Etegami, meaning “picture letters,” is a Japanese folk art that combines simple, hand-painted images with thoughtful or poetic phrases. This tradition began in the mid-20th century, inspired by calligrapher and artist Kunio Koike, who emphasized creating art that feels approachable and warm. Etegami typically features natural subjects like flowers, animals, or seasonal items, and each piece often conveys a personal message, making it a uniquely heartfelt form of expression that can be shared with others, much like a postcard. Traditionally, Etegami artists use simple materials: sumi ink for outlines, gansai (Japanese watercolor paints) for color, and washi (Japanese paper) as a canvas. These materials are chosen for their natural, organic…