Introduction of Asakusa’s Brush(Hake in Japanese) Specialty Shops
Asakusa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo.
After visiting Senso-ji (Kannon-sama) in Asakusa, many people go to Kappabashi to buy kitchenware.
You can get a wide variety of kitchenware at Kappabashi.
Brush shop in Asakusa
On the way to Kappabashi, please take a look at this brush shop.
You can find all kinds of brushes.
The number of brushes is unbelievable in the store.
You can find how many different types of brushes are used in the world.
Kanaya Brush is a brush and brush specialty store headquartered in Asakusa. The staff has a wealth of knowledge about brushes and can suggest the best products for you. They explain in an easy-to-understand manner how to use and care for various brushes, even for visitors from overseas.
Each product in this store is handmade and carefully crafted by artisans, who create each item by hand. They will also give you an explanation of the suitable brushes if you wish. They will tell you how to care for your brushes to ensure long use.
This kind of service is really nice.
If you use them as they teach you how to use them, it means you can use them for a long time.
Kanaya Brush, a long-established brush store in Asakusa
History of the brush store
Kanaya Brush is a long-established brush store that established the business in 1868 at the end of the Edo period.
Jihei Kanaya, the founder, started manufacturing brushes in Asakusa, and since then, the company has boasted a tradition of more than 155 years.
Isn’t it amazing that they have been in business for over 150 years making only brushes?
Such special stores and companies are not uncommon in Japan.
Wouldn’t you like to take a peek into a store with such a long history?
Kanaya Brush: Tradition and Innovation
Kanaya Brush has been in operation since the Edo period (1603-1868), so they have inherited the traditional manufacturing methods from that time, while constantly incorporating new techniques into their brush production.
They continue to produce high-quality brushes while cherishing traditional techniques. The careful manufacturing and finishing by hand by craftsmen are supported by many brush users.
What kind of bristles are used for the brushes?
In Japan, it is said that the best brushes are made of raccoon dog bristles.
So, when it comes to brushes, it is assumed that high-end products are made of raccoon dog bristles. However, Kanaya Hashiko makes brushes using hair from a variety of animals.
Each animal hair has its own characteristics, and they make the most of these characteristics to produce brushes that can be used for a long time.
Product lineup
What do you imagine when you think of brushes?
Hair brushes and cosmetic brushes immediately come to mind.
Kanaya Brush sells a wide variety of brushes, including cosmetic brushes, calligraphy brushes, painting brushes, and cleaning brushes.
Cosmetic brushes
Cosmetic brushes The first thing that comes to mind for women is cosmetic brushes.
They have a wide variety of cosmetic brushes made of various materials such as Kumano brushes, horsehair, and goat hair.
They have brushes that meet customers’ preferences by taking advantage of the characteristics of each material.
Shodo (calligraphy) Brush
Calligraphy Brushes In Japan, calligraphy is still taught in elementary and junior high schools.
It is a traditional Japanese arts.
Calligraphy is an art form practiced in Japan, China, and other countries.
Many people try calligraphy as part of their Japanese cultural experience. They enjoy writing their own names in Kanji (Japanese characters).
The store sells a thousand different types of calligraphy brushes, ranging from those used by traditional calligraphers to brushes for beginners.
Many people experience calligraphy as a memory of their time in Japan, are interested in it, and take up the Shodo art.
Such people can also buy introductory calligraphy brushes at this store.
Painting Brushes
Painting Brush You use a brush when you draw a picture.
They are said to be excellent for reproducing a subtle touch. Kanaya Brush sells painting brushes for a variety of painting materials, including watercolor, oil, and Japanese painting.
This is a must for anyone who has a hobby of painting.
Brushes for cleaning
Cleaning brushes: Various types of cleaning brushes are available, such as dusting brushes, brooms, and scrubbing brushes.
Brushes for cleaning pipes, bathtubs, etc. are also available.
Shoe brushes (polish for shoes, bags, and leather goods)
They use various brushes for shoes and bags and adjust them to bring out the best of the leather.
Shoes are also used by shoemakers and shoe polishers.
They also carry such special brushes.
Paint brushes
They also sell brushes used by professional painters.
They say that some professional painters often come to the store to buy brushes that are easy to use and to their favor.
Other brushes
As for special brushes, they also sell brushes for “kintsugi”.
Speaking of “Kintsugi”, this is a process that has recently been attracting visitors from overseas who want to experience it.
It involves collecting broken pieces of ceramics and restoring the original shape to that of ceramics.
This is a traditional ceramic restoration technique in which cracks and chips of ceramics are glued by lacquer and finished by decorating them with gold powder.
They have heard stories of people who have been able to restore precious ceramics that were given to them as mementos through Kintsugi.
Maintenance of brushes
Kanaya Hashiko also repairs and maintains brushes. If you bring in a favorite brush and it has broken, you can ask them to repair it.
You can also try out the brushes in the store. While consulting with the store staff, you can choose the brush that is suitable for your usage.
Information on Kanaya Brush stores
Main store: 1-39-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Asakusa Shinnakamise-dori Store: 2F, 1-28-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: +81-3-3841-8848
Access to the store
Main store: (1)
5 minutes walk from “Asakusa Station” on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
About 5 minutes walk from “Asakusa station” of Toei Subway Asakusa line
Asakusa Shinnakamise-dori Store:
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from “Asakusa Station” on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Toei Subway Asakusa Line “Asakusa Station”: 5 min. walk
Kanayaburashi Branches
From a store near Sensoji temple in Asakusa, there are also stores in Yokohama Chinatown and Kamakura.
– Kanaya Brush (Burashi) Asakusa Denboin-dori Branch
Address: 1-39-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Phone: +81-3-3841-8848
– Kanaya Brush Asakusa Shinnakamise-dori Store
Address: 1-28-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Phone: +81-3-5828-0266
– Kappabashi Tool Street Store
Address: 1-5-9 Nishi Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Phone: +81-3-3841-1113
– Yokohama Chinatown South Gate Silk Road Store
Address: 106-7, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: +81-45-225-8464
– Kamakura Wakamiya-oji Store
Address : 2-12-26 Komachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Pref.
Phone: +81-467-81-4227
Summary
Kanaya Brush is a long-established store selling high-quality brushes that combine tradition and innovation. When you visit Asakusa, why not stop by Kanaya Brush for souvenirs and gifts? You may discover something new.
Note: The pictures of brush are image pictures.