Kuretake is one of the most beloved brands in our collection—and for good reason. Renowned for their exceptionally high-quality brush pens, inks, and markers, Kuretake’s products are cherished not only by stationery enthusiasts but also by calligraphers and artists all around the world. Like many well-loved Japanese brands, Kuretake carries with it a rich and fascinating history. It’s this deep-rooted legacy that provides the expertise and craftsmanship behind the tools we know and love today. Learning more about their story is sure to deepen your appreciation for the thoughtful design and quality behind every Kuretake product.
History of Kuretake
As we dive into the history of Kuretake, it becomes clear that there are countless angles we could explore—from its cultural roots to its global influence. But since Shibuya Stationery is all about the love of paper and pens, we’ll be focusing on Kuretake’s rich history through the lens of product development. By tracing how their products evolved, we can better appreciate the craftsmanship behind the tools we use today. Some of Kuretake’s current products have undergone over 100 years of refinement and innovation.
Kuretake was founded in 1902, during Japan’s Meiji Era, by Watatani Narakichi (綿谷奈良吉) under the trade name Watatani Shokai (綿谷商会). At the time, the company specialized in producing traditional sumi inksticks, a staple in Japanese calligraphy.
In 1953, the company name officially changed to Kuretake Seishodo Co., Ltd. (株式会社呉竹精昇堂), and they established their head office in Nara City in 1956. Just two years later, they released the groundbreaking "Bokuteki" liquid ink (1958)—a game changer for the world of calligraphy. Before this, using sumi ink involved a long process of grinding a solid inkstick with water on an inkstone. The "Bokuteki" ink was developed in response to feedback from academics who needed a faster, more convenient solution. Interestingly, Kuretake also introduced a "kneaded ink" in 1956, which came in a tube and dissolved in water, but it was the "Bokuteki" that won users over with its consistent, rich black tone.
Riding on the success of their liquid ink, Kuretake began exploring new kinds of writing instruments. At the time, felt-tip pens on the market used oil-based ink, which often bled through paper and couldn’t produce clean, thin lines. In 1963, Kuretake launched the Dream Pen, a fine-tipped, water-based felt pen that solved these issues. The pen quickly gained popularity and began selling in the U.S. and Europe by the following year.
The 1970s post-war recession in Japan saw a demand for high-quality yet affordable stationery. In response, Kuretake developed the ZIG Fineliner Pen. The name “ZIG” comes from the zigzag motion of handwriting—a nod to fluid creativity. This product became Kuretake’s first international success, leading to ZIG becoming an official sub-brand now sold in over 80 countries worldwide.
From there, Kuretake’s product line continued to expand, with innovations and refinements year after year. Today, Kuretake offers over 2,500 SKUs, ranging from calligraphy tools to creative art supplies. Here are some of their notable product milestones:
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1973: The original Kuretake Brush Pen was launched, and it is now available in a wide range of styles for writing, calligraphy, and art.
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1990: Introduction of the Oyatto Glue and the Kuretake Fountain Brush Pen.
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1997: Release of the Lacquered Fountain Brush Pen and the Water Brush Pen, both of which are still widely used today.
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2006: Launch of the Gansai Tambi—a traditional Japanese pan-style watercolor set that has gained popularity worldwide.
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2022: Kuretake steps into the beauty world with the release of the Kuretake Makeup Brush Pen (くれ竹お化粧ふでぺん).
To learn more about Kuretake’s history, please visit Kuretake’s website.
From its humble beginnings as an ink manufacturer to becoming a global name in art and stationery, Kuretake’s story is one of continuous innovation. Understanding this journey helps us see these products not just as tools, but as the result of generations of thoughtful craftsmanship.
Products We Love From Kuretake
By now, it’s probably no surprise that we love the Kuretake brand here at Shibuya Stationery. From its rich history to its thoughtful product design, Kuretake continues to impress us with tools that are both beautiful and functional. Naturally, we've curated a solid collection of their products in our shop—ones we genuinely use and adore.
In this next section, we’re excited to introduce some of our favorite Kuretake items we carry and tell you exactly why they’ve earned a spot on our shelves (and in our pencil cases). Whether you’re a calligraphy enthusiast, a creative journaler, or an artist looking for new items to help you create your masterpieces, there’s something here for you.
Kuretake Felt Tip Pen (Fude Gokochi 筆ごこち)
For this product series, let us look at the Kuretake Felt Tip Pen in Ultra-Fine Black and the classic Kuretake Felt Tip Pen in Black—one of our all-time bestsellers. What makes these pens stand out is their uniquely designed brush-like tip, which strikes the perfect balance between firmness and flexibility. This makes it easy to create expressive, brush-style strokes while still offering the control and precision of a regular marker. It’s the best of both worlds, whether you’re lettering, sketching, or just taking stylish notes.
Kuretake Brush Pen Collection (Kuretake Fude くれ竹筆)
This collection features the perfect combination of functionality and convenience, designed for intricate calligraphy and detailed writing. Each brush pen is equipped with a durable, high-quality brush tip and a replaceable ink cartridge, ensuring a consistently smooth writing experience. We carry a variety of brush pens from this series, but one standout favorite is the Kuretake Brush Pen - Extra Fine - Black Sumi Ink (No. 24). It’s ideal for calligraphy practice, especially for those who don’t always have the time to prepare traditional liquid ink or use an inkstick. It’s also a great tool for artists who enjoy adding fine, precise details to their work.
Kuretake Fountain Brush Pen (Kuretake Mannen Mouhitsu くれ竹万年毛筆)
This is Kuretake’s luxurious take on their iconic brush pens, and we’re excited to highlight the ones we carry in our collection: the Kuretake Fountain Brush Pen – Lacquered. These pens are crafted with a premium-quality brush designed to mimic the natural feel of weasel hair, offering a perfect balance of flexibility and control. The lacquered body adds an elegant, sophisticated touch, making it not only a functional tool for writing or artwork but also a beautifully designed piece you’ll be proud to keep on your desk or carry with you.
ZIG Real Brush
The popular ZIG series offers a vibrant selection of colorful brush pens that have become a favorite among stationery lovers of all kinds. In our collection, we carry a couple of ZIG Real Brush Sets and individual colors, so you can create your own set with all your preferred color selections. Each pen features a small, flexible brush tip and is filled with vivid, water-based ink. These pens are especially beloved by journalers who enjoy doodling and by artists who love to play with color. With a water-soaked brush, you can easily control the intensity of the ink, creating anything from bold, saturated strokes to soft, sheer washes. You can also blend multiple colors with water to achieve beautiful gradient effects. The compact, flexible brush tip makes these pens incredibly versatile for all your creative projects.
Calligraphy Set
Kuretake has curated the perfect set for anyone interested in exploring the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy. This Calligraphy Set includes all the essentials to get you started: an inkstick, liquid ink, a selection of brushes, an ink grinding stone, and even a calligraphy guide to walk you through the basics. The set also comes in a beautifully designed bag with thoughtfully arranged compartments to neatly store each item. The bag opens fully for easy access, making it both functional and elegant—a perfect companion on your calligraphy journey.
At Shibuya Stationery, we’re always on the lookout for tools that not only perform beautifully but also carry a story, and Kuretake is the perfect example of that. From their humble beginnings as an ink manufacturer to becoming a global name in creative tools, Kuretake’s century-long journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and artistic expression.
Whether you're just getting into calligraphy, are already an experienced artist, or simply someone who appreciates a well-made pen, there’s something uniquely special about using a tool that’s been refined over decades. We hope this blog has given you a deeper appreciation for the thought and care behind each Kuretake product—and maybe even inspired you to try something new.
