Learn at a long-established 300-year-old store! Experience brush-making with a traditional artisan in Nara, the birthplace of writing in Japan

Brushes are an indispensable stationary tool for Japanese cultural expression. Japanese brush-making began around 1,300 years ago in Nara. Nara brushes are made one at a time by the hands of artisans, without the use of machines. They are also designated as a Traditional Japanese craft by the government of Japan. Listen to a traditional Nara brush artisan give a talk. While doing so, harden the tip of a brush with glue and shape it yourself. The lecture will be given by a traditional artisan with a long-established 300-year-old store, Akashiya. Watch an up-close look at an artisan's skill, cultivated over the years, receive instruction and enjoy shopping for brush pens and makeup brushes. Choose from Experience A, where you can take the brush that you made home with you, or Experience B, where your name will be engraved on the brush and delivered to you at a later date. (Shipping is only available within Japan)