Calligraphy Tools
The brush, the inkstone and the ink stick — the three tools of Japanese calligraphy each come from a town that has perfected them. Here is where Japan's writing culture is physically made.
Kumano Brushes
This Hiroshima town makes most of Japan's calligraphy and makeup brushes. Bundled animal hair, shaped entirely by feel, gives Kumano brushes a softness prized by artists and cosmetics houses worldwide.
Ogatsu Inkstones
Carved from fine 250-million-year-old slate on the Miyagi coast, Ogatsu inkstones grind sumi to a silk-smooth ink. The craft survived the 2011 tsunami and the slate still roofs historic halls.
Nara Ink Sticks
Nearly all of Japan's solid ink sticks are made in Nara, kneaded from soot and glue in the cold winter months. Ground on a wet inkstone, a Nara stick yields ink with depth no bottle can match.