Kuretake: Japanese Brush Pens and Watercolors Since 1902
Founded in 1902 in Nara, Japan, Kuretake (呉竹) is a name deeply woven into the history of Japanese writing and art. What began as a humble sumi ink and brush manufacturer has grown into one of Japan’s most respected creative brands — one that continues to celebrate the warmth of handwriting and the beauty of handcrafting.
From calligraphy to illustration, Kuretake has spent over a century perfecting tools that honor tradition while embracing modern creativity. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: to create writing and art materials that bring people closer to the joy of expression.
*All images and information are taken from KURETAKE official website
A Century of Craftsmanship and Creativity
Kuretake was founded by Narayoshi Watatani under the name Watatani Shokai, producing high-quality sumi ink in Nara — a region known as the birthplace of Japanese ink-making.
As the art of writing evolved, so did Kuretake. In 1963, after two years of research and development, they released a groundbreaking new product: the sign pen, affectionately called the “Dream Pen.” It marked a turning point — a bridge between traditional brush culture and the convenience of modern pens.
Over the decades, Kuretake continued to innovate:
- They introduced liquid sumi ink (“Bokuteki”) in 1958, revolutionizing how calligraphers prepared ink.
- In the 1970s, they launched their ZIG pen series, laying the foundation for their global reputation in art and craft tools.
- In the 1980s and 1990s, Kuretake embraced international art movements, developing specialized lines for cartoonists, watercolor artists, and memory crafters.
Through every milestone, the brand has upheld its founding spirit — to keep handwriting alive, enrich creative expression, and share the cultural beauty of Japan with the world.
The Philosophy Behind the Name
Kuretake’s logo and colors carry deep meaning. The black represents tradition and craftsmanship, while yellow and purple symbolize innovation and creativity. Together, they embody the company’s dual mission: to honor the past while pioneering the future.
The name “Kuretake” itself is 呉竹, means henon bamboo, a plant symbolizing strength and flexibility — traits that perfectly describe the company’s century-long journey of adaptation and artistry.
From Brushes to Brush Pens: Bridging Old and New
Kuretake’s greatest strength lies in its ability to merge tradition and innovation. Their brush pens are a perfect example: designed to deliver the same fluid expressiveness as traditional calligraphy brushes, yet portable, clean, and easy to use.
For over half a century, Kuretake has refined this form, crafting brush pens used by professional artists, calligraphers, illustrators, and stationery lovers around the world. The “Kuretake Fude Pen” (筆ぺん) remains a classic — its brush tip flexible enough for kanji, sketches, and expressive lettering alike.
These pens capture what Kuretake stands for: respecting the roots of Japanese writing culture while ensuring it thrives in the modern world.
Expanding into the World of Art & Craft
Kuretake’s evolution didn’t stop at calligraphy. In the 1990s, the company embraced a new identity as an “Art & Craft Company.” This shift reflected a broader mission — to create tools that empower all forms of artistic expression, from journaling to illustration to DIY crafts.
Their ZIG brand, in particular, became a symbol of innovation. Each sub-line caters to a specific art style, showing how versatile Kuretake’s craftsmanship truly is.
The ZIG Brand: Global Creativity, Japanese Precision
KURETAKE ZIG Clean Color Chalk Pastel Marker
The ZIG name originated in the late 1970s as part of Kuretake’s 75th anniversary. What began as a simple water-based marker soon evolved into a complete creative ecosystem — one trusted by professionals and hobbyists alike.
ZIG Memory System
Created during the rise of the scrapbooking and memory-craft movement in the US, the ZIG Memory System is Kuretake’s line dedicated to archival-quality materials — inks that stay vibrant, resist fading, and preserve memories over time.
One of the standout tools in this series is the ZIG Memory System Brushables. Each pen features twin soft brush tips, offering two tones of the same color in a single marker — a darker shade and a lighter one. This simple but powerful design allows artists to switch between tones effortlessly, making gradients, lettering, shading, and decorative accents feel intuitive and expressive.
KURETAKE Memory System Wink of Luna Brush
Made with water-based pigment ink, Brushables provide strong, vivid color that doesn’t bleed or fade, making them perfect for journaling, scrapbooking, photo albums, handmade cards, and coloring. The brush-style tips bring a smooth, flexible feel that blends traditional brushwork with modern convenience.
ZIG Cartoonist
This line was developed for manga and illustration, a natural progression given Japan’s strong comic culture. ZIG Cartoonist tools — including brush pens, fine liners, and black inks — are beloved by professional artists for their flow, control, and precision. They offer the deep blacks and crisp lines essential for storytelling through drawing.
ZIG Watercolor System
KURETAKE Historic Art Collection Hokusai
For painters and illustrators, the ZIG Watercolor System offers tools tailored to watercolor sketching and blending. This range includes brush pens with water-soluble pigments, making it easy to achieve soft gradients and vibrant washes — ideal for travel art or detailed coloring.
Across these systems, Kuretake’s ZIG brand has become synonymous with reliability and artistic freedom.
Gansai Tambi: The Colors of Japan
Among Kuretake’s most celebrated products is the Gansai Tambi watercolor series — a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese gansai paints.
Each color in the Gansai Tambi line is rich, opaque, and rooted in Japan’s heritage of painting and calligraphy. The larger pans allow artists to blend and layer colors freely, producing textures reminiscent of traditional scrolls and illustrations.
Loved by watercolor artists worldwide, Gansai Tambi reflects Kuretake’s philosophy: honoring Japan’s color traditions while offering tools that inspire creativity across cultures.
Innovation That Lasts
Kuretake’s history is filled with milestones that mark its continued relevance and commitment to craftsmanship:
- 1902 — Founded in Nara, Japan, as a sumi ink manufacturer.
- 1958 — Developed liquid sumi ink, changing the way ink was prepared.
- 1963 — Released the first sign pen (Dream Pen), sparking a writing revolution.
- 1970s–80s — Established the ZIG brand and expanded globally.
- 1990s–2000s — Introduced specialized art systems: Memory, Cartoonist, Watercolor.
- 2010s–2020s — Received multiple awards, including the Japan Stationery Award and Good Design Award, for innovative tools like the “Karappo Pen” (empty refillable marker) and “Fudepen Dream Galaxy.”
Even after 120 years, Kuretake continues to develop new products that connect hand, mind, and heart through creativity.
More Than a Brand — A Cultural Legacy
Kuretake doesn’t just make stationery; it preserves and reimagines Japanese culture for modern creators. The brand’s brushes, inks, and pens embody values of patience, care, and respect — qualities that define both Japanese craftsmanship and artistic expression.
Their work extends beyond the studio: through educational programs, art contests, and workshops, Kuretake fosters global appreciation for the beauty of handwriting and the tactile joy of analog creation.
The company’s vision as an Art & Craft Company is not simply about making products — it’s about nurturing creativity, encouraging connection, and inspiring new cultural expressions around the world.
Modern Innovations and Creative Collaborations
Even with more than a century of history, Kuretake continues to evolve — not by abandoning tradition, but by expanding the possibilities of what writing and art tools can be. In recent years, the brand has released several products that blend craftsmanship with contemporary creativity, capturing the attention of artists, designers, and stationery lovers around the world.
ZIG CLEAN COLOR DOT Series
A modern favorite among journalers, planners, and creative hobbyists, the ZIG CLEAN COLOR DOT series is one of Kuretake’s most playful and versatile innovations. Each pen features a soft, cushion-like dot tip that allows users to create perfect circles simply by pressing down — from tiny dots to large decorative marks, all with a single tool.
Loved for bullet journaling, checklists, lettering, highlighting, and decorative accents, the Dot series makes organizing and designing both easy and fun. The flexible dot tip pairs with a fine writer tip on the opposite end, making it a true 2-in-1 pen ideal for both precision work and expressive embellishments. You can see more examples at their site.
Available in a wide range of vibrant, blendable colors, the ZIG CLEAN COLOR DOT series reflects Kuretake’s talent for reinventing everyday writing tools into something joyful, intuitive, and full of creative potential.
The Karappo Pen Series
One of Kuretake’s most talked-about modern innovations is the “Karappo Pen”, an empty refillable marker that lets you create your own custom ink colors. Loved by hobbyists and professionals alike, it embodies Kuretake’s belief that creativity should be personal and hands-on.
The series has won multiple awards, including recognition at the Japanese Stationery Award 2021.
Ink Café: Create Your Own Colors
The Ink Café line encourages users to mix pigments and shimmer powders to craft truly unique inks. With easy-to-use ink bases and additives, it transforms color-mixing from something reserved for professionals into a fun and accessible experience.
This system pairs beautifully with the Karappo Pen, allowing anyone to build their own palette from scratch.
Fude Pen Dream Galaxy & Luxury Writing Tools
Kuretake’s craftsmanship shines in its premium brush pens, including the Dream Galaxy series and the Maki-e lacquer fude pens. These tools blend traditional Japanese artistry — such as lacquerware and gold accents — with the smooth functionality of modern brush pens.
Several of these premium pens have received nationwide design awards for their beauty and usability.
Why Kuretake Deserves Attention
Few brands balance heritage and innovation as gracefully as Kuretake. From sumi ink to watercolors, from calligraphy brushes to markers, every product carries over a century of craftsmanship and curiosity.
KURETAKE Inktober Fudegokochi 3pcs Set
Whether you’re an artist, a letterer, or a stationery lover, Kuretake offers more than tools — it offers a way to reconnect with the act of creating by hand. At a time when digital replaces so much of the tactile, Kuretake reminds us of something timeless: that ink, brush, and paper still have the power to express what words alone cannot.
Discover Kuretake at ZenPop
At ZenPop, we’re proud to feature Kuretake’s iconic dot markers, craft scissors, and watercolors set — tools that celebrate the artistry of writing and the beauty of handmade expression.
KURETAKE ZIG Letter Pen COCOIRO Extra Fine
Explore our store to experience how Kuretake’s tradition meets modern creativity — from the soft flow of a fude pen to the brilliance of watercolor on paper.
