Founded in 1902 as Kuretake Sumi, the company began by crafting sumi ink brushes for traditional Japanese ink painting. With a deep respect for craftsmanship and innovation, Kuretake grew into a brand known worldwide for high-quality art tools spanning fine arts, illustration, calligraphy, and everyday writing.
A major turning point came in 1963, when Kuretake introduced the Dream Pen, a revolutionary water-based felt tip pen that solved common issues with oil-based markers of the time, such as bleeding and smudging.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into Kuretake’s fascinating stationery innovations, check out our feature blog: Exploring the World of Japanese Stationery Featuring Kuretake.
Kuretake’s felt tip pens represent over a century of Japanese craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to quality, and it’s clear that you, our customers, love them too, since they’re among our best-selling items. With so many different types available, each designed for a unique purpose, there’s a Kuretake pen to suit every creative need. Let’s explore who will find these pens most useful and discover which style might be perfect for you.
Who Will Love Kuretake Felt Tip Pens
Kuretake felt-tip pens are designed for a wide range of users, making them versatile tools for anyone who enjoys writing, art, or creative expression.
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Calligraphy Beginners or Experts: beginner learners of brush-style lettering and for calligraphy experts looking for a reliable tool.
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Bullet Journal Enthusiasts: perfect for adding artistic flair, headers, and decorative touches to planners and journals.
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Japanese Language Learners: for practice, kanji and kana neatly with pens that mimic traditional brush strokes.
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Artists and Illustrators: for creating detailed sketches, vibrant lettering, and professional-quality artwork.
Kuretake Felt Tip Pen
If you love the smooth look of brush lettering but prefer the writing experience of a pen, the Kuretake Felt Tip Pen is the perfect middle ground. Designed with a brush-like tip, it offers graceful, expressive strokes while remaining easy to handle, even for those who find traditional Japanese calligraphy brush pens difficult to use.
The water-based pigment ink delivers deep, solid lines in black or a softer grey color, both resistant to water and fading over time.
Kuretake Felt Tip Pen - Ultra-Fine
For precise, detailed writing, the Kuretake Felt Tip Pen - Ultra-Fine is the perfect choice. Its firm, brush-style tip allows for controlled, clean lines, making it ideal for letters, postcards, planners, and even resumes. Despite its precision, it still offers the familiar smooth, brush-like feel that Kuretake is known for.
This pen is especially recommended for artists who need fine detail in their work and for Japanese language learners practicing kanji, as its small tip allows for accurate, intricate strokes. If you love the Kuretake Felt Tip Pen but want a sharper, ultra-fine tip for detailed writing, this is the one to choose.
Kuretake Quick Drying Felt Tip Pen - Black Ink
For those concerned about smudges or for left-handed writers who often struggle with smearing, the Kuretake Quick Drying Felt Tip Pen offers the perfect solution. Its brush-style tip glides smoothly, delivering expressive strokes while remaining easy to use for beginners who find regular brush pens intimidating.
This pen is especially recommended for left-handed writers, bullet journal enthusiasts who want to decorate their planners without worrying about smudges, and artists who work quickly and need their ink to dry fast. The quick-drying pigment ink keeps your hands and paper clean, making it a reliable tool for any creative project.
Kuretake Portable Felt Tip Pen (No. 14)
Compact, reliable, and versatile, the Kuretake Portable Felt Tip Pen is perfect for anyone who wants the expressive look of brush strokes in an easy-to-carry format. Its firm felt tip allows you to freely vary line thickness, from fine to bold, making it ideal for both writing and illustration.
This pen is especially recommended for Japanese language learners, as it’s widely appreciated for writing postcards, letters, and practicing kanji. It’s also a favorite among illustrators, and even animators and professional artists love it for sketching and creative work. Its portability and versatility make it a trusted tool for both personal writing and artistic projects.
There’s a Kuretake Felt Tip Pen for Everyone
Kuretake felt-tip pens are more than just writing tools; they connect traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern creativity. Choosing a Kuretake pen means equipping yourself with the right tool to support your journey, whether it’s mastering calligraphy, journaling, or creating art. We recommend picking up a few Kuretake felt-tip pens, so you’re equipped for different writing and creative needs on any occasion.
With their smooth tips, high-quality inks, and versatile designs, these pens make it easy to express yourself beautifully and confidently. No matter your skill level or creative goal, Kuretake felt-tip pens are the perfect companions to bring your ideas to life.
