Takeda Japanese Makeup Brushes

About Kumano and Takeda Brush

Takeda is situated in Kumano, part of Hiroshima, Japan. Kumano is a quaint town renowned for its brush-making expertise since the mid-19th century. While not all Japanese artisan brushes originate from Kumano, and not every brush manufacturer is part of the Kumano Brush Union (recognizable by a "K" symbol sticker on their plastic sleeves), this "brush town" of Japan has become synonymous with high-quality standards among brush enthusiasts. Kumano also hosts an annual brush festival and boasts a museum dedicated to the history of brushes, primarily focusing on calligraphy.

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Established in as a traditional handmade makeup brush producer, Takeda produces a wide range of makeup brushes suitable for various occasions, from Japan's traditional Kabuki theatre to bridal needs and regular use. Although their production volume is limited, they offer a diverse assortment of brushes while consistently aiming for the highest quality standards. Among brush aficionados, Takeda is praised for its superior hair quality, elegant handles, and customizable designs.

Ordering From Takeda Brush

Although the Takeda Brush website is available only in Japanese, their customer service is exceptional, offering support in English. My Japanese is not fluent, and I have difficulty reading kanji, so I utilized Google Translate for browsing the site. While the translations were not perfect, they allowed me to gauge brush and hair types effectively. Initially, I found myself overwhelmed by the variety of brush styles, but the clear images on Takeda’s site helped clarify shapes and measurements. While I am still unfamiliar with the "product codes," I anticipate that familiarity will come with time.

Whenever I encountered uncertainty, Mr. Takeda promptly answered my inquiries through email. He kindly clarified the product codes, hair types, ordering process, and more. The ordering process itself was simple: I selected my desired styles, received an invoice including brushes, taxes, and shipping costs, then paid via PayPal. Please note that the PayPal fees and taxes are not included in the listed brush prices on the website. They even provided images of the brushes prior to assembly, which was a thoughtful gesture! I opted for EMS shipping, and the items reached me in just a few days from Japan to Finland.

One tempting aspect for my wallet was the option to customize the brushes. You can request engraving or alter the brush handle for a small additional fee. However, more significant changes, such as altering brush hair or design, might incur higher costs depending on the request. To gain clarity on the crafting fees for specific designs, I reached out to Mr. Takeda by sending measurements or reference images of the brushes. I also received considerable assistance from Myra, who had ordered custom brushes multiple times, making the process smoother for me.

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When it comes to handcrafted luxury makeup brushes, Japan is considered the "Mecca," and Japanese brushes are regarded as top-tier. Most brushes from your favorite high-end brands have likely been produced in Japan.

You may have browsed online, coming across an appealing brush set and thought, "Hmm, that looks good," only to be shocked at the price of a single brush exceeding $50, or converting to local currency, 17,000 Naira like myself.

As a self-proclaimed Makeup Aficionado, my journey toward higher-end makeup brushes felt natural. While I still admire my trusted Real Techniques and Sigma brushes, there's an incomparable quality in the aesthetics and feel of a handcrafted brush.

Background

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For over 180 years, Kumano, a city in Hiroshima, has been the primary manufacturing hub for makeup brushes. Historically, Kumano was celebrated for producing Japanese calligraphy brushes for over 200 years. Today, this city crafts 80% of Japan's makeup brushes, with around 100 companies producing brushes under various brands.

Different brushes utilize specific animal hair tailored to their intended use. The hair type is critical and can include pony, sable, squirrel, weasel, and PBT synthetic hair. This selection allows for choosing brushes based on skin type—oily, dry, or sensitive—as well as the desired finish—natural or dramatic.

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For instance, individuals with oily skin will benefit from using a Goat Hair brush, which is more durable and can withstand frequent washing. Conversely, Blue Squirrel hair is delicate and is better suited for dry skin, which has less oil content and requires less regular cleaning.

Why You Should Buy Them?

1). They Are Beautiful

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These brushes are unquestionably the most stunningly crafted tools available. Even basic models with black handles display exceptional balance and weight, fitting comfortably in hand. Opting for a more elaborate or collector’s edition truly showcases the skill of craftsmanship, as exemplified in the recent collaboration between Beautylish and Chikuhodo's Malie range.

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2). They Are Super Soft

These brushes are the softest I have ever encountered, thanks to the use of natural hairs and the careful selection of bristles. Unlike synthetic brushes that are cut to form their shape, Japanese brushes feature hairs arranged so that the finer tips remain on top. Creating each brush requires time and skill, which accounts for the higher price tag.

3). Bristles Are Carefully Selected

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Utilizing a mix of animal hair, each brush is designed for specific applications (face, eyes) and optimized based on product texture (liquid, cream, or powder) and skin type (oily/dry/sensitive). This enhances performance and allows users to achieve their desired finish—soft, dramatic, or airbrushed—depending on the brush type.

4). Prices are Reasonable

While they may be pricier than synthetic brushes, the prices of Japanese brushes are comparable to those from professional brands like MAC. Considering that other brushes are mass-produced, investing in Japanese brushes becomes a more sensible choice.

Cons

Japanese brushes require delicate handling and extra care, particularly those made of fragile hair types like squirrel. These should be washed infrequently to maintain their integrity. Consequently, they may not be the best choice for individuals with oily, acne-prone skin due to potential bacterial contamination if not cleaned regularly.

Japanese Makeup Brush Brands

1). Chikuhodo

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Chikuhodo stands as one of the most esteemed Japanese brush manufacturers, producing brushes under its brand as well as for other well-known labels.

2). Hakuhodo

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Hakuhodo is recognized as one of the largest brands, manufacturing around 500,000 brushes monthly.

Additional brands include Koyudo and Uyeda Bisyodo, which are less well-known.

Recommendations to Start Your Brush Collection

If your budget is unlimited, consider initiating your collection with a complete set from any of the aforementioned brands. Otherwise, the Wayne Goss collection serves as an excellent starting point.

Where You Can Find Them

Currently, these brushes are unavailable through known Nigerian retailers, but several websites offer international shipping. I purchased my Hakuhodo brushes directly from their US website, while the Wayne Goss and Chikuhodo brushes are available on Beautylish.

Koyudo and Uyeda Bisyodo can be found on the Japanese website CD Japan, although shipping may take up to three weeks, so patience is key when awaiting their arrival.

I hope you enjoyed exploring the world of Japanese brushes and the well-known brands associated with them. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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