Latest news with #Kuretake
Japan Forward
02-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Kuretake: The Calligraphy Giant Expanding into Cosmetics and Art Supplies
Kuretake is a long-established company based in Nara City, renowned for its high-quality calligraphy supplies. Today, it is making waves by applying its time-honored techniques to new frontiers in cosmetics and art. Drawing on decades of experience with bottled ink ( bokuju ) and brush pens, the company has launched a range of innovative products. They include eyeliner brush pens, solid watercolors ( gansai ), and art markers that have earned acclaim both in Japan and abroad. Kuretake's foray into cosmetics is led by one of its flagship products: eyeliner brush pens. These eyeliners help define the eyes with fine, precise lines, reflecting the company's mastery of brush pen craftsmanship. The "Okesho Fudepen – For Eyes" line, launched in 2022, showcases Kuretake's proprietary technology in both brush tips and ink formulation. Since eyeliners are applied to the sensitive eye area, the softness of the brush tip is crucial. As Makiko Kitamura, Deputy Manager of the Technology Development Department, explains: "Because it's used on skin — not paper — the tip needed to be soft, but not too soft." To strike this delicate balance, Kuretake adapted the design of its original 1973 brush pen, resulting in a tip that is both gentle and precise. Kuretake's eyeliner product. (Courtesy of Kuretake) The eyeliner series offers four variations, including a flat brush that allows users to control line thickness with ease. The ink, a pigment-based formula, is water-resistant yet easily removed with makeup remover. To minimize skin irritation, the ink is free of metals and includes a moisturizing agent. "We built this using the same dye technology behind our 180-color pen lineup," Kitamura notes. Founded in 1902, Kuretake first made its mark with calligraphy ink. In 1958, it became a pioneer in the industry by selling bottled ink for brush writing. The launch of its brush pens in 1973 brought national recognition. However, with the rise of digital tools, handwriting — and by extension, calligraphy — has declined. Japan's decreasing births have posed further challenges for traditional industries. A 2020 survey by the Agency for Cultural Affairs revealed that while 85.2% of people had studied calligraphy in school, nearly 89% no longer practiced it afterward. "There's no denying calligraphy is in decline," says Eriko Sato, Manager of Overseas Sales. "But Kuretake has always evolved — starting with ink, then brush pens, and now expanding into cosmetics and art." Kuretake began its overseas expansion in 1964, introducing products such as solid watercolors and markers. In Western countries, where scrapbooking and hand lettering are popular, the company's color pens under its ZIG brand has gained traction in over 80 countries, including across Europe. Kuretake's solid watercolor paint "Gansai Tambi," popular among illustrators, and the cosmetic product "Okesho Fude Pen" The company officially entered the cosmetics market in 2009, initially through OEM (original equipment manufacturing) for other brands. After the success of its eyeliner products, it launched the "Okesho Fudepen – For Eyebrows" in early 2024. This pen features an ultra-fine 0.01 mm brush tip that allows users to draw realistic eyebrow hairs with precision. Customer feedback has been enthusiastic: "The brush is so fine — it's perfect!" "It's easy to draw with because the brush is so thin." Although cosmetics have yet to match the profitability of Kuretake's brush pens, Sato sees enormous potential in the category. Kuretake is also exploring innovations outside the realms of art and cosmetics. One such product is a liquid de-icing agent made primarily from soot. Its black color absorbs light and generates heat, making it highly effective for melting snow. Unlike powder-based alternatives, this liquid spreads evenly and can even be applied using drones. With a logo that bears the slogan "Art & Craft Company," Kuretake continues to evolve from its roots in traditional Japanese calligraphy. By harnessing its heritage in ink and brush craftsmanship, the company is forging new paths in the global arenas of art, beauty, and beyond. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Yasuhiko Hiraoka, The Sankei Shimbun
NBC News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
19+ Mother's Day gifts that go beyond spa days
Everyone believes that their mom is the best in the world, so as Mother's Day approaches on May 11, it's important to show her exactly how much you care. Along with the dinners, spa days and flower bouquets, picking out the perfect Mother's Day gift is a great way to show your mom how much you appreciate her and her interests. To help you wade through the avalanche of potential gifts, I rounded up some of the best Mother's Day gifts I think you should consider for this year's holiday, including flowers, tech, skin care, home decor and more. The best Mother's Day gift ideas in 2025 Below, I've rounded up the best Mother's Day gift ideas for every kind of mother, including products we've reviewed in the past along with some NBC Select staff favorites. Be sure to check shipping times to confirm that your gift will arrive on-time and avoid showing up to the celebrations empty handed. Gifts under $50 Taskrabbit Gift Card This Mother's Day, one of the best gifts you could give your mom is probably something she very much needs: a break. Taskrabbit is an online service marketplace that lets you choose freelance workers (called 'taskers') for tasks like cleaning, mounting, repairs and more, making it just what your mother may need to help alleviate any pressing to-dos from her plate. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown, whose family has welcomed three new babies in the past year, loves gifting Taskrabbit services to the busy mothers in her life. 'What the mothers in my life have appreciated from me more than anything are money toward more practical experiences, like a cleaning service from Taskrabbit,' she says. She knows that motherhood can be busy, which is why she loves 'being able to help out in that way so they can have a couple of hours to relax.' You can purchase Taskrabbit gift cards in amounts from $25 and up — just be sure to check the app for a service cost estimate before buying. If your mother is a fan of the arts, or just looking for a new hobby to help her relax, this watercolor paint set from Kuretake is sure to be a hit. The colors are Gansai paints, which are traditional Japanese watercolors that are based on colors seen in nature, according to the brand. They have a smooth, slightly shiny finish and are held in pans that are larger than the usual watercolor trays, making them easy to use with small and large brushes. Each set includes 48 beautiful colors, along with a color chart and a sheet that acts as both a protective cover and a palette mixer. Everyone on the NBC Select staff knows that my Lego Botanicals set is one of my favorite purchases from last year — not only is it a fun way to pass time, but you're also left with a pretty piece of decor to display once it's over. This mini orchid kit has five peach-colored blooms, along with buds, leaves, a flowerpot and a stand to make it as lifelike as possible, according to the brand. The set has 274 pieces and includes instructions on how to assemble the flower (along with a link to a digital version in case your mom loses the printed version). Pura 4 Diffuser This diffuser was originally introduced to NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez by her mom, and she loves using it to keep her apartment smelling great, she says. It's a mixture of a classic diffuser and a scent plug-in — your mom can connect it to her phone via the app and control her settings, giving her a customized experience. She can make schedules, change scents, adjust the fragrance's intensity and more. Alvarez also loves that this diffuser helps give her a bit of peace of mind while scenting her home. 'Unlike candles, I don't have to remember to blow it out and I can easily turn it on and off from wherever I am,' she says. For the mothers who love to get sentimental, try going the personalized route with your gift-giving. This photo book from Artifact Uprising has a cutout softcover design with customizable, foil-printed lettering that both come in a range of colors for you to choose from, according to the brand. You can create your book using the layout templates provided, and can also choose from hardcover options and three different sizes, including 5.5 x 5.5 inches, 6 x 8 inches, and 8.5 x 8.5 inches. Naturium Glow All Out Body Bundle Naturium 's Glow Getter line is a favorite among NBC Select staff, including myself. Since I started using the body wash, my skin feels smoother and stays hydrated even when I'm fresh out of the shower and starting to dry off. This bundle includes full sizes of the Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash and the Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter, both of which have hydrating ingredients like squalane, botanical oils and glycerin to help keep your mom's skin moisturized both during and after her bath routine. Gifts under $100 The Sill Subscription The Sill is one of the best places to buy plants online, and any moms who have a green thumb will love the retailer's subscription service as a gift this Mother's Day. For $55 per month, your mom will get a new plant and ceramic planter delivered straight to her doorstep. This particular subscription includes smaller plants that are easy to care for, with the variety changing monthly to avoid duplicates. Each plant is also guaranteed to arrive in good condition — if not, your mom can submit a request for a replacement that'll be shipped to her right away. The mothers in my family are notorious for each having a serious sweet tooth, making a delicious treat a great gift to help feed their candy craze. These gourmet chocolates by Richart come in a double box with two types of chocolate. Your mom will get 16 Petits Richart chocolates, which each hold a different surprise filling inside, along with 16 Ultra-Fines, which are thin, square chocolates that come in an assortment of dark and milk chocolate, according to the brand. The Petits Richart fillings are designed to be adventurous, with flavors like licorice, yuzu, and even curry, making it a yummy and unique tasting experience for your mom. Pandora Moments Heart Bracelet I got my Pandora bracelet almost ten years ago, and it's truly the gift that keeps on giving — for every memory or milestone, my loved ones give me a charm to symbolize it, making my bracelet a portable collection of treasured moments. This bracelet has a snake chain and a heart-shaped clasp that's perfect for showing your mother just how much you love her. It comes in sizes ranging from 6.3 to 9 inches, and a range of finishes including sterling silver, 14k gold, 14k rose gold and mixed metal options. The Bouqs Co. Mom Goals Bouquet Flowers are a classic Mother's Day gift, and this year you can brighten your mom's day with this stunning bouquet from The Bouqs Co. Made from a mix of calla lilies, pink roses, snapdragon, eucalyptus and hypericum berries, the bouquet includes 24 mixed stems and arrives in a recyclable Bouqs gift box. 'I sent my mom a bouquet of flowers from Bouqs and she was so pleasantly surprised,' says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez. 'I love that the brand has such carefully selected bouquets and that they have same-day delivery for certain cities.' This bouquet is also available in small and large sizes, and comes freshly picked and in bud form (the brand recommends allowing 2 to 3 days for the buds to fully bloom). Sometimes, a practical gift is the best way to go, which is exactly what makes this steamer such a great choice. It has a sleek, aesthetically-pleasing design and is lightweight and easy to pack, making it the perfect travel accessory for your mom's next trip. It has a one-button control and heats up in only 15 seconds, according to the brand, and also includes a wall mount bracket and a storage bag for on-the-go use. The steamer's head is also rotational, so you can use it in any position. We're big coffee lovers at NBC Select, and if your mom is anything like us then she'll love this adorable espresso maker from Bodum. It's made from stainless steel and has a nonreactive interior, meaning it keeps the coffee tasting fresh and clean without any metallic aftertaste, according to the brand. It can brew coffee in less than two minutes and is compatible with gas, electric and induction stovetops. The espresso maker also comes in vibrant colors that are sure to add some flair to your mother's kitchen counter. Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer Although Instagram is great, nothing beats the nostalgia of a physical photo, especially when it comes to preserving family memories. This photo printer from Canon is compact and pocket-sized, and uses dye-based crystals to print your photos out directly from your smartphone, according to the brand. Since it doesn't use ink, your mom won't need to purchase cartridge replacements, and can simply connect her phone to the printer via Bluetooth whenever she wants to use it. Gifts $100 & over Apple iPad (11th Gen) Tablets are the perfect multifunctional gift — they can act as an entertainment centre, a workstation, an organizational tool and more. Apple's iPads are some of our favorite tablets, and this 11th Generation model has a new, faster A16 processing chip, which means your mom will be able to browse the web, stream her favorite shows, or scroll through her go-to apps with faster connectivity than previous models, according to the brand. Fernandez loves his iPad and says he uses it more than he thought he would. 'It's the perfect travel accessory and prevents me from getting bored on long-haul flights,' he says. Plus, I love pairing it with a cover that doubles as a stand.' You can buy this iPad with either 128GB, 256 GB, or 512GB of storage, and in colors like blue, yellow, silver and more. For the crafting mother in your life, I suggest the Cricut Joy Xtra, which is a craft and print digital design machine that's perfect for her next creative project. When Fernandez tried the Cricut Joy Xtra, he loved how easy it was to use along with the machine's compact, space-conscious design. 'I'm always surprised by everything this machine can make,' he says. 'I love using it to make personalized greeting cards and apparel.' If your mom is a dedicated crafter or just in the market for a new hobby, she'll love the chance to use this machine for DIY projects like wall decals, decorations, personalized clothes and coffee mugs and more. Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote When it comes to stylish work totes, the Longchamp Le Pliage is a classic favorite of ours. Its minimal design pairs easily with outfits and looks across the board, and it comes in seven colors, including black, red and navy. NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi brought her mom to the Longchamp store and bought her this tote as a gift, and says it's one of her mom's favorite gifted possessions. This smart bird feeder is a step up for any nature-loving moms; it has a built-in camera that connects to your Wifi and streams footage directly to your phone via the linked app, according to the brand. The bird feeder can also take photos and videos of the birds to help you identify different types, and has a perch and a roof to prevent rainfall from ruining the seed. Boox Palma 2 NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman tested the Boox Palma 2 for over three weeks, and it quickly became his go-to reading device. However, this e-reader is for more than just books — your mom can use the Boox Palma 2 to browse the web, listen to music and more, according to the brand. It's designed to be a stirpped-down, black-ink version of an Android smartphone, meaning your mom can connect to the Google Play store to download her favorite reading and audiobook apps to keep with her while on-the-go. Fitbit Charge 6 Whether your mom is a fitness beginner or full-on fanatic, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a great choice for a fitness watch gift. It's small, so it doesn't weigh down or take up too much space on your wrist, and tracks metrics like heart rate, step count, calories burned, nightly sleep and more, according to the brand. It can also be paired with her smartphone to show notifications for text, calls and emails while wearing it, and can connect to other home gym equipment via Bluetooth. I tried this red light therapy face mask from Dr. Dennis Gross for three weeks, and I definitely recommend it for any moms who are serious skin care enthusiasts. It has three modes (red light, blue light and both) to address skin care concerns like fine lines and acne-causing bacteria, and each cycle only lasts for three minutes. It has an adjustable strap that gives it a close, customized fit, and the mask itself works well as a short but effective boost in any daily skin care routine. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select who has given dozens of gift ideas for a variety of holidays and occasions, including the best zodiac gifts, aesthetic gifts, and fun-size gifts. For this article, I researched products across shopping categories like home, tech, kitchen, wellness and more, including previously-covered NBC Select staff favorites, and compiled the best gifts for moms to consider this year.
