Crafting Traditional Japanese Brushes

Visit Tokuzen Sanemori, and chances are you will find him seated on the floor of his workshop making Kumano brushes entirely by hand. Sanemori is one of less than 20 people in the city of Kumano, Japan, practicing the nearly 200-year-old craft. He was taught the craft by his father, and uses traditional tools, techniques and an ample supply hair-from goat hair to horse hair-to make the prized implements.
This Great Big Story was made possible by ANA: wearejapan.com/post/187514142...
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#KumanoBrush #Japan #workshop
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[@MrOomariooO]

I swear to God japan has a craft for every single object

[@obsidianstatue]

the symptom of a stagnant economy, not saying it's all bad, but due to the stagnation japanese market do not innovate as much by creating new consumer demands, meaning a lot of the disposable income goes to niche products like these.

[@drivestowork]

@@obsidianstatue you say stagnant, I say stable.

[@drivestowork]

They really really do!! And hobbyists go ALL OUT in whatever their chosen hobby is!!

[@BlueGangsta1958]

@@obsidianstatue I recently saw an advert for an avocado peeler... I think I´d prefer a bigger focus on craftmanship

[@nunyabiznes33]

I bet the West also had stuff like these but they kinda disappeared earlier coz industrialization. Japan industrialized later and on its own pace so I guess that's why traditional and mechanized production for the same item coexist.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

I've always wanted to try and use a Japanese brush to paint a mustache on myself

[@tasnim569]

Just Some Guy without a Mustache same!!111!!

[@paindemie5491]

Don't let anyone stop you!

[@thederpydude2088]

Nice

[@irmawatifebriani8459]

LM*O

[@gooffoog7686]

This video is uploaded in quite a nice time! In Japan, there is a tradition called _kakizome_ (literally means ‘first writing’), and is celebrated when a new year starts. People would write poems or phrases emphasizing the use of Japanese characters ( traditionally celebrated in January 2, but usually for some, especially students, it is celebrated on a later date).

[@LittleThingsinJapan]

Kids are doing kakizome at the elementary school here....it is a nice tradition.

[@kuku8846]

My family had some traditional Chinese calligraphy brushes, back when my mother wanted to teach me how to do...well, Chinese calligraphy. I didn’t last very long since writing Chinese is hard enough as it is, and using ink was even harder to control (for me), but these brushes are so iconic and result in beautiful calligraphy. I’m glad these crafts are still being kept alive. c:

[@maritime5488]

0:06 made entirely by haAand

[@thederpydude2088]

XD

[@t-.-t.]

Lmao xD

[@Allenvisuals]

Their culture has a great appreciation for their craftsmen... great to see!

[@lilyraimey3499]

So, basically now I want to dedicate my life to handcrafting these brushes - thanks, GBS.

[@MammothMoo]

BRUH why are you black though...

[@Diego-ud3nb]

@@MammothMoo wha?

[@JustADioWhosAHeroForFun]

The dislikes are from the horses that got their hair used

[@ivannovotny4552]

No, raccoons.

[@jjcs9238]

Lets just use vegans instead.

[@riceawakes5489]

@@jjcs9238 human hair is terrible, its not soft unless given really good shampoo

[@mmelonffelon]

RiceAwakes or if it’s a baby’s.

[@jjcs9238]

RiceAwakes we can save the world.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

I love all of your videos on Japan (especially)! Though I lived in the countryside of Japan for nearly 9 years, I learn something new and interesting in every video. My grandfather-in-law is going on 94 and uses calligraphy brushes regularly to write letters to family and friends and to take records for his specific sect of Buddhism.

[@baboon500]

I actually own a Kumano brush. It's so nice, I don't want to take it out of its box lol. I usually end up using the cheap brushes from China.

[@t-.-t.]

Lmao same. I've 2 expensive brushes. But I never use them, just admire them

[@hanniffydinn6019]

So he didn’t punch someone when been criticised for his calligraphies? 🤯🤯🤯

[@ammarrosdi1318]

If he did then we'll get a live action version of that

[@kingsmithie1712]

Barakamon introduced me to japanese calligraphy, Handaaaaaaa!

[@goldentrout4811]

Barakamon reference, nice!

[@catmeme7945]

Handa kun?

[@kf5058]

"Sometimes his legs will go numb" *That's a true gamer right there*

[@jinagibson6818]

I made one from a hair cut. Worked fine. Fun stuff.

[@Someone-nz7xs]

wut-

[@duo496]

When your country is so old even bush trimming is a tradition

[@duo496]

_ Jordanpizz _ there i fixed it

[@Kim_Witt]

@@duo496 what was the original version? Please?

[@duo496]

Celtic Beyblade Moses i spelt tradition as traditiin

[@slavpepe6581]

"he sits cross legged and sometimes his legs go numb" huh... If only we had an invention for something like that... A chair or something...

[@perhaps8690]

pretty sure its part of their tradition

[@meowpue1742]

It’s not a common in Japanese style houses. They have floors called tatami which are made from rice straws, the bottoms of chairs will damage the tatami

[@vegetableoil3204]

I know Japan the most from their beautiful blades

[@tenebrosforsetti.7998]

GOD BLESS TOKUZEN SANEMORI AND HIS FAMILY FOR ALL ETERNITY AND INFINITY FOR HIS EXTREMELY,IMMENSE HARDWORK,PERSEVERANCE AND SACRIFICES.

[@Sairin13]

2:17 look at that brush rest, it is beautiful.

[@bruceschneider4928]

Beautiful.

[@symphonyldm6083]

I love great big story

[@thecybercs1675]

Your quality content deserves much more views

[@helena11692]

I love 書道♡

[@rotemtamir3404]

Top 10 most satisfying list

[@arnorrian1]

John Maclean: I'm using Sanemori Kumano no. 45112 brush.

[@roylexterhembra8323]

arna11420 icon

[@Alex-ws1xo]

I got n ad with great big story omg i cnt believe it

[@purplehelm8853]

Japanese folks have discipline running through their veins!!

[@adrienpiette6746]

Wicked awesome.

[@igor6581]

Well done!)

[@realworldambience9728]

True artisan!

[@LittleThingsinJapan]

I agree....and I can see the passion in what is done.

[@Sallysaurus]

Got an ad for this channel before watching this video, dunno how KZbin allows that but who doesn't wanna watch those guys pound green stuff again

[@cez19]

I wish they had actually showed the process of making a kumano brush 🖌

[@gigachadkaiba2700]

I just got a great big story ad in this video!

[@onocoffee]

Can you please bring more of these ANA videos to KZbin? They have one about Tokyo-grown rice, the Higashi No Miyakomaye, that I saw on flight and would love to watch again.

[@sugakookie_7339]

When the video started the ad was actually from this channel

[@orcacaca_]

What a coincidence.... I'm currently in Tokyo and I will be returning back to my home country (Jakarta, Indonesia) by ANA Airlines. My flight's three hours ahead from now and this video popped up in my recommendations feed. Wow.

[@maxinpains6937]

Subtitle made by KZbin is all messed up .

[@KunigasSuvirintojas]

No jingle of genisis? Amazing. Here's a like

[@duyenkimfanngoquoclinh2955]

I got a great big story ad twice in this video

[@FlowerofDissolution]

Someone, please, get this man a chair and a nice work table.

[@victoraguilar7077]

Where can I find it and buy it?

[@taufiqa.farizi9103]

Kumano

[@jjcs9238]

One of the best channel on youtube.

[@tedoymisojos]

How are the hairs sourced and from where? can we see the farms?

[@dirt7430]

I GOT A GREAT BIG STORY AD IN A GREAT BIG STORY VIDEO

[@nunyabiznes33]

I wanna try this with my own hair.

[@sandorclegane7757]

Steps to every japanese video: *Elevator music starts* -Hello, I've been making trash bags for 90 years. -To become a trash bag sensei you need 42 years. -High quality bags I make can cost 3.5million dolars. -Im the 265th generation, my family has been in the bussiness for 3083 years. -Trash bag bussiness is almost extinct, there are 3 senseis left alive. -Im very proud to make trash bags but Im still learning. -Random guy: "I cant live without sensei's trash bags" -Sayonara.

[@anicecream3028]

I just got a great big story ad before the video

[@jamestafiltafish5282]

0:58 auto translate captions : sookie needed a bikini

[@BijBijTCG]

Where to buy these handmade ones

[@chehwadhiabhihendu180]

I have crafted many miscellaneous from clay (ceramics) to mask making with wire. I dislike the fact that it is used of animals but the creations are very good. I myself am a artist. Also Japan is one of my favourite countries I like to reside and think of. 私もそこからいたらいいなと思います。 よくできました。

[@User-sk5zf]

Barakamon.

[@centipedeouttogetyou7763]

I got an ad from great big story while watching this

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Very interesting video. May I presume that Chinese brushes are similarly made by Chinese masters?

[@lillian8033]

yes, those ones of good quality. Ink brush is originally from China. But I feel mater craftsmen are more widely admired by Japanese people in general while majority of Chinese young people do not care those? Besides, feel that compared to Chinese culture, Americans generally know and appreciate Japanese culture better, probably because of a better diplomatic relationship and media bias.

[@kuku8846]

I would think so. My family had a few (although I’m not sure how high quality they were), and the general look and style is very similar. That being said, it’s true Japanese culture is sometimes more marketable to the west, even though China and Japan’s cultures have similarities. But I think Chinese youths are starting to care a little bit more, with things like the hanfu revival movement? Just a thought. :oo

[@robertschlesinger1342]

@@lillian8033 Thank you for your comment. Things in the US are changing and Americans have great respect and admiration for the Chinese, as well as the Japanese. My wonderful wife of 20 years is Chinese and I greatly appreciate Chinese arts and culture.

[@robertschlesinger1342]

@@kuku8846 Thank you for your comment. The West admires both Chinese and Japanese Culture at an increasing rate, and for good reason. Both cultures are vast, beautiful, intelligent and interesting.

[@penielgrefalda857]

real life Handa-kun 1:58

[@Suikaiswatermelon]

Hi Great Big Stories Team! Would you like to try to look into the story of Dr. Lie Dharmawan from Indonesia? He is the founder of floating hospital in Indonesia and have dedicated his life to do surgeries for poor people in small deserted islands in Indonesia who doesn’t have access to hospital. He is a really inspiring and kind-hearted old man, people often calls him “dokter gila” or “The Mad Doctor” because he always dedicated all of his money and time for the poor people! That’s just my suggestion, I hope you would interview and make a video of him if you’re interested 😍💖 God Bless You!

[@yeastnt8518]

I just got an ad of great big story on a great big story video wtf

[@kaicosplays1374]

I got an add for Great Big Story on this vid @(-)@

[@NewWaveEnthusiast]

Hi!

[@jiyuu0610]

Who had a Great Big Story Ad before this video

[@Wooluu]

Nobody: Litteraly no soul: Me: watching a video about Japanese brushes

[@rocketollie9237]

Hello

[@loveforthegame3]

Gonna get my woman some of these. anyone know wherev i can order?

[@tangelo6orange]

Why don't you visit Kumano with your girl? Then pick whatever she wants.

[@loveforthegame3]

@@tangelo6orange why would i visit when amazon can bring them to me?👍 We have been to kyoto but traveling of 4000 miles away for some makeup brushes seems a little much

[@tangelo6orange]

@@loveforthegame3 Well because you should go out sometimes. Your mom worry about you...

[@zn6761]

Please change your font!

[@vishnuprasad1162]

2:38 ...Wtf ?

[@t-.-t.]

It looked so bad lol

[@zulumike3228]

Would've been nice if they didnt put subtitles in white with white backgrounds

[@JustZal]

i just got an ad for this channel- what

[@sunnysangjiji]

This is surely Chinese traditional brushes.

[@brianhu6277]

Yeah I was wondering that too. Surely these are legendary craftsmen making high quality products, but I don't see their difference from the ones originating from China, founder of the art itself

[@kuku8846]

My first thought also went to the Chinese calligraphy brushes, since my family owned some. They do seem quite similar, but I’m glad tradition is being kept alive, at least!

[@sunnysangjiji]

kuku88 traditional brushes and Chinese calligraphy are well kept alive in China and basically all Chinese speaking areas, also places with culture deeply influenced by China (like Japan). I myself as a big fan of Song, and Wei Jin Dynasty culture practice it with China produced brushes every weekend. And in nowadays China, a trend of respecting and appreciation of traditional Chinese culture is coming back, and daily practice is very popular.

[@obsidianstatue]

Japanese are just better at marketing themselves, they attach all these illusive qualities that they claim the brush have, and give a premium mark up. Gullible westerners also tend to believe the made in Japan premium as justified.

[@sunnysangjiji]

@@obsidianstatue i would say i do admit some handcraft high quality presented by Japan. But in some areas they are either over-doing it, or bluffing it.

[@charlesreed8420]

I'll stick to finger painting thank you very much.

[@amrtamer5392]

parst hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@pabloserranoortiz6356]

Who imagines😄 Slenderman in Family guy?

[@amrtamer5392]

come man clik like

[@user-ff3rp9ch5w]

Название фирмы производства кисточек надо написать так " Кис✓ Май✓чка! Марина Первомайская!

[@boldexploring5532]

Me going to the comment section to see who would comment on this video 🤣😭

[@pabloserranoortiz6356]

Who imagines😄 Pennywise from It as a dragon🐍?

[@user-xd9ss7ru7m]

Brush is a Chinese tradition!

[@amrtamer5392]

222 243

[@mathew1sc00l]

54tg

[@EmoSew1]

Also wtf u didnt talk about the process at all. Just that its hard to do. Smh.

[@Welther47]

I just don't "get" calligraphy! And I'm being serious here.

[@lillian8033]

Chinese brush has thousand years history though...

[@AlecSong]

Thiss Chinese

[@l.d.m9560]

They both make it...

[@AlecSong]

I know.

[@EmoSew1]

"he sits cross legged" um woman do u not know japanese culture? Like no shit.

[@sunnysangjiji]

And no offense - not a big fan of Japanese calligraphy. It lacks the essence and spirit (particularly in the lining and power using) of Chinese ancient manner and expression.

[@lemonyboop2033]

If you'd like to see yet another adult scribble jibberish and pretend like its good art, here 2:38