If you’ve ever dabbled in drawing comics, you might be surprised to learn that the tools used by Japanese manga artists are often quite different from those favored by Western comic creators. One of the most iconic differences is the use of dip pens (known in Japanese as tsuke-pen). These traditional tools have played a…
What is Mizuhiki? Mizuhiki is a traditional Japanese decorative cord made by twisting washi paper into thin strings and coating them with starch and dye. Originally used to wrap gifts and envelopes, it is now appreciated as a form of craft art—ranging from accessories to interior decorations. The name “mizuhiki” comes from the practice of…
Introduction In Japan, sewing is actually part of the elementary school curriculum. Starting around 5th grade, students learn how to sew by hand, attach buttons, and make simple fabric projects. It’s a basic life skill taught early on in school. Because of this, many Japanese children own their very own sewing kits. These kits are…