KUMANO FUDE
Japan's Renowned Hub for Brush-Making, Inheriting Craftsmanship from Famous Production Areas Responding to demand, Kumano has evolved from producing calligraphy brushes to makeup brushes, moving into a new phase.
Brush-making in Kumanotown, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture, has a history that dates back to the end of the Edo period. At that time, when the townspeople of Kumano Town went to work in the Kinki region during the farming off-season, they began peddling brushes and ink sticks which they had purchased there. This led them to learn brush-making techniques from artisans in Nara and Arima, resulting in brush-making craftsmanship becoming widely popular in Kumano Town. Approximately 10% of the town's residents are still involved in the brush-making industry, and the town boasts the highest domestic production volume of brushes in Japan. The demand for Kumano brushes, which originally specialized in calligraphy brushes, decreased as calligraphy education was curtailed after World War II. As a result, the demand for paint and makeup brushes began to rise around 1955. In particular, high-quality makeup brushes, crafted using calligraphy brush-making techniques, gained popularity, especially among celebrities both in Japan and abroad. Kumano Fude (brush) has gained recognition worldwide, ushering in the dawn of a new era.
- "SHAQUDA" Makeup Brushes Achieve the Ultimate in Comfort and Beauty
- The founder of MIZUHO BRUSH CO., LTD., Mr. Taiji Shakuda, recognized the flexibility and precision of Kumano brushes, traditionally used for calligraphy and painting, and was quick to focus on creating makeup brushes, anticipating the emerging demand. Through extensive research, he refined the techniques essential to the production of makeup brushes. "SHAQUDA" is an original brand of makeup brushes launched in 2015, named after the founder, Shakuda, with the vision of passing on his craftsmanship to future generations. With the concept of "Lavishly coloring everyday moments," the traditional techniques of Kumano brushes are combined with sophisticated designs, and are meticulously handcrafted one by one by skilled artisans. Tips are made from a combination of rare natural hair and original synthetic fibers that closely resemble natural hair, all while minimizing the environmental impact during the manufacturing process. Makeup brushes, meticulously crafted down to the last detail, are truly masterpieces worthy of being called the finest in quality. The brand has launched a new series of products, including the ethical makeup brush " UBU," that does not use metal fittings; the compact makeup brush " MISUMI," designed for easy portability; and "SUVÉ ", a brushing and skin care product that revives natural skin beauty. In the fall of 2024, the "Atelier Shop SHAQUDA" opened next to the workshop, providing a space for visitors to explore the rich history of brush beauty and culture. We invite you to experience the new feel of brushes that approach the pinnacle of beauty.
Creator Introduction
MIZUHO BRUSH CO., LTD.
Taiji Shakuda, whose father manufactured and sold brushes and whose mother an artisan of hand-rolled brushes, as a "jomono-shi," a predecessor of traditional craftsmen, founded "Shakuda Manufacturing Company" in 1968. Incorporated as "MIZUHO BRUSH CO., LTD." in 1980. The selection, dressing, carving, assembly, and inspection of the brushes are all carried out by skilled artisans. We also craft our own wooden molds for the brush tips, known as "koma," an essential element in the brush-making process. We are one of the few Kumano brush workshops with a fully integrated in-house system, continuing the tradition of making high-quality brushes.
Atelier Shop SHAQUDA
- Address
- 2-7-35 Hagiwara, Kumano-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture 731-4213
- TEL-FAX
- 082-854-1137
082-854-9182 - Business Hours
- 10:00 to 17:00 (excluding Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays)
Sales method
- Price:
Makeup brushes From JPY 3,500 each, gift set JPY 100,000
Skin care brushes From about JPY 4,000 to JPY 25,000 each. - Direct purchase available. (Payment: Cash, VISA, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, Diners, Discover, UnionPay)
- Authorized Dealer: Atelier Shop "SHAQUDA"
- Custom orders available:
(Personalization available for a fee. Custom orders are negotiable depending on the quantity.) - International shipping available:
Estimated delivery times and costs *As of January 2025
China, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia From 5 days or more, JPY 5,000 for 2 kg
Oceania and India From 7 days or more, JPY 8,500 for 2 kg
Middle East: From 7 days or more, JPY 9,500 for 2 kg
Europe: From 7 days or more, JPY 8,500 for 2 kg
United States (excluding overseas territories such as Guam): From 5 days or more, JPY 6,000 for 2 kg
*Delivery times are estimates only and do not include customs clearance.
*Delivery time may vary and delays may occur due to shipping methods, customs clearance, and local handling conditions. - Bulk orders welcome :
- Workshop Experience: Available
Kumano Makeup Brush Workshop
(Required time) 90 minutes (Fee) JPY 30,000
(Workshop details) Experience crafting the tip of your own makeup brush under the guidance of a brush artisan. The artisan will then refine your brush, personalize it, and ship it to you with care. (Shipping fee separately charged) - Examples:
Adapted by "Isetan Beauty Apothecary" (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) and "HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO" (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture).
Local products list
