The Art of Hiroshima Makeup Brush Crafting with World Class Hakuhodo Artisans

Traditional Craft Work is Alive and Well in the World of Brush Making

The town of Kumano in the Aki District of Hiroshima Prefecture developed its brush production base during the latter days of the Edo period (late 18th to mid-19th Century), and this masterful craft heritage has since become the town’s legacy. Utilizing traditional brush making techniques, the town still produces a wide variety of high end brushes for a variety of applications, including calligraphy, painting, and cosmetics. The town’s makeup brushes in particular have become renowned across Japan – and the globe.

The Hakuhodo Main Office in the tranquil town of Kumano, surrounded by mountains and fields

Among the numerous brush manufacturers in the region, Hakuhodo boasts a well-earned worldwide reputation as the front of the pack in terms of product quality. It has also become the go-to manufacturer of cosmetics brushes of Hollywood celebrities, French film stars, and pop music icons. The manufacturing house even works with numerous overseas cosmetic brands to craft lines of exclusive makeup brushes. If you happen to have a high-end brand makeup brush of your own, there’s a good chance it was made by Hakuhodo.

Hakuhodo’s brushes are greatly valued for the difference they make in makeup finish

Two Centuries of Kumano-rooted Craft Heritage

The town of Kumano sits a mere one hour train or bus ride away from the Shinkansen stop of Hiroshima Station, ensconced in lush nature and mountain foothills. Originally a farming community, brush making was introduced here some 200 years ago as an alternative industry to agriculture. It has since put down deep roots in the fertile soil of the community.

In the clear air of the foothills just an hour from Hiroshima station sits the town of Kumano

Founded in 1974, Hakuhodo got its start manufacturing traditional brushes used in doll and ceramic production. Building on this craft skill base, it branched into cosmetic brush production and grew into a global brand. To this day, it performs every step of the manufacturing process by hand to produce top quality brushes.

Artwork installations featuring brush motifs dot the town, speaking to the industry’s traditional importance in the region

An Exclusive Look at Normally Off-limits Craft Production

This exclusive Wabunka plan includes a special tour of the Hakuhodo headquarters, which is normally off-limits to the general public. Here, you can get an up-close look at the intricate techniques and process by which artisans craft every brush. Learn about vital steps such as kesarae (the sorting and selection of brush hairs) and kesoroe (the brushing and fine adjustment of the brush hair using a kanagushi metal comb).

The most important step is the initial sorting, selecting for high-quality brush hairs

Hakuhodo also honors its traditional handicraft roots by developing makeup brush products that integrate other traditional crafts, such as maki-e lacquerware art and Arita-yaki porcelain, into handles and fittings. For one example, its masterpiece kinoku-fude (“mushroom brushes”) feature handles made of Wajima-nuri lacquerware or Kutani-yaki ceramics, marrying function and beauty to create a work of art. Through pieces like this, Hakuhodo pursues one of its company missions – “supporting and opening up new futures for traditional artisanal handiwork as a whole.”

A brush made in collaboration with Okura Touen, one of Japan’s leading Western-style tableware producers

A Rare Opportunity for Close Instruction from a Master Artisan

After the workshop tour, it’s time to get hands-on with the process. This experience is exclusive to Wabunka, an opportunity to craft makeup brushes from goat hair under the guidance of factory manager Kouji Nakamoto – a brush artisan with over 35 years of experience.

Kouji Nakamoto, Hakuhodo’s top engineer, personally instructs each participant

At a glance, the process of straightening and bundling the hair seems simple, but it requires great skill and a surprisingly delicate hand. The finished bundles are then secured with wire and set into a metal fitting positioned five centimeters below the tip. This assembly is next secured firmly into place with a manual press before the wire is removed to complete the brush head. Professionals then affix the handle and put the finishing touches on the product at the workshop. Your finished piece is shipped to you approximately 1-2 months after completion.

Fitting the brush hairs to their cylindrical mold is more challenging than it looks

Optionally, this completed brush can be upgraded with a custom handle made of a high quality material (additional fees apply). Choose porcelain from top tableware manufacturer Okura Touen or glittering cut glass from Shimadzu Satsuma Kiriko to craft a brush that’s all your own.

Optional Shimadzu Satsuma Kiriko cut glass brush handles

A Brush with the Deep Care and Sincerity Underlying Japan’s Craft Culture

Just one dab of the finished makeup brush is all it takes to appreciate the difference in quality: a texture that caresses the skin and distributes makeup evenly. There is a joy in having and handling such a finely made and well-respected tool, and it is all the more extraordinary when you’ve had a hand in making it yourself.

World-class makeup brushes by master artisans

Experience the deep care and sophisticated technique that goes into painstakingly crafting each and every one of these excellent brushes. Through this exclusive Wabunka plan, you are sure to develop a deeper appreciation for fine brushes, and come away with memories of the expertise and passion behind them each time you use your own.

Feel the tradition and craftsmanship behind each and every brush