The Artist Behind Bokumondoh Urushi Fountain Pens

[@InkyRocks]

All subtitles are up!

[@PenFriends]

This has to be the video of the century!how amazing to see her in action! I really can’t thank you enough for this video!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! The London Pen Shows are on my bucket list--it would be cool to film your stuff.

[@lizdubdub]

Just watched this again before the SF Pen 2023 pen show. I’m so excited to see / say hello to Hiroko and yourself. Safe travels to all!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Hope to meet you!

[@gadgetstop321]

I enjoy seeing Hiroko's pens on Instagram, so I've been looking forward to this video. I was surprised to hear that urushi is waning in popularity in Japan but increasing in the US, but I guess that makes sense. I only learned about urushi relatively recently through my interest in fountain pens. Now I'm interested in acquiring one of these functional works of art, so the information in this video is much appreciated!

[@InkyRocks]

That's great! It is interesting how love of fountain pens can lead to being exposed to other arts. Truthfully, I had a passing interest in urushi, mainly as dinnerware, but now I have a deeper appreciation of it.

[@tuhkathri9126]

Inky Rocks I feel exactly the same way but in regards to maki-e. I’m curious to learn more about the Matsuda Makie company that you mentioned in the TIPS 2020

[@octothorpe12]

That was a wonderful intro! I really appreciated hearing from Hiroko, and how she's extending the traditions, and making new ones. Thank you so much for this!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I'm glad you got something out of it. I really wanted to have people hear her!

[@PensandNeedles]

Wow. I LOVED this. It was like a travel show and documentary! So great to get the interview with the artist and learn more about urushi. Thank you so much for this top notch content!

[@InkyRocks]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!

[@adamfarkas5593]

Thank you as usual for another wonderful glimpse into Japan for those of us elsewhere. After hearing and seeing Hiroko-san’s work through you, Jacob, and CY, it’s so nice to hear from the artist herself!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks! I really did want to have her speak on here, but boy, were those captions a big big pain hahaha!

[@zenandink3531]

Gorgeous-learned a lot about the lacquer process!-(Aomori prefecture is close to Iwate prefecture where my mother was from…)

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you-glad you got something from it. That area is really pretty!

[@jom6829]

Her works is stunning. Definitely something I would very much like to have. Thank you for this, it's lovely to see the person behind the name and craft.

[@InkyRocks]

They really are--they have such an organic feel to them. I really enjoy all the different textures.

[@ohmylung]

Thank you Alesa and Hiroko! What a special treat! Love the lunch and temple break too 😸

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! That pizza was awesome! Glad you enjoyed it--thanks!

[@west7049]

I just received my raden pen from Hiroko. Her work is beautiful and this video was a real treat to be able to see her and her workshop. I think Hiroko should hold a Kickstarter that would fund a trip to an American pen show (the same way that the Pen Addict did a Kickstarter for going to shows for a live show). Even if I couldn't go to that show, I would help fund that. She is a treasure and should be treated as such.

[@InkyRocks]

She really is. I don't think people know how much she cares about the tradition. She does not copy other people's work nor work in areas that she is not trained in (though she has the skills to do it). She respects the whole process. Congrats on your pen, I'm sure you will continue to enjoy it!

[@geraldinemariegonzales4985]

Thank you for this wonderful feature Ms Alesa! It's the next best thing to meeting Ms Hiroko herself ❤️

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you--I'm so glad you enjoyed it!💕

[@ChrisSaenz13]

This was such an amazing treat .. I enjoyed every moment & felt like I personally met her and saw behind the scenes of an art I knew almost nothing about before today!!! Thank you Alesa!!!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Chris! Hope you are feeling better!

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

I have been very much looking forward to this video since you teased us a few months back. It is great to meet the amazing woman behind the outstanding work. I have pens I want to have her work on but have no ideas on design. I’d prefer she have creative freedom.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Actually that stresses her a bit (maybe too many decisions?) When I order a pen from her, I use a picture that she has posted. That sets the general frame work. And then she just does what works best. I like that because it reflects her own style for that day but there is still a general outline. I've always been delighted with what she has done😊

[@s.n.11]

Thank you very much for letting us know more about her and her work. I found it superinteresting!

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterhofmann8292]

Alesa, I cannot thank you enough for this behind the scenes of Hiroko's work, I love seeing her transformations of pens into something special, a video to be watched again and again. Also a big thankyou to Hiroko for sharing this with us and the time she took out of her day.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Peter! I'm glad you enjoyed it! We really had a fun day and I was happy to help get the word out on how she does stuff and her thoughts behind it.

[@Debarshi_Das]

Your calm and composed soothing voice is exceptional, ideal for this kind of documentary. Love & respect from India 🇮🇳

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@catwhisperer911]

I can’t believe I hadn’t seen this one yet. So happy I found this. ❤

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks! I’ve been working on a new vid but having some technical issues. Maybe out in a day or two!

[@catwhisperer911]

@@InkyRocks I can't wait to see it. I think you know how much I enjoy your videos because of your inclusion of cultural content. I am certain I am not alone in thinking that. :)

[@TheKeeny]

I just got on her waiting list last month with a Pilot Custom 743, and I really want to tell her my favorite colors and let her do her thing! I'm so excited. Everything she does is beautiful.

[@InkyRocks]

You are so right--it's ALL good! She is a classically trained urushi artist and I think that a big factor on why she is so good.

[@pamdemonia]

What lovely and varied work! I can see why she is getting the recognition. Thanks for the video!

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, she is awesome! And like a classically trained artist, she respects the boundaries of her craft and doesn't mix styles etc. That's why communication with her is so important--she'll do out-there stuff but it has to respect the rules of her specialty. Thanks so much!

[@davidanderson3425]

I like how your camera can take extreme close-up shots of those lovely pens. She is a very skilled artist. Thank you for showing her work.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! I like the close ups because they show some of the crazy texture!

[@octothorpe12]

@@InkyRocks The depth that you can get from a proper urushi application is astounding, and unlike any other method. Your macros really show it off in the best light.

[@InkyRocks]

@@octothorpe12 Thank you! My camera work need a lot more, well....work. And I'm working on that hahaha!

[@shortopia]

Fascinating insight into this legendary artist. Great to see behind the curtain in this video. Top notch.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Andrew. Means a lot that you enjoyed it.

[@HabuBeemer]

This was a great video! I watched it yesterday and loved it. I am familiar with urushi but didn't really know that much about it. Very informative and thank you. Hiroko has some beautiful work to be sure. The Japanese craftsmanship is second to none.

[@InkyRocks]

I'm so glad you liked it! I was the same. I knew a little about urushi, but now I'm much more into it since I've met Hiroko. Thank you!

[@stampinsan]

Fascinating. I was so surprised that she is a woman! The pens are just beautiful, of course. But seeing her work space was incredible. What an amazing artist. Thank you so much, Alesa, for continuing to share your love of Japan with me/us. ❤️

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I've been wanting to do this for awhile, but I had to learn a few things (like burned in captions, which I messed up TWICE hahaha) before I could.

[@wendyholiday2021]

Love studio tours. Pens as art and hand jewelry. Thank you.

[@InkyRocks]

Me too! I love seeing where people make cool stuff!

[@wendyholiday2021]

@@InkyRocks the best people have many interests.

[@TheDormousesDesk]

I love your videos so much. The quality of the content, and production value are incredible. Thank you for giving us such delightful glimpses into Japanese culture. ❤️ I learn so much from your videos.

[@InkyRocks]

I'm so glad you do. It's always a concern for me on what topics that might interest people. Thank you!

[@ddk5431]

The great humility of a real artist What a person you allowed us to meet Thanks to both of you

[@InkyRocks]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!

[@luigig6256]

Another unique mini documentary. Thanks.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! 💕

[@meb6667]

Fascinating. Breathtaking. Moving. Thank you for sharing.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much!

[@CraftingVicky]

WOW just so beautiful without words!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Vicky!💕

[@cn9800]

Loved this. Thank you for interviewing her and showing her studio. She has always been an enigma to me and it was great to see the artist in action.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was really a fun project.

[@jcparkins]

Fascinating video. She is so talented and her work is beautiful.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks Jackie! I have to refrain from having all my pens urushi-ed! (and the problem of having an empty wallet...)

[@squeakynib]

What a great video! Thank you so much!!! I was planning to go to TIPS last year but, well that didn't happen as we all know. I love seeing a glimpse of Japan as well as meeting the artist behind such beautiful work.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! If you make it out this year, let me know. I usually work the show--it would be great to meet you!

[@bodhitoro]

Wonderful! Thanks so much for this peek behind the curtain. Amazing to hear Hiroko herself on the nature of innovation and tradition.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I actually like her approach and am the happy owner of some her innovations! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@christophergrano9564]

Beautiful artist and a beautiful video honoring her work!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I really do think her stuff is just awesome!

[@LoFIJak]

What stunning work. She is an amazing artist snd craftsperson!

[@InkyRocks]

She really is! I have to contain myself to not get ALL my pens done by her (besides my wallet!)

[@davecharvella4854]

Another gem, Alesa! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks Dave! Glad you liked it!

[@inksandanchors]

Thank you so much for this video! It's so nice to put a face to the wonderful artist behind some of my most treasured and beautiful pens. It was great to "see her in action" and to see the studio and neighbourhood. Amazing video, as usual, Alesa!!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! It was fun sharing about her process and the pains-taking detail she puts in all her work. I've seen some of yours and they are gorgeous!

[@MyLifeMits]

Her work is stunning!!! This was such a lovely video to watch, thank you for taking the time to put this together - it was really nice getting to know her better :))

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks Mits! I loved the pizza place (really yummy) and it was nice to get a little bit further out from Tokyo.

[@jrdavisphd]

What a wonderful artist! The video is pretty wonderful too. Thank you.

[@InkyRocks]

She really is! I’m culling my collection now but keeping all of her pens. Thanks!

[@penrealm8345]

So cool to see Hiroko and her studio. I love the pens she's done for me and can't wait to get more.

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome! She does such great work! Thank you

[@dmullins311]

Thank you so much! It was just awesome to see and find out more about how these pieces of art are created and to meet her. For some reason I expected a much older person and was pleasantly surprised. What a wonderful craft to carry on the tradition.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you--I'm glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate my urushi pens more because I'm friends with Hiroko.💕

[@Sonicman415]

Gosh, such an amazing video. Wow. Her work is stunning. Such a great subject. Thank you😻

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bunroku_channel]

Thank you four your video. Many beautiful Urushi pens. Wonderful. I really want it. I always watch your channel.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your support!😊

[@marshdrifter]

What a great video! It's so nice to see something about her beyond the usual "Check out this pen I just got back from Bokumondoh".

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! That was exactly what I was going for. I don't get as many views on videos like these, but they are the kind I want on my channel, much like my Tucson Gem show one. Thanks!

[@michaelsimon4034]

Thank you for another fascinating look at an aspect of fountain pens that i only had a slight understanding for. In addition to sharing the beauty of urushi you make it possible to consider opportunities to actually acquire a ururshi pen.

[@InkyRocks]

That is awesome! I'm glad you got something out of this video. She is a friend and it was fun sharing her story!

[@simeonking2910]

What a pleasure it would be to meet her in person. I’d fly out just to meet with her and consultation and wait til she’s finished to come back and pick it up…. Sooooo with it. BUCKET LIST!!!!!!

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Japan is a fun place to visit and her work is awesome! Definitely bucket list material!

[@scottross1780]

Thank you both for doing this video! It was absolutely beautiful. My Bokumondoh fountain pen brings me so much joy. I hope to see you both again soon.

[@InkyRocks]

Me too! Hope you are doing good! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stacys447]

So beautiful! I wasn't familiar with her work previously. Thank you!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! Her work is indeed gorgeous!

[@arthursmith1539]

Thanks so much for this documentary.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelt.t.hansen]

Great video. I like the variety on this channel.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! It's more fun that way!

[@SteveAbrahall]

Well this has made my lazy Sunday morning! Thanks so much, that was amazing. "Urushi" was something I knew nearly nothing about until today. Domo arigato

[@InkyRocks]

I'm so glad you got something out of it. I didn't know a lot about it until I met Hiroko! Thanks!

[@meejjupin9331]

This is such a great video - thank you for showing us the artist behind the incredible creations! I really liked the shrine mini-tour as well as the studio.

[@InkyRocks]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It was a fun day! Thanks!

[@lcritter]

Thank you so much for making this video. I am fascinated and hope one day to have a pen that she has worked on. It would really be an honour.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I really didn't get into urushi until I met Hiroko, and now I love it. Knowing her has made it more meaningful.

[@Hinagiku2]

this was lovely to watch Inky! Thank you for showing an artist who works in Urushi and thank you Hiroko for showing your work! I would love to have a pen worked on by you one day :) Very informative and always lovely to see your videos

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! Glad you got something out of it💕

[@ravenskye6595]

wow what a great treat- I love her work. May I one day have a pen worthy of her work.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! She really does great stuff!💕

[@thuntz29]

Great video! You really have a knack for it. Her work looks amazing, I think I’ll be getting one in the future.

[@InkyRocks]

I've been culling my collection a bit after my 30 Day thing but none of her pens are ever on the chopping block!

[@peggylove1]

Thank you for making this very informative video. I really enjoyed seeing this whole process as well as seeing Hiroko.

[@InkyRocks]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@AndrewWertheimer]

Aloha 🌈. Thanks for another interesting and professionally done video. Hiroko-san’s pens are wonderful, although I think my first urushi pen will be a solid red or black like a miso bowl. I enjoyed a few hours in Hirosaki. Beautiful historic small city with nice castle, library, and apple pie. I didn’t know about urushi there. I saw some great lacquer in Wajima 👹on another trip, but I wasn’t as crazy about FPs then. Have a good holidays and enjoy late autumn and early winter in Japan 🍂🍁🎌

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks Andrew! Her stuff (and Hiroko!) are awesome.

[@AndrewWertheimer]

@@InkyRocks she does seem to be channeling the best of Japanese tradition in a modern global world. I hope I can save up and make an appointment to go to Setagaya-ku with a candidate pen in hand someday. Aloha

[@oscaramado295]

Amazing video, thank you for this!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you--glad you enjoyed it!

[@miltonbonani2952]

Great video and lovely work. Congrats.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you very much!

[@Richard_Barnes]

🤩 stunning work. Great video and interview! Thanks so much for doing this 😃👍🏻 I’d love to get one done by her.

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@syddenys]

Merci a lot for this amazing video

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! 💖

[@MickBenjamins]

This video is such a joy!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much!

[@MickBenjamins]

@@InkyRocks no, thank YOU ❤

[@TheRaizerx]

Thanks for this!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you!

[@pasttenseSara]

Thank you very much for this. Talk about 'perfect timing'. I am working through my ignorance and lack of value surrounding urushi and your video helped immensely. Can you believe I just ordered a Nakaya and didn't order a pen with urushi? Yeah . . . can you say ignorant ... or just stupid?!?!?! Anyways ... I am overcoming my shortcomings and learning to let go of my biases and appreciate the artistry, techniques, and value of these beautiful pens.

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you got something out of it! Truthfully, I didn't know a lot about urushi, just dinnerware stuff, until I met Hiroko. Nakayas are still beautiful pens and you can always sell it or trade it. Or better yet, send it to Hiroko to get urushi on it!

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Coolness, I love fine wirting instrumetns, the amazing fountain pen being the best and my favorite amoung the fine writing instruments- the pen, specifically the fountain pen is mightier than the sword. God bless, Rev. 21:4

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! It really is and I enjoy being part of this community.

[@docfrayon]

Wow... Impressive

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks Francois!

[@blaiseutube]

I love your voice!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much-I get so much grief for it so your comment is much appreciated!

[@Shiruvan]

漆で嬉しいですね！I'm learning from Urushi decorations for tasteful way to decorate figurines that I make someday, I guess? How else can you put glittery items in such way I'm always amazed by it, maybe start with regular clear coat lacquer(that you use on models). Thank you for this very close interview! I'd love to try Urushi lacquering someday

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I *L*ove *L*ovely *L*acquer a *L*ot! 素敵な漆が大好きです! Thank you! Good luck with urushi!

[@pail.crimea]

One if your best vids so far, if I'm being honest. Good job. I'm not a huge fan of her flashy style, but can't undervalue the amount of skill it takes as a craftsman. One thing I keep wondering about such custom works though...if you're increasing the width of a grip with the urushi layer, does it not cause unnecessary frixion with the plastic inner cap, if a pen has one? Alternatively, if you trim down the grip on a lathe, how do you make sure the end result is wide enough to not cause any air leakage?

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! If you are interested, she does just plain black textured urushi, which looks pretty stealthy cool. On the video, you can see it on the edges of that wild green and orange pen (the first one I show). I believe she only puts urushi on the section if it will fit without a problem. I have a couple of pens with the section urushi-ed, and a one without. Both work as normal. She definitely doesn't lathe anything. But I'll pass your question along to her.

[@VincentDuxD]

Nice content, thanks for the effort, subscribed xD

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much for your encouragement Vincent!

[@vineetgore]

Thank you for making the video. I would like to know is there a way one can learn the urushi technique

[@InkyRocks]

People study under a “master” artist that specialize in certain techniques here in Japan. There are also classes about Urushi. Some people are self taught (like reading books and watching videos) but I think there may be some difficulties getting the materials (the actual lacquer etc).

[@MrBobkeenan]

I just found this video. Thank you very much. I have several of Hiroko’s urushi pens now. They are, of course my favorite. In fact I just got one a couple weeks ago. I immediately asked to be put in the queue for another. It sounds like a year wait but her work is worth it. I wanted to ask her if she would consider, for my next pen, something similar to the last pen but with a few pieces of raden. The last pen was shuro-zaya-nuri (棕櫚鞘塗り) with a ishime texture. I was imagining a new pen to be like this but with a few small pieces of raden showing through. sort of like jewels or hot magma being revealed though cold lava. not sure if that is possible given the materials but I am very open to whatever she comes up with. Is that possible

[@InkyRocks]

Hi! So glad you are enjoying Hiroko's work--she is a true artist! You will need to just straight up ask her. I wouldn't really know.

[@PenFriends]

As for questions? I have none, but I want to express my eternal gratitude for my pen and I want to express what joy it brings me!

[@InkyRocks]

That's awesome! I really enjoy mine!

[@Kenjiro5775]

Thank you for this wonderful look into the artistry of Urushi. Your approach really highlights the "person to person" intimacy of Urushi lacquer work. I imagine that in many cases, the number of hours of a pen in the hands of someone like Ms. Makino exceeds those of the purchaser. 😃😃🖖

[@InkyRocks]

That is so true! I don't think many people realize that. Thank you!

[@threethrushes]

How can one buy her pens? They are all sold.

[@InkyRocks]

Go to the show notes and her website is there. The website gives instructions on how to order by contacting her thru her email. You will be in a queue, and the last I checked, it was about a 6 month wait.

[@HistoricGentleman]

I wonder if Hiroko could or would urushi a Lamy 2000 in solid yellow color

[@InkyRocks]

You'll need to check out the ones she has already done. I'm not sure yellow is an urushi color.

[@fercalo777]

Such a nice video. Did you study how to make documentaries? I always enjoy your videos they are so well made. The music in the back ground is perfect Thanks

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoy them! I learned how to use a camera about 2 years ago from KZbin tutorials and am, most of the time, feeling around in the dark hahaha!💕

[@berryrohseberryrohse8392]

Your videos are all gems, especially these mini-documentaries that capture for all of us (everywhere) the people, places, and values of your fountain pen community in Japan. Thank you for including us as "virtual" members! Knowing that your Bokumondoh-ed Montblanc made your Top 3 Pens for Appelboom Pennen it is a joy and an honor to meet Hiroku Makino in your video.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much for always being such a great supporter. This video ended up being more complicated than I thought, and after losing my subtitles for a SECOND time, I wondered if I had lost my mind. But such wonderful pen friends like you make it all worthwhile. (I finally figured out what I was doing wrong hahaha!)

[@SevenDeMagnus]

New subscriber here.

[@InkyRocks]

Awesome!

[@Adriel-ze6lw]

It's incredible to obtain a kind of pen like this and incredible to have the wallet rip open thanks to that too

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Yes, living here in Japan and having access to so many cool fountain pens and Hiroko's work means I have to exercise strict discipline on my wallet!

[@dashsunil]

80 percent of her orders are fountain pens! Indeed pens are mightier than (Katana) swords.😁

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! True words!

[@okumurarin2012]

My only fear is if I discover I have an allergy to urushi 😅😅😅

[@InkyRocks]

I actually read up on this quite a lot. A very very small percentage of people are allergic to properly cured urushi, and if you have a reaction, most of the time just waiting is useful. It may cure a bit more. Her pens are so popular, you would not have a problem reselling it--probably at a profit.😊

[@inkyrick7830]

So nice to learn more about Hiroko! Thanks!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! I hope it will help more people appreciate her work!