Fude Japan (Makeup brushes from Japan)

recent posts

about

I started out Fude Japan by helping friends with purchasing Japanese beauty products. When word got out, great interest from people all around the world followed and demand started growing – “Fude Japan” came to life. It is my goal to become a person in bringing a little bit of Japanese culture and tradition to each and every one of you. I also write blogs here, and introduce Japanese culture, tradition and lifestyle, from Tokyo life to an interesting story of Japan and Japanese. Online store is here https://store.fudejapan.com/ja Thank you! Toshiya
  • 165 My first year experience at Canon – 2

    165 My first year experience at Canon – 2

    Hi Everyone,

    Yesterday, I wrote about my first year experience at Canon.
    I received several feedback, thank you.

    I have worked for several companies since I left Canon.
    People say that Japanese are hard-working,
    but I found that

    those expats in Tokyo work very hard from my experiences.
    Americans, Hongkongers, Australians, British, Irish, Dutch… that I worked with.

    Anyway,

    My first year was full of work, definitely beyond my capacity.

    A year later, I was assigned to Canon USA, Long Island, NY.
    Those experiences were also great and I want to write in another time.

    So I am only thankful to Canon.

    Last year, I was checking Canon performance on the web.

    I recognized two familiar names in the Canon executive section.

    Those two guys did the same work as I did.
    Three years in a row. I was the second year.
    I learned from one guy and taught the other guy.

    If I kept working for Canon, I could be an executive ? Maybe.

    But I can say this – those two guys must have worked to a full capacity and complained, ‘why only me working late at night’ as I did.

    And they might have felt the work after the first year was not that hard.

    I don’t feel jealous at all, but I feel only thankful to Canon.
    Canon gave me the fundamentals to work on.

    Whether is is Japanese way or not, whether it is successful or not,
    hardworking experiences will be your assets.

    Today I was informed by Kihitsu

    Kihitsu Fupa01 5000 yen is still in stock.


    Please let me know.

    Fupa13P, 3800 yen, with Kihitsu logo is a good deal

    Koyudo Fupa13P was 5020 yen.
    It is old inventory with old hair.

    Following cheek brushes of Koyomo

    are now out of stock.

    Gradation
    Pearl Pink
    Pearl White

    Yesterday,

    I posted a video of suqqu lip brushes.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awpGSq2NgPQ

    You can see how Kolinsky performs differently from Itachi.

    Brush makers call itachi.
    Itachi is weasel in English.

    Itachi in Japan is Nippon (Japan) Itachi.
    Nippon Itachi is one kind of weasel (itachi).
    So is Kolinsky.

    I need to learn more about this animal.

    By the way, I watch African wild animals on youtube on a regular basis.

    One of my favorite is Honey Badger, who fought against lions fiercely.
    It is one kind of Itachi, too. I found.

    Thank you for reading.
    Toshiya

  • 164. When I worked hardest in my life,

    164. When I worked hardest in my life,

    Hi Everyone,

    Kihitsu will make new brushes.

    It is in a square shape, the first time in Kumano history.

    Kihtisu wants to put a French name as they did to their previous brushes.

    I told them that my clients would prefer kanji (喜筆）name or product name in Japanese.

    These brushes will be made by Koyudo as usual, with goat hair.

    Please let me know if you prefer Kanji, Hiragana or English or French etc.

    It would be interesting to know.

    Fupa01 is now out of stock, but Kihitsu will ask Koyodo to produce it.

    It will take a month or so. I will keep you updated.

    I wonder if you prefer 喜筆 to Kihitsu (please see the picture above) .

    The handle is darker than the Koyudo fupa01.

    Do you think this color is fine ?

    Other brushes:

    I was informed by Koyumo,

    the cheek brushes of Gradation, Pearl White and Pearl Pink are now out of stock.

    They will be back but take a few months.

    (the middle one is a cheek brush of Pearl Pink )

    ——

    Today,

    I want to write about my experience when I broke my limitation.

    Please skip if not interested, it is totally unrelated to brushes.

    Many people study hard or focus on sports and do their best at some point of their life.

    That is good.

    I didn’t do much till I began to work.

    I tried to find how easily or efficiently I could live through school.

    I avoided studying long hours.

    When I was at elementary school, there were mountains and a river in my town near Hiroshima City   – just played there, right after school till a crow cried. (Japanese expression to describe ‘getting dark’)

    When I was at a junior high school, I studied hard but it was only several months.

    When I was at a high school, I did not study.

    When I was at university, I studied only to an extent that I was able to graduate.

    On graduating from a university, I wanted to work for a company where I would have an opportunity to work internationally.

    I remember I applied to following companies.

    Canon

    YKK

    Alpine

    Nippon Express

    Makita

    And some more that I don’t remember.

    Born and raised in Hiroshima, I wanted to work for a company in Tokyo or Hiroshima, but Hiroshima has only Mazda. I was not really interested in cars, LOL.

    Makita is in Nagoya, where I have never been.

    My choice was either Canon or YKK or Alpine.

    I don’t remember how but I ended up in Canon.

    At Canon, I chose to work for accounting.

    I thought I could work more effectively in accounting, and that I could get a skillset I wanted quickly.

    The same way of thinking as before. Avoiding hard work.

    The first year was very different from what I had thought.

    I was overwhelmed by the amount of work as a rookie.

    Canon, though big and multinational, was very Japanese.

    Good or bad, Canon ‘educated’ me in a Japanese way.
    They gave me lots of training, which helped me understand the company.

    By the name of OJT, On the Job Training, I worked ‘hard.’

    I checked all accounting entries for the main office. There were 3000 to 4000 accounting entries montly, which I needed to check and file.

    I heard CPA stands for ‘cut, paste and attach.’ LOL. It was the job I did.

    There are lots of positives, though.

    I haven’t studied booking keeping so I took a corresponding course.
    With job experiences, I found it quite interesting. I got to understand accounting.

    I liked accounting very much!

    Another thing is that I learned that I was able to work hard, LOL.

    It was the first time in my life.

    I worked from 8am to the last train (12 at night) in Shinjuku.

    During the closing seasons, I slept at the office.
    CFO had a nice sofa and I slept there. I needed to wake up before he came.

    I was always wondering why only me…

    It was only me working at 12am in the 23rd floor in the middle of Shinjuku.

    After several months, I got used to it and learned how to finish my job in a short time.

    The second year was much easier.

    This experience made me a person who wasn’t surprised at the amount of works.
    After that, I got many other jobs, but I always looked back the first year, and was able to believe that I could do.

    I have an opinion that the amount of work needs to be allocated fairly.

    Even with this experience, I am opposed to the Japanese way.

    On a personal level, though, it was my first time to work to my capacity and break it.
    That way, work life after that becomes something I can handle.

    My way of thinking is not very Japanese, and I don’t think it is good to give one person more jobs than others.

    But, on a personal level, I appreciated it very much.

    Thank you, Canon!

    Thank you for reading!
    Toshiya

    Toshiya

  • 163 Fude Japan Powder brush

    163 Fude Japan Powder brush

    Hi Everyone,

    I have received several requests for a Fude Japan powder brush.

    Currently,

    I only have:

    Cheek

    Eyeshadow L

    Eyeshadow M

    Eyeshadow S

    I have decided to add Fude Japan Powder brush in one month or so.

    It looks like this.

    Grey squirrel, 14600 yen.

    It will be made by Kyureido as well.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    Thank you and I will write more next time!

    Toshiya

  • 162 Old inventory at Kihitsu warehouse

    162 Old inventory at Kihitsu warehouse

    Hi Everyone,

    I went to a book last night after I ate a ‘hot cake’ in a family restaurant.

    It is called Royal Host, which has big space to work in.

    Coffee was not good, the hot cake is good)

    It has been long since I visited a bookstore last time. I found many books interesting though I am not sure if I go there to buy books.

    Amazon books are too convenient for me to go to a bookstore, and many bookstores in Japan are out of business. A bookstore in my neighbor is now a Docomo (mobile company) shop.

    Even big ones have a problem.

    Time changed when ‘You’ve Got Mail’ was filmed in 1998.

    Yet I see some children sit on the floor and read a picture book with their mothers.

    The Bookstore industry may need to change what they sell from a book to entertainment.

    Speaking of Amazon, do you buy Japanese brushes at Amazon or eBay?

    I am curious.

    I haven’t sold products neither at Amazon or eBay.

    I know many Japanese sell ‘Japan’ products there.

    Kihitsu CEO mailed me pictures of some old inventory. I want to share here.

    The price and hair information will be mailed later.

    BP014

    BP020

    BP025

    BP026

    Champagne Gold face

    Champagne Gold cheek

    Champagne Gold eyeshadow M

    I will follow up on more brushes from Kihitsu.

    Thank you for reading.

    Toshiya

  • 161 Kihitsu Fupa

    161 Kihitsu Fupa

    Hi Everyone, 

    It is raining and it is cold in Tokyo. 

    I went to Uniqlo and bought a 3000 yen jacket.

    I had my hair cut today. It was 1100 yen.

    A typical lunch costs less than 1000 yen, with no tip needed. 

    It seems Tokyo is not expensive, believe or not. 

    ———–

    With the coronavirus situation getting calm, Japan will accept visitors from all countries, beginning October 1. 

    It is still limited to long-term stays,  but the situation is improving. 

    ————–

    I have a question. 

    KIhitsu is considering selling Kakishibu by Kihitsu brand. 

    The set is 35000 yen, with a Paulownia box and pouch.

    It could be less without the box or pouch. 

    Currently sold as a set

    http://www.koyudo.co.jp/shopdetail/000000000415

    It will be a Kihitsu brand, with 喜筆 printed.

    I am also asking Kihitsu to sell fupa01, going forward. It is not decided.

    I get many orders for fupa01 these days.

    ————-

    There are many pictures of holiday collections posted to the web. 

    Please let me know if you are interested.

    https://cosme-tantei.com/category/christmas_coffret

    Attached are Milano Collection of Kanebo, Celvoke and THREE.

    ——-

    Thank you !

    Toshiya

  • 160. Fude Matsuri week in Kumano

    160. Fude Matsuri week in Kumano

    Hi Everyone,

    It is autumn all of a sudden this week.

    A four-day weekend began on Saturday. People are now wearing long sleeved shirts. It is not 30℃ anymore. Summer is over.

    Autumn is the best of all the seasons in Japan, I think.

    —–

    In Kumano, Fude Matsuri, the brush festival, has started, but in a different manner this year.

    There are events on the zoom you can watch and brush companies will sell brushes at a discount at their web shop.

    Outlet types of brushes are usually sold at the market.

    ——

    I chatted with Kihitsu last week and,

    I know Kihitsu will sell many of their brushes at 20% discount.

    http://www.kihitsu.jp/?cn=500000&ff=1

    Here are some links for makeup brushes.

    https://peraichi.com/landing_pages/view/kumanofude-kesyoufude1

    https://peraichi.com/landing_pages/view/kumanofude-kesyoufude3

    https://peraichi.com/landing_pages/view/kumanofude-premium1

    Please let me know if you are interested in buying kihitsu brushes.

    I can buy brushes and send them to you.

    (cannot be engraved)

    I may need to add my fee as I might not have a wholesale contract with some brush makers.

    ——

    I was told that a book called ‘Life Span’ is interesting.

    The author defined ‘being old’ as a kind of disease, which can be prevented.

    I realized that I do several things suggested in the book.

    Short fasting – I don’t eat 15 hours a day. e.g. if my dinner was 7pm, my breakfast would be after 11am. Well, it is lunch.

    Exercise – go to a gym every day ( less than one hour though, otherwise I cannot continue)

    Have a cold shower for 30 seconds at the end of a long bath – I get to like this habit.

    And maybe this is a Japanese thing, but I eat fermented food every day.

    Mainly Natto, and

    I love Amazake.

    I eat yogurt.

    I easily get drunk so I stopped drinking completely one year ago.

    I got red so easily and have a headache so I thought it easier to stop drinking. This has nothing to do with the previous habits.

    And I don’t smoke, either.

    Having said those,

    I am not addicted to being healthy,

    the only things I ‘try’ are:

    short exercise,

    natto (LOL)

    15 hours’ fasting

    cold shower

    I am not a doctor and not in the position to give you advice.

    It is just a routine I do for myself and each person has own way.

    ——

    If you can get natto easily in your country, maybe you can try.

    Believe me, you will be used to it, LOL.

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

  • 159 Fude Matsuri at Kumano

    159 Fude Matsuri at Kumano

    Hi Everyone,

    In this today’s blog, I want to inform you that the annual Fude Matsuri( Festival) will be held in Kumano next week.

    There will be some events at the usual site, but brush sale will be done on the web due to the current situation.

    https://kumanofude-v-fudematsuri.com/#hudenoichi

    I talked to Kihitsu on how it would work for them.

    If you get access to the site, they will lead to each brush maker where you can buy brushes at discount.

    I am not sure if they send overseas. I guess some do, some don’t.

    I want to tell you about the Kihitsu case :

    There will be ‘outlet’ brushes that will be sold at 20% discount at the Kihitsu web site.
    In addition, there are brushes that were engraved but were cancelled.

    Kihitsu coordinate with wedding planners and sell brushes for weddings, where their brushes are gifted to guests.

    Guests’ names are engraved in advance, but some guests cancel their participation.
    That is how engraved brushes are left in the warehouse.

    Most are engraved in Japanese, so maybe you don’t care? Well, I know some of you understand Japanese so it may bother you.

    I asked what kinds of brushes were.
    He said that those were heart brushes.

    I guess those brush hairs are goat/PBT, so many are not interested but FYI.


    I went to Isetan today around 6:30 PM, busy time. The food sections was busy, but makeup sections are not.


    I visited Shaquda, Laduree and Decorte.

    Thank you for reading and I will write more tomorrow!

    Toshiya

     
  • 158 Kihitsu and Koyudo, are they the same?

    158 Kihitsu and Koyudo, are they the same?

    Hi Everyone, 

    I sometimes receive questions about Kihitsu who they are, from time to time. 

    I want to explain what I know.

    Kihitsu has been a sales company for Koyudo since 2004. The president is Nakashima san. 

    Koyudo was born in 1979, according to the company web page.

    The chairman is Uematsu-san.

    Kihitsu doesn’t make brushes or own any factory, but focus on sales. 

    Who does make Kihitsu brushes?

    • Koyudo does.

    They sell Koyudo brands, as well as own Kihitsu brands. 

    For example, Kihitsu has own BP’s and fupa with the Kihitsu logo.

    BP’s

    http://www.kihitsu.jp/?cn=500000&scg1001=&scg1002=&scg1004=&scg1005=100051&scg1008=&skwd=&ff=1&x=33&y=22

    Fupa’s

    http://www.kihitsu.jp/?cn=500000&scg1001=&scg1002=&scg1004=&scg1005=&scg1008=&skwd=%A5%D5%A1%BC%A5%D1&ff=1&x=0&y=0

    Those Kihitsu brands are made by Koyudo, so they have the same quality. 

    Prices are sometimes the same, sometimes different.

    Kihitsu can take the liberty of setting the prices of Kihitsu products because those brushes are sold as ‘Kihitsu.’

    I see some people collect ‘Koyudo Collection’ brushes and prefer Koyudo brands, but the qualities are the same.

    ——

    Now Koyudo discontinued the fupa series and some of BP series. 

    Kihitsu has some inventory of own fupa and BP’s.

    For example, Kihitsu still has Fupa01. It is the same hair with a dark pink handle.

    Fupa14

    Some brushes are sold only as Koyudo.

    ‘Kumamon’ is a Kumamoto symbol, and it is like Kitty chan

    (not a comparable with Kitty chan, but in the same manner that it is a protected name by patent law, so the Koyudo name can only printed to a brush, not a Kihitsu logo)

    Here are some links you might find interesting.

    Grey squirrel

    http://www.kihitsu.jp/?cn=500000&scg1001=&scg1002=&scg1004=100032&scg1005=&scg1008=&skwd=&ff=1&x=39&y=24

    Saikoho

    http://www.kihitsu.jp/?cn=500000&scg1001=&scg1002=&scg1004=1022&scg1005=&scg1008=&skwd=&ff=1&x=42&y=24

    Kolinsky

    http://www.kihitsu.jp/?cn=500000

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

  • 157 Why are Japanese people so indirect ?

    157 Why are Japanese people so indirect ?

    Hi Everyone,

    Yesterday, I posted Holiday collection of SUQQU in November.

    There will be another one of SUQQU- skin care from December, with VIALUME, a new skincare product.

    Laduree will also have a Holiday collection in December, too.

    I bought 2 eyeshadow palettes today – one from Etvos, the other from THREE.

    The Etvos one is limited, called Vintage Glitter. 4800 yen

    THREE has 3 eyeshadow in August. 7800 yen each. This is No.3.

    Both are relatively new brands, emphasizing skin friendly materials.

    Shiseido has Snow Beauty 2020. This is 12000 yen with a refill.

    Yesterday, I introduced Tamage and Kolinsky brushes of Kihitsu.

    Both hairs are in short supply, like Canadian squirrel.

    But, I found many calligraphy brushes in Tamage, so maybe there is an old stock.

    This is from Rakuten site.

    Here is a link for Hakuhodo that explains hair types.

    http://en.hakuho-do.co.jp/user_data/learn_material.php

    Hakuhodo uses a word ‘Blue squirrel’ instead of ‘Grey squirrel.’

    I came across an interesting concept the other day, which explains the communication style of Japanese. 

    Have you ever experienced a hard time when communicating with Japanese ?

    Japanese are indirect?　Well, it is true that we don’t say yes or no so clearly sometimes.

    They are called  ‘High and Low Content cultures.’ by some researchers.

    High Content culture is that people have the same experience, background, value etc. so you don’t have to communicate in a detailed level.

    They understand ( assume ) what people expect. The Low Content is the opposite. 

    Japan is a high context culture, which explains the vagueness of the Japan society very well.

    One example is the structure of the Japanese language.

    We don’t say what the subject is in a Japanese conversation.

    In most of Japanese conversations, we don’t say ‘ I’ or ‘we’ or ‘she’ etc.

    We start a sentence with a ‘verb’ not with a subject.

    And

    We judge or guess who the subject is in the context of a conversation or the atmosphere.

    The atmosphere is called ‘air’ between people, and 空気 in Japanese.

    When ‘air’ is well guessed, a conversation goes smooth.

    I will read more and explain better in the future!

    I will read more and write about it in a next blog.

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

  • 156 Koyudo BP and Fupa, SUQQU Holiday collection

    156 Koyudo BP and Fupa, SUQQU Holiday collection

    Hi Everyone, 

    I received an order for Kihitsu BP series:

    BP039 Tamage -2000 yen

    BP017 Pine Squirrel – 5940 yen

    Those are made by Koyudo for Kihitsu, which sells them as its own brand.

    As you might know, Kihitsu has been a sales company of Koyudo so all the Kihitsu brushes are made by Koyudo.

    I keep getting orders for Kihitsu kolisky set – 6111 yen

    It is amazing that people find brushes on the web site only in Japanese from all over the world.

    Now Koyudo doesn’t make fu-pa.　It is called f- series in synthetic.

    I think there are some stock left for the old fupa’s and I am checking.

    http://www.koyudo.co.jp/shopbrand/newfupa

    BP production is limited to BP001 to BP023. 

    http://www.koyudo.co.jp/shopbrand/bpseries

    Kihitsu has own versions of BP and fu-pa but not all of them. 

    ———-

    SUQQU holiday collection was posted to instagram.

     

    There are an eyeshadow palette, two lipsticks and two blushes. 

    Please let me know if you are interested. 

    Eyeshadow 10800 yen

    Blush 6600

    Lipstick 6000 yen

    It is November 1, and I will take a reservation from now.

    I will introduce 2020 Holiday collections when they come out.

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

  • 155 Kihitsu brushes

    155 Kihitsu brushes

    Hi Everyone,

    In July, people complained there was too much rain, now no rain at all in August….

    Yesterday, I posted a picture of Body Pierces.

    It is not my main product but I buy products based on my clients’ requests.

    I will try to get products you like, though Kumano brushes and department items are familiar to me and easier.

    Please let me know products that are not related to makeup or brushes but something you can get only in Japan.

    If it is Shibuya or Shinjuku, I can go. Ueno is not close, and Narita is far, LOL. I will tell you if it is difficult or takes time.

    I was advised by a client of mine that Koyudo sold out an eyeshadow brush in Tamage, BP039.

    Kihitsu has some inventory of BP039, so I want to introduce the Kihitsu Tamage eyeshadow.

    By the way, Kihitsu sells Koyudo products so their products are made at the Koyudo factories.

    It is in Tamage, which is in short supply these days.

    She also found a Kolinsky brush set from the Kihitsu online shop.

    It is 6111 yen at a sales price.

    Please let me know if you are interested.

    This sales price 6111 yen is good for kolinsky.

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

    /**/

  • 154 Busy day today

    154 Busy day today

    (Shibuya Station)

    Hi Everyone,

    Today was a busy day.

    I made a lot of small trips.

    My morning started with exercising at gym.

    I don’t spend more than one hour gym, rather I go there every day.

    If it is a hard exercise, I will end up with going once or twice a week. Eventually, I don’t get to go to gym at all. So I have decided to make it short and simple. This has been working well for me so far.

    Then, I went to a dentist for cleaning teeth after three months. Obviously, two months of lockdown made it difficult to go there.

    By the way, we have (too) many dentists in Japan or Tokyo. Therefore, it is a hard industry to survive, and dentists have become so gentle, LOL.

    When I was a kid in a small town in Hiroshima, there were very very few dentists so that it was hard to choose a good one or I was not able to choose….

    Another hard one is a taxi driver. They are very nice compared to a decade ago.

    Anyway, my dentist has a son studying in USA, and I spent time on talking with him about his son. He has just left Japan, so I asked how the airport was.

    Empty, he said.

    His son is playing golf at university, and I think it very helpful to get him immersed into a different culture. Something in common.

    Then I went to body piercing shop in Shinjuku. It was in Alta, in front of Shinjuku Station.

    Then I visited Isetan to buy the following products.

    IPSA

    This liquid foundations is the most popular one, a shop told me.

    12000 yen

    Celvoke

    I asked if one of the eyeshadow palette color is the same as one small eyeshadow.

    NARS

    Then went to Shibuya SUQQU.

    It sounds like many trips I made , but actually with subway it was easy.

    From Shibuya to Shinjuku, it takes only 10 minutes.

    It is 40C in some places in Japan, and I feel I am in sauna….

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

  • 153 Cheek / Highlight brushes for cream and liquid makeup

    153 Cheek / Highlight brushes for cream and liquid makeup

    Hi Everyone,

    It is 40C in some areas in Japan, and it is 35 to 37 C in Tokyo.

    People seem to be back to department stores to avoid the heat.

    The increasing number of people get corona virus, and with a mask, it is harder to walk outside in the heat.

    The other day I was asked which brushes are good for cream or liquid.

    One of my clients recommended to use the following brushes.

    For Buffing

    Bisyodo – ABHC – this is saikoho goat hair.　4400 yen

    Hakuhodo – J5521 goat hair, 3600 yen

    For tap Use,

    Weasle / Kolinsky Or Fox Silver is better

    Chikuhodo – RLQ2 Weasel 6800 yen

    Chikuhodo – GSN08 Weasel 4500 yen

    Takeda – 19LF EX Saikoho 9600 yen

    Most of makeup brands now move to brushes with synthetic.

    The exception is Kanebo group (SUQQU, RMK, Lunasol, Kanebo ) .

    Kumano brushes seem to try to keep the same though hair is in short supply.

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

  • 152 Fude Japan brush – 2

    152 Fude Japan brush – 2

    Hi Everyone, 


    I received many messages to congratulate on my brushes.  Thank you very much!

    I want to write the background why I have own products in this blog.


    It is normal for business to buy many brushes upfront and sell them till the stock gets zero.  Many retailers do this type of business.

    I chose not to do so and I have been doing business of buying and selling products only when requested by clients. This is no-inventory business.

    It takes time and I sometimes lose opportunities to sell more as I don’t have a stock.

    It is, though, risky to keep an inventory as it puts pressure on cash.  It also takes time to sell all products or it is not unusual to have many products left in the warehouse (well, maybe a warehouse is not needed for brushes)

    As a small start-up business, I wanted to begin small, which allows me to fail or try many times. It is not avoidable to fail when we begin business.

    Failure is nature of business.

    One win, and nine loses. That is a low winning ratio, but it is how business is.


    This time, I decided to have my own products. 
    My current business is to buy many kinds of products, from brushes to makeup, clothes, chocolate … That has been fun, and I will continue to do so because that service can be unique. 


    But it takes time, and the profits are not good for time spent.


    I have come to think it important to have ‘my products’ that will support my business in a long run.


    I have been thinking about these products:

    White Canadian squirrel

    Red Canadian squirrel 

    Yakusugi handles 

    Rare products like P-FO.


    I want to sell those products, but the hair is so scarce that I need to wait. 

    So,
    my brushes are made by Kyureido, which makes some high-end Japanese brands. I trust their qualities, so it is a good start.

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

    These are pictures of ADDICTION eyeshadows, Decorte face powder in December and Guerlain limited lip cases.

  • 151 Fude Japan brush

    151 Fude Japan brush

    Hi Everyone,

    It is August and it seems summer has arrived in Japan.

    It was 30C today, and I expect it to begin to be hot from this week.

    With many rainy days, I hope summer days are not as many as usual.

    There will be many limited makeup products in August.

    I came to Shibuya to buy SUQQU.

    As most of them are limited, I can only buy them a little by little though a shop makes it easy to buy them. I appreciate their flexibility.

    SUQQU is a Kanebo company, belonging to the same company as RMK.

    SUQQU is one of Japanese brands who are selling in Europe. They are aggressive internationally.

    I heard there are some shops in London.

    RMK’s director was Rumiko, who moved to Amplitude.

    Amplitude is a POLA company, and THREE and Amplitude belong to the same group.

    Once Laduree shop person told me that Amplitude skincare must be good as Rumiko is a director.

    SUQQU Blush compact

    SUQQU eyeshadow 133

    After SUQQU, I went to Estee Lauder.

    They said that people made a long line to buy SUQQU in the morning.

    I was asked if I wanted an Estee Lauder lipstick to be engraved. So I stopped buying them and decided to ask if my clients wanted them to be engraved or not.

    It is nice service. Dior has the same service too.

    The lip color on the left is called ‘Konkatsu pink.’

    They said that some Japanese girls come to buy ‘ I want a konkatsu lip.’

    ‘Konkatsu’ literally means ‘marriage seeking activity.’ A recently invented word in Japan.

    I visited SUQQU at 2:30 PM to avoid a rush, but still it was crowded.

    I was asked to sit in a seat where people get a face massage.

    It was quiet and private space I enjoyed in center of a busy shop.

    I felt good, LOL

    Another news is that I started my own brush.

    I asked Kyureido to make them.

    Kyureido makes SUQQU and some other big brands, so I hope you will like them.

    Well, some of you have bought eyeshadows, but this time I have a cheek brush.

    In the future, I want a powder brush, but a little step by step.

    Thank you for reading!

    Toshiya

  • 150 Makeup products AW2020

    150 Makeup products AW2020

    Hi Everyone,

    I went to Isetan to buy

    -Lunasol Isetan Limited

    2020 AW Lunasol

    -IPSA limited palette collaborated with ‘beautiful people’

    Celvoke 2020AW

    Dolce & Gabbana ‘Loves Tokyo’ Limited

    There are several youtubes talking about these brands.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=mpmCFZTUjgw&feature=emb_logo

    I managed to buy Lunasol Isetan limited for my clients.

    Before I visited Isetan, I called Hankyu Osaka to make sure to get sufficient number of products, but it was sold out..

    So I hurried to Shinjuku as I thought I would be able to get a few from Hankyu.

    Limited products are tricky as they put the maximum number per product.

    It is important to be nice to a shop (or buy many products lol) to have them remember me. Especially a shop manager who can decide.

    Regular appearances are important)

    I was relieved! It is so hard to tell people I am not able to get it. Most people are understanding, but they make a research, spending time and money.

    I usually check with a shop in advance, but sometimes it is sold out more quickly than I expect.

    Please email me if you are interested in the limited one, which is shown in the first picture. 7440 yen

    This morning, I called Koyudo to ask them to replace a paper box with a wooden one. The brush was mailed with a paper box. My clients let me know about it.

    It was 55000 yen saibikoho, and the picture on the Koyudo web page shows that the box is made of paulownia.

    So I asked them to exchange a paper box with a paulownia one.

    I will not write the detailed conversations but I was able to get paulownia boxes, LOL.

    Thanks very much!

    Sorry it is a short blog: I wanted to introduce limited products as they are sold out quickly.

    Thank you for reading !

    Toshiya

  • 149 Foundation brushes (B-FD-01 vs S5557)

    149 Foundation brushes (B-FD-01 vs S5557)

    Hi Everyone, 


    It is summer but still raining. Very rare to have so many rainy days in July.


    This is a four day weekend, and I went to Shibuya department stores to visit 

    Jill Stuart

    ADDICTION 

    Shiseido 

    CPB


    I was surprised to see that there were very few customers at shop,  and shop employees seem to be more friendly than usual)

    I am often asked questions in instagram DM and emails.  I try to answer on my own and with information acquired on the web. And I also ask my clients who have bought those products being asked.


    This time, I was asked how B-FD-01(Bisyodo) differs from S5557(Hakuhodo). B-FD-01 has Saikoho goat and S5557 has goat/synthe mix. Both are foundation brushes.

    https://fudejapan.wordpress.com/product/b-fd-01foundation/


    I asked a client of mine who bought both B-FD-01 and S5557.

    Her answer was :
    B-FD-01 can be used to all kinds of foundation whereas S5557 are mainly used cream and powder foundation.

    B-FD-01 is

    Smoother than S5557

    Softer than S5557

    Easier than S5557


    B-FD-01 is used by buffing and S5557 is by short-tapping. 


    B-FD-01 is 11000 yen,  S5557 is 11160 yen ( including my fee) 
    I hope this helps some of you who consider which foundation brush to buy.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    SUQQU new products are now being reserved.

    I found a youtube. It is only in Japanese but you can have a good picutre of those products. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=240&v=F-6FGAqyei0&feature=emb_logo

    So far, I have received most orders for Limited Blush compact.


    Thank you for reading !

    Toshiya

  • 148 Bunshindo Brushes

    148 Bunshindo Brushes

    Hi Everyone,

    I have posted to instagram some pictures of Bunshindo brushes these days.

    I have more information :

    please see.

    200617_化粧筆リストDownload

    They have three kinds of kolinsky.

    Cantor 100,000 yen

    lip 13,000 yen

    eyeliner 7000 yen.

    Bunshindo is Kawajiri Brush, which is located next to Kumano. Kawajiri has Koyomo brushes, too. Both Kumano and Kawajiri are located in the middle of Hiroshima prefecture.

    By the way, Japan has 47 prefectures, the biggest of which is Tokyo. The second is Kanagawa that has Yokohama. Hiroshima Prefecture has only 2.8 million people, which ranks the 12th. So there are many local (small ) prefectures and small cities. Or you can say that Tokyo is too big for local people.

    Bunshindo has Kolinsky hair that was bought 30 years ago. It has been kept well for long, which is good for brush. 

    In Japanese, 古 means ‘old,’ and is pronounced as ‘Ko.’ You may have realized that Koyomo is 古(Ko)羊毛(Yomo) (Yomo means old goat hair)

    Now they use it as a brand name.

    The Bunshindo web page ranks goat hair as follows:
    古細微光鋒 (Ko Saibikoho)

    古細光鋒 (Ko Saikoho)

    古粗光鋒 (Ko Sokoho)


    There are 2 more hair ranking higher than these hairs.


    All have a kanji 古 (means old) so it is old hair that is softer and more expensive.


    I found the Bunshindo youtube too.
    https://bunshindou.com/store/products/list?category_id=11&orderby=2

    Thank you for reading,

    Toshiya

  • 147: New and Limited Products ②

    147: New and Limited Products ②

    Hi Everyone,

    It is raining again in Tokyo. Looks like it is every day.

    Today I want to introduce a product from Bunshindo.

    It is Kolinsky, from 30 years ago. They use Kolinsky and Saibikoho mainly for calligraphy and painting brushes.

    (Koyomo has goat hair of 30 years ago too)

    Bunshindo is located in Kawajiri, the same as Koyomo is.

    Kawajiri (a part of Kure City ) and Kumano are next to each other.

    It is 5 hours away by super express from Tokyo, and located between Fukuoka and Osaka.

    A little explanation about Hiroshima for those new to this area.

    Hiroshima population is concentrated on the shore. Hiroshima is the largest city in the prefecture and Fukuyama is the second.

    Kumano and Kawajiri are a little south of Hiroshima City so you can cover the area for one or two days.

    The northern part has lots of nature and if you visit second time, I recommend you to go to the northern part – you can ski, well not as good as Hokkaido, but good for repeaters.

    These are Bunshindo Kolinsky.

    This is the first time to buy Bunshindo as it focues on calligraphy and painting.

    Other products I want to mention : these are white squirrel cheek brushes only in red handle now.

    21000 yen

    This is Laduree September.

    ADDICTION Fall – ADDICTION will renew their eyeshadows.

    Thank you for reading,

    I will write more tomorrow.

    Toshiya

  • No. 146 Limited and new products ①

    No. 146 Limited and new products ①

    Hi Everyone,

    It is raining very hard now in Japan, and especially Kyushu, southern part of Japan, has been hit by heavy rain and many people are in trouble.

    The corona virus situation makes it harder.

    Japan summer usually has lots of rain in June and typhoon in August. This summer it seems worse with more earthquakes (small ones) than usual.

    Kumamoto situation is really bad.

    ——–

    Today I want to introduce new or limited products that I was asked many questions about.

    Chikuhodo introduces new series – Kazan squirrel.

    Chikuhodo told me :

    #Kazan squirrel’s hair is waved and it feels airy at top of hair.

    It is more resilient than grey squirrel, and less resilient than goat/squirrel.

    It is more rare than grey squirrel, so it gets more expensive.”

    Please let me know your feedback after you use them.

    Koyudo/Kihitsu Echizen lacquerware with grey squirrel

    18000 yen

    Saibikoho Koyudo 88000 yen

    NARS Zen Collection

    6960 yen

    Dior Color Games

    Dior Cushion Foundation with a limited case

    Thank you for reading,

    I will write more tomorrow.

    Toshiya