously. Our Eco-Green Xstamper and ClassiX stamps stand as a testament to the fusion of environmental consciousness and technological innovation. Committed to minimizing its ecological footprint, we employ cutting-edge methods and sustainable materials in the production of our legendary stamping solutions. From eco-friendly ink formulations to recycled plastic mounts, every aspect of Xstamper Eco-Green products reflects a dedication to environmental stewardship without compromising performance or quality.

The adoption of Xstamper and ClassiX Eco-Green products transcends mere consumer choice; it embodies a proactive commitment to sustainable living. By opting for Shachihata’s eco-friendly stamping solutions, individuals and businesses alike contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, plastic waste, and environmental degradation. Moreover, Shachihata emphasizes durability and longevity, ensuring that our products promote conservation through extended use.

The National Hardware Show

Last year, Shachihata exhibited at the 2023 National Hardware Show. This was our first appearance at the show and it was a positive experience for both us and the visitors to our booth. That said, we are happy to announce that we will be exhibiting at the 2024 National Hardware Show, March 26 – 28, located at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

During the 2023 show, we met many new people, heard their needs, and gathered a lot of valuable insights in regards to the hardware and construction markets. This year we will be showing our brand new line of professional series markers, now available in segment-focused 4-pack kits, along with our other proven winners, such as the garden marker, fabric marker, and many others. We will have our products available at our booth where you can see, feel, and test them on construction surfaces to demonstrate their real-world uses and performance.

We will also have our line of industrial Xstamper pre-inked stamps and inks designed for manufacturing and construction available. We will also be looking forward to discussing and gathering information on a new product that we have on the horizon that we believe will change the way that certain structures are assembled and inspected.

Please stop by booth W649 and have a look at all the high-quality solutions that we have to offer the hardware and construction industries. We hope to see you there.

2024 Creativation by Namta

We will be exhibiting at the 2024 Creativation by NAMTA in New Orleans, from March 23 through March 27, 2024. Namta® is The Association of the Art/Creative Materials Industry members and is internationally recognized as a leader and a unifying force in the Fine Art, Craft, and Creative Materials Industry. We are proud to be a member of NAMTA.

We are excited to be participating in our second Creativation by NAMTA! Last year was our first time exhibiting at Creativation, and the show was amazing. So we will be back again this year with another opportunity for you to experience all of our latest and greatest products, including our Artline® SUPREME, Artline Drawing System, and Artline Decorite® lines of markers and pens. Do yourself a favor and be sure not to miss our unique, and dare we say amazing Colour Palette Stamper; we promise, this stamp is unlike any other you’ve seen before. Along with these highlighted products, we will also be displaying our vast line of other pens, markers, and stamps that would be an added addition to any artist’s toolbox.

So if you are looking for high-quality solutions for the Arts and Crafts industry, be sure to visit us at booth #358. See you there!

“Shachihata”: A Flag and a Mythical Creature

In the Japanese language, every word carries a story. “Hata” resonates with a unique melody as the Japanese term for “flag.” It’s in the combination of “Shachi” and “Hata” that Shachihata finds its origins. A company, deeply rooted in cultural symbolism, chose a compelling emblem for its identity.

The Shachi is a mythological creature in the culture of Japan. The Shachi is located on the rooftops of castles and temples throughout the country. The Shachi has the body of a carp and the head of a fierce tiger. Legend has it that the Shachi could summon rain and protect the building from fire. This is why the Shachi is always depicted with its tail pointing skyward.

Shachihata’s original “logo” was a flag with the Shachi emblazoned upon it. The flag was not just a symbol of the company but of its cultural connection.

Like the Shachi that graces the heights of architectural wonders, Shachihata is interwoven into the rich fabric of Japanese culture. Beyond being a manufacturer of stamps, inks, and other marking devices, the company stands as a testament to preserving the essence of tradition, while striving for modern solutions in the modern world.

Year in Review – 2023

Many new and exciting things occurred at Shachihata throughout 2023. Among them, we saw various changes, including the appointment of Masaaki (“Masa”) Okuno as President and Chief Executive Officer of Shachihata (U.S.A.), marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Okuno’s tenure with Shachihata spans two decades, during which he has undertaken various pivotal roles, culminating in his most recent position as an Executive Officer of the esteemed Global Business Division of Shachihata.

We also released many exciting new products during 2023, including the world’s first and only Colour Palette STAMPER; the versatility of this stamper is impressive. It enables the user to change the color of the entire stamped image or selectively add colors to specific areas, giving complete control over each design. The process is straightforward, ensuring an enjoyable crafting experience. One of the standout features of the Colour Palette STAMPER is its extensive range of ink colors. With 36 different colors available, there is a broad palette to choose from, allowing creativity to flourish and offering endless possibilities for arts and crafts projects.

We also introduced the versatile Professional Series line of markers; these professional markers for tradespeople are built to last, with superior ink and long-lasting barrels that can withstand any situation. This Professional Series includes various markers, such as the 2.3mm Bullet Tip Builders markers, the 1.5mm Bullet Tip Concrete markers, as well as the 0.4-1.0mm Bullet Tip Twin-Nib Electricians markers, that are non-conductive and designed for use on plastic, wires, plasterboard, and electrical tags.

At this time, we are excited about the recent introduction of our IREGUI markers, specifically designed for fishermen and to provide a convenient solution for changing lure colors and accents while fishing. The IREGUI markers come in various colors, such as red, yellow, and black. Additionally, they are available in UV-emitting colors: glow yellow, glow pink, glow orange, glow blue, glow green, and glow clear for deep water use. All markers contain proprietary permanent dyestuff ink. This wide range of colors allows for multiple options when it comes to marking fishing lures. Add or highlight eyes, spots, stripes, scales, and gill plates to create the desired visual appeal for attracting specific species of fish.

As we ramp up for the New Year, we are committed to introducing many new and innovative products throughout 2024. We also remain dedicated to offering our customers the highest quality products and the best service available anywhere.

Have a great Holiday Season. We look forward to continued growth for both Shachihata and you, our partner in success.

Celebrating Thanksgiving: A Time for Gratitude and Reflection

As the year waltzes towards its grand finale and the holiday season looms large, it is a time of heartfelt reflection and gratitude. Thanksgiving, the quintessential American holiday, allows us to pause and appreciate the many blessings in our lives – our health, our families, our careers, our loyal pets, and our cherished friends. In this fast-paced world where chaos often reigns, it’s easy to lose sight of what genuinely matters. Let’s embark on a journey of gratitude and discover the beauty of the season.

Embracing Gratitude: A Time for Reflection

Thanksgiving is not merely a date on the calendar; it’s a state of mind. It’s the pause in our lives that nudges us to look around and truly see the abundance that surrounds us. It encourages us to express our gratitude for the good fortune we’ve enjoyed throughout the year. It’s a moment to cherish the smiles shared, the obstacles overcome, and the memories created.

The Gift of Health

Amid the bustling festivities, let’s take a moment to celebrate our most precious possession – our health. It’s easy to overlook the vitality that keeps us going, but when health is compromised, its true value shines through. Health is one of our greatest gifts.

Family: The True Treasure

Our families are the unwavering anchors in the stormy seas of life. Thanksgiving reminds us to embrace them with open arms, to revel in the joy of togetherness, and to cherish the moments shared. In this age of busy schedules and digital distractions, the holiday season calls us to reconnect with our roots and celebrate the love that binds us.

A Career Well Nurtured

For many, careers are the fruits of labor and ambition. This Thanksgiving, let’s appreciate the opportunities that have come our way, the lessons learned, and the successes achieved. It’s a chance to give thanks for the stability and growth that our careers have provided and to set intentions for the future.

The Paws of Love

Pets, our furry companions, offer us unconditional love and unwavering companionship. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to express gratitude for the comfort, joy, and love they bring into our lives. Let’s ensure our furry friends are showered with affection and care, for they are truly part of our families.

The Gift of Friendship

Thanksgiving serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate the friendships that have enriched our lives. Let’s reach out, share a kind word, or express our heartfelt thanks to those who have stood by our side through thick and thin.

The World Beyond: A Symphony of Noise

In a world where the cacophony of news and distractions threatens to drown out the melody of gratitude, Thanksgiving offers solace. It helps us discern the meaningful from the mundane, the important from the trivial. As we navigate a complex world, let’s remember that gratitude is the compass that guides us toward what truly matters.

Our Heartfelt Appreciation

So, as Thanksgiving approaches, let’s embrace gratitude with open hearts. Let’s acknowledge the blessings in our lives and take a moment to reflect on what truly matters. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday; it’s a reminder that, despite the chaos of the world, there’s always something to be thankful for.

We are profoundly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. We thank you for choosing us to help you find solutions and support your endeavors. Your faith in us is a testament to the relationships we value.

From all of us at Shachihata, we extend our warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.

Cancer Breakthrough!

October is always a special time of year, with the fall season arriving and, of course, all the excitement surrounding Halloween. But we must remember that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Like our Shachihata family, I am sure that your family has been affected by cancer in some way. Now, it appears that there might be a major breakthrough in breast cancer treatment and maybe even one day a cure! Click here to read more about this promising vaccine breakthrough!

Here at Shachihata, we offer a pink pocket stamp and donate a portion of the proceeds for each stamp sold to cancer research. So if you would like to learn more about our pocket stamp and want to help cancer research at the same time, please click here.

We urge you to donate to the cancer institute of your choice:

Gettin’ Creative With My Vacay!

I was on vacation in New York City a few weeks back; it is a beautiful city with so much to do and see. We went to museums, ate amazing food, went to a concert, and saw many of the sights that New York is known for. Yet, one of my favorite times on the trip was going to Central Park to draw and paint the beautiful landscape found there. I had not painted in many-a-year… let’s be honest, make that decades.

We located a local stationary/art supplies store and went there to buy our art supplies. It was called Janoff’s Stationery, and it was full of wonderful art and office supplies. While we were there, a gentleman was purchasing ink refills for his Mont Blanc pens; that’s something you don’t see every day. Anyway, the store felt like it had been there forever, yet the stock was current and fresh, as well as having had many long-overlooked gems. I just wanted to mention the shop because it was perfect, and I want to acknowledge the small shops and dealers that carry niche items not found at big-box stores — much respect to all of you.

Now back to the main point of this blog… When people usually go on vacation, we scramble around, attempting to see all the sights and do all the activities the locale offers. But I’d like to encourage you to take some time during your next trip to slow down and really see what the world has to offer. You may find it more satisfying than buying more souvenirs and being preoccupied with the thought that you must see this or you must do that.

Where ever you end up on vacation and whatever you choose to do, make the most of it, but keep in mind, you don’t have to do everything every time.

If you, too, end up being inspired to re-spark the artist in you, check out our Artline products.

One last note: the pedicabs in New York City charge up to $9.00 per minute, so keep that in mind before the pedaling commences.

Charles Arjavac – Marketing Manager

This Summer, Why Not Try Something New

Summer is almost here, have you already decided on this year’s adventure??? Well, if you haven’t found one as of yet, here are a few new and exciting ideas to help you make a selection to be remembered.

Zero-Gravity Flights

Experience the weightlessness of space! Drift, flip, and float like an astronaut. For this 15-minute flight, you will be living the astronaut dream. Stephen Hawking and Martha Stewart had a blast doing it, you will too!


The Cage of Death

The Cage of Death offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with massive saltwater crocodiles in a controlled environment that is safe for both the crocodile and (most importantly) you. Feeding time is the highlight of this experience.


Drive a Tank

Come on, who wouldn’t want to drive a tank! You can even drive them over cars. Whether you are a military history fan or just want to experience something completely different, this should be on your shortlist.


Long Neck Manor

Imagine waking up to a giraffe and rhinos right outside your window. Enjoy the incredible opportunity of interacting with these majestic creatures in a tranquil environment. The best part about this 100-acre giraffe and rhino sanctuary is that it is located in Texas. No need to travel all the way to Africa, to have a bit of the experience.


Hôtel de Glace

Constructed of 2,300 blocks of ice and 15,000 tons of snow, the Hôtel de Glace, located in Quebec, Canada, is the only ice hotel in North America. The hotel is made completely of ice and features a grand hall, a chapel, and around 30 rooms and suites. Enjoy sipping your cocktail served in a “glass” made of ice as you take in this totally unique and amazing experience.


Treehotel – The UFO

This is your chance to stay in a UFO. This UFO-inspired treehouse is nestled in the forest of Harads, Sweden, and is a sight to behold. The interior décor features a cozy space theme. If for some reason, (I can’t think of any) The UFO isn’t your thing, there are other unique and captivating treehouses to choose from.


Drive a Formula 1 Race Car

Do you like going fast? Is auto racing your jam? If so, here is your opportunity to drive or just ride along in an actual formula race car on legendary F1 circuits. You will also learn driving techniques that you can use every day as well as on the track. If you’re inner Max Verstappen is calling out, this is the experience for you.


The Hanging Temple

The Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si) is located on the cliff-side of the Hengshan (Mt. Heng) near Datong City in Shanxi Province, China. The temple was built during the late Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), with the site being restored in 1900. It was constructed by drilling holes into the cliffside, into which poles were set to hold up the temple. This may seem like a questionable way to construct a temple, but rest assured it isn’t going to fall, it has been there for close to 1,500 years. Just don’t look down on your trek up to the site.


Blimp Ride

There are not many things that are more American than the Goodyear blimp. NASCAR® races, the Triple Crown, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Rose Bowl, and many parades across America, have featured the iconic Goodyear blimp. Now is your chance to ride in this beloved dirigible.


Wingsuit Flying

This one is not for everybody, wingsuit flying is considered much more dangerous than skydiving, and it is recommended that you should not attempt this unless you are an expert skydiver with over 200 jumps. You will also need to put in a load of time to learn how to fly with this suit. If this is a fit for you, you can be sure it will be an experience like no other.

We hope this list will spark your imagination on the possibilities out there in the world. If you happen to also be searching for new and exciting products, look no further than Shachihata.com.