Artist Supply Sources: Japan
Kobaien Nara
Speciality: Specializes in sumi ink 墨匠 (bokusho, the art of ink-making). Established in 1577, Kobaien is one of the oldest traditional sumi ink makers in Nara. The entire process from soot collection to mixing, kneading, pressing and drying ink has been opened to the public.
Locations:
Kobaien Nara: 7 Tsubaichō, Nara, 630-8343, Japan (Map) Phone: +81 742-23-2965
Kobaien Kyoto: 716-1 Yohojimaecho, Nakagyo-ward, Kyoto, Japan. (Map) Phone: +81 075-231-1531
Website: http://kobaien.jp
Articles: Kobaien: The Art of Inksticks in the Old Capital City of Nara by Into Japan Magazine
Nara Kobaien Sumi Factory by Japan All Over, blog of JapanVisitor.com
Find Out How Sumi Ink Sticks are Created in Japan, by Rona Conti
Speciality: A rare, beautiful art supply store in Tokyo which stocks over 4500 colors of pigments, hundreds of unique brushes and antique ink sticks. Also paints, inkstands, washi paper, animal glues, canvas and frames.The stunning interior was created by architect Kengo Kuma. They have expert staff and offer workshops.
Location: 2-5-5 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (Map), 11am – 8pm, Closed on Mondays & Thursdays
Website: https://pigment.tokyo
Favorites: Pigment Lab for research and educational activities.
Articles: Pigment: A gorgeous art supply store in Tokyo with 4200 pigments and 200 brushes , Spoon and Tamago by Johnny
PIGMENT In Tokyo - Get Creative With Traditional Japanese Art Supplies Matcha, written by mish_, translated by Sandy Lau
Saiundo Traditional Art Supply Shop
Speciality: The very best of everything for “Nihon-ga” or Japanese style painting. Handmade watercolors, special brushes, paper, glue (nikawa), chalk (gohun), and powdered mineral pigments (iwa-enogu). Beautiful little shop with very knowledgable and friendly owner, Saiundo Fujimoto.
Location: Anekoji Fuyacho Higashi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. (Map) Open 9:00-18:00, Closed Wednesdays
Phone: +81 075-221-2464
Articles: The Ornamentalist: Brush Shopping in Kyoto by Lynne Rutter
Saiundo Traditional Art Supply Shop: The classic Japanese artist’s best friend by Ian Ropke
Speciality: Huge, amazing art supply store spread over six floors. Stocks art, design and craft supplies, Japanese and western paper, manga drawing supplies and reference books. Framing section on 5th floor.
Location: 3-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan. (Map) Hours: 9:30-21:00
Phone: +81 3-5360-4000
Website: https://www.sekaido.co.jp
Favorites: Manga supplies
Article: Sekaido Store in Shinjuku, 5 Floors of Discounted Art Supplies article from DiG Japan
Speciality: Located right opposite bustling Shibuya station, the Uematsu store is housed in a small building stocked with beautiful artist materials: rows upon rows or rare pigments, paper, pads, pens, nibs, glues and supplies for traditional Japanese painting (Nihon-ga)
Location: 2-chome 20-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to, Japan. (Map) Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am - 7pm, Closed Sundays.
Phone: +81 3-3400-5556
Website: https://www.shibuyamiyamasu.jp/uematsu/main.html
Favorites: Washi paper pads, Japanese watercolor