●The 2026 Komori Calendar, themed "FUSION: Nature and Technology," the traditional expression of Katsushika Hokusai with cutting-edge print technology.

●The cover was printed on the 29-inch Sheetfed UV Inkjet Digital Printing Press, J-throne 29, using RGB printing and new LED-UV inks to reproduce vivid NEO HOKUSAI colors even on rough-feel coated paper.

●The other pages use the Lithrone GX40 advance EX Edition's double coater to achieve a tactile drip-off effect through gloss and matte contrasts.

●This project marks a milestone in expanding high value-added printing by leveraging both digital and offset strengths.

Interviewer Profiles

Suzuki, DPS Business Promotion Department

A member of the DPS Business Promotion Department, responsible for providing technical support for the sales and installation of digital printing presses. In this project, he handled the cover printing using the 29-inch Sheetfed UV Inkjet Digital Printing Press, J-throne 29.

Suzuki, KGC Printing College

KGC Printing College*1 is a printing education department that develops and provides various training programs aimed at improving the quality and productivity of offset printing. In this project, he was responsible for printing selected calendar pages (January-February, July-August) using the Lithrone GX40 advance EX Edition.

For more details about KGC (Komori Graphic Technology Center):
https://www.komori.com/en/global/solution/kgc/

Vivid NEO HOKUSAI Expression Enabled by J-throne 29

One of the new initiatives in the 2026 calendar is RGB printing using the latest 29-inch Sheetfed UV Inkjet Digital Printing Press, J-throne 29. Reflecting on the project, DPS Suzuki commented, "The calendar features a highly colorful and pop design based on works by Katsushika Hokusai*2. To match the vibrancy seen on a monitor, we focused on maximizing the color gamut of the J-throne 29 and achieving the closest possible reproduction of those vivid colors in print."

This high level of color reproduction not only bridges the gap between on-screen and printed images but also enhances compatibility with offset prints. KGC Suzuki noted, "Even when digital and offset printed materials are used together in the same calendar, there is no sense of inconsistency."

Regarding the final output, DPS Suzuki added, "The vivid colors that cannot be reproduced with CMYK offset printing are where digital printing truly stands out. The rough-textured coated paper used for this calendar tends to absorb ink, which usually dulls colors. However, with the newly developed LED-UV inks, ink absorption is minimized, resulting in excellent color reproduction even on rough-textured coated paper."

"Tactile Graphics" Expression Enabled by the Lithrone GX40 advance EX Edition

The printing expression that adds a sense of dimensionality and deeper texture to the world of "NEO HOKUSAI" is achieved using a double coater on the Lithrone GX40 advance EX Edition. KGC Suzuki explained, "We focused not only on visual impact, but also on creating a tactile experience. By applying two coatings, we were able to use gloss and matte selectively, emphasizing the physical presence of the printed material. During the proofing stage, we also paid close attention to drip-off effects, carefully adjusting the amount of coating varnish and drying conditions to establish printing parameters we could execute with confidence."

Another key factor supporting this project was the unique configuration of the Lithrone GX40 advance EX Edition, which enables multiple coating to be completed in one pass*3. Because both gloss and matte coatings can be applied in one pass, there is no need to reprint, ensuring stable and consistent reproduction of the intended effects.

He explained, "By eliminating the need for a two pass process, we remove uncertainty in setting conditions and minimize the risk of misregistration. This configuration, which integrates multiple processes in a one pass, allows us to build a workflow that fully leverages the offset press's strength--reproducing results exactly as intended."

Key Features of the Komori Presses Demonstrated in This Project

Regarding the J-throne 29, DPS Suzuki commented, "It is a digital press that inherits Komori's paper transport technology developed over more than 100 years of offset press manufacturing, delivering stable and high productivity. It also features a user-friendly and simple operation system unique to digital presses, enabling operators to learn it in a short time. In addition, it supports sheet sizes up to 750 × 585 mm--exceeding B2--making it highly effective for multi-up jobs such as business cards and direct mail. It can also print on specialty substrates such as Japanese paper and New YUPO FGS 300*4 with high quality, contributing to the expansion of business opportunities."

KGC Suzuki also highlighted the appeal of Komori presses as "the reliability of achieving exactly the intended results," adding, "Because we pursued fine textures and detailed expressions, setting the conditions was demanding. However, once properly optimized, the press responds precisely--this is one of the key strengths of Komori machines."

Message to Readers

DPS Suzuki
"The J-throne 29 combines the simplicity of digital operation with productivity approaching that of offset printing. It is a press that helps solve customers' challenges while opening up new business opportunities. In particular, its ability to perform duplex printing in one pass makes it highly effective for jobs requiring double-sided printing, such as books, brochures, business cards, and direct mail. Its high productivity of 6,000 sheets per hour is also a major advantage, enabling it to handle longer-run jobs that have traditionally been printed using offset printing."

KGC Suzuki
"By understanding the press's capabilities and applying ingenuity, value can be created within the printing process. Going beyond "the usual way" and taking one step further greatly expands the possibilities of print. The Lithrone GX40 advance EX Edition is expected to perform not only in calendars, but also in high value-added applications such as packaging and cards. It excels in work where print itself becomes part of the value--such as materials that emphasize brand image--going beyond simply "printing beautifully."

Detail about Lithrone GX/G advance EX Edition:
https://www.komorisolutions.com/advance/en/

Detail about 29-inch Sheetfed UV Inkjet Digital Printing Press J-throne 29:
https://www.komori.com/en/global/product/press/digital/j-throne_29.html

*1 KGC (Komori Graphic Technology Center): A core facility of Komori engaged in print technology R&D, demonstrations, and the training and skill development of printing professionals.
*2 Katsushika Hokusai: A pioneering Japanese ukiyo-e artist. His innovative compositions and dynamic style, particularly The Great Wave off Kanagawa, inspired many Western Impressionists and continue to influence artists around the world today.
*3 One pass: A method in which the printing process is completed in a single pass through the press, ensuring high registration accuracy and operational efficiency.
*4 New YUPO FGS 300: A synthetic paper made primarily from polypropylene, offering excellent water resistance and durability.