There are no words to describe how I felt before, during and after my encounter with Hakuhodo’s team. I have to call it a fairy tale, the sensations are way too intense to feel like a real moment in my life. I know some of you can understand my emotion because you know me, you know the depth of my passion, my love for brushes and my admiration for the craftsmen hidden behind them.
This is how my Hakuhodo fairy tale started…
I sent an email to the Hakuhodo USA branch asking them if it was possible to visit their Japan manufacture. I immediately got an exciting reply from Stephanie ensuring me that they would help me to schedule a tour.
Already after that first email I was totally crazy nervous imagining the tour, the meeting with them, watching them at work was a dream but I did not know it would be even more magical than in any dream I had !
Stephanie went beyond expectations, she sent me loads of emails with amazing recommendations about Japan and she coordinated my visit. She also told me that since I was considered by them as a “VIP” -another reason to feel even more nervous – they would directly pick me up at my hotel in Hiroshima.
My tour was scheduled for the morning of the 29th of May, I had to wait in the lobby and as planned Mr Nakata, a staff from Hakuhodo,ย arrived at 9am and drove me to their manufacture. During the car trip I was looking around, asking him a lot of questions since he spoke english, I hope I did not bother him too much but I was so happy to be able to talk to someone ! I was also trying to keep talking because I was so nervous that I thought I would bug and go forever silent at any moment.
It took us around 40 minutes to arrive, it’s in the middle of nowhere and not close to the other manufactures in Kumano, if you don’t get a taxi or have someone drop you there it’s going to be very difficult to locate them. When we got there we took our shoes off and we entered the reception where their shop is also located. There are approx 10 people working there I believe. All the employees greeted to me with such a huge warm smile ! It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with each and everyone of them.
Unfortunately I don’t know the names of all of them, maybe you have spoken to Miki by email (she is holding the Hakuhodo poster in front of me), close to me is the General Manager, Mr Ko Takamoto.
On the next pic, on my right is Yuko, on my left Mr Takamoto. Yuko was my contact before my visit, she organized that I could visit when Mr Takamoto was present to show me around and spend some time with me.
Yuko introduced me to Mr Takamoto “Japanese style”ย in his office , you know how it is : holding the business card with two hands, reading the card with respect. I was going to bow but he showed me his hand so we shook hands instead. Unlike Obama I did not bow at the same time ๐ I just looked down with respect… You are not supposed to both bow and shake hands, it’s either one or the other. ย I wanted to say a few words in Japanese but my brain froze ๐ I couldn’t remember anything at all, it was worst than any exam I took, a very embarrassing moment ! ย When you visit a company in Japan you are supposed to bring a present with you, I offered them Swiss Chocolates and they told me later that they enjoyed them very much ๐
After tea we left the office for the tour, Mr Takamoto was explaining everything and Yuko was translating in English. I did not know if I could take pictures because of the professional secret and the respect towards the workers, at some point I politely asked and they said “of course you can take pictures !” I tried not to fire my camera every time he showed me something because I did not want to bother them too much but I still have a few pics to share with you.
The first thing that surprised me is to see that it was a family business, with 500’000 brushes produced in average in a month but still, a family business where the family works too.
In the next picture, Mr Takamoto on the left, then his mum (Mrย Kazuo Takamoto’s wife). Mr Kazuo Takamoto founded Hakuhodo in 1974. Then his sister is the 3rd person from the left. You can clearly see the resemblance ! Her mum is working at the end of the manufacture production, checking the products before their distribution.
They all were so sweet to me, so infinitely kind and welcoming that it didn’t feel like a work place, they immediately felt like family to me. I felt so close to them that I had to control myself at all times and I just didn’t succeed very well- meeting them was deeply emotional. ย They looked at me as if I was someone really special to them and that was the most touching moment, overwhelming.
This is just part of a thank you email I received from Yuko after my visit :
Thank you for visiting our office yesterday. It was a pleasure meeting with you.I was impressed and honored by your kindย respectย towards fude manufacturers andย deep understanding of Japanese traditions and its value. We all appreciated to meetย someone like you. Thank you for taking your valuable time to visit us.
- The first is because at this moment my fav shape of brush is flat-round, this one is to compare with the red Shu Uemura or with other similar squirrel options. I want to check out the result with different materials but same shape.
- The two big crease eyeshadow brushes will be for highlight and contour, I am always complaining that some contour brushes are too dense, too directional and can deliver a muddy application, these are to test with that idea in mind.
- The 4th (Kokutan) is simply because the shape and softness of the head is extraordinary.
- The 5th and 6th is because I wanted backups for these 2 HG brushes so I got a different handle ones. I use them almost every day, I keep two like these at work now.
- The pink and blue are just for travelling and comparison with similar options, I was looking for a black Mac 239 option and for another eyeliner brush.
- The foundation (9th from the left) is because I am in a big foundation brush kick since 2 or 3 months, I am now trying to get different ones in order to publish a post about “brush decision-making”, it started as a little post but I get so many questions by email that I decided I would do a bigger post that would probably answer many of those questions.
- The S series crease kolinsky brush is just amazing, I am so happy I got it because it’s not available in their USA website.
- The last two stippling from the S series are BEAUTIFUL to look at, since these are amongst my favorite brushes ever I could not leave without them ! They are now available on their USA website too. I love them, I wish they expand these series even further !
88 comments
Darling, i just loved reading this and looking at the pictures. And i’m a huge Miki fan myself ๐ xx
So glad you enjoyed it Wayne and I can’t wait for your collection to come out ๐
Ohhhhhh myyyyyyyyy! Awesome! Awesome! I swear Sonia my heart literally goes pitter patter when I read your Japan posts. ๐ I need the S series stippling brushes and that kolinsky crease brush! O_O Off to email this post to Marty and ask him about it haha! ๐ ๐ ๐
Yes.
Kolinsky crease brush.
Want.
you need, at the beginning I wasn’t sure, today I have new favorites ๐
๐ I suspected there would be interest on the S stippling, they are soooo sexy !!! you need them Bea !
This certainly does look like a fairy tale trip! It’s not at all creepy about putting the gift brushes up on display. I think it’s very nice and a great idea.
Reassuring ๐ I’ll do that and send you a pic when done ! big hug !!!
Wow, this must have been such an emotional trip! My head would’ve been spinning 100 miles a minute with questions :). It’s also amazing to see how many kinds of brushes are available in the shops. I cannot wait for your future posts, it is very rare to come across this type of information on a blog, never mind for brushes! We all appreciate the time and effort you put into these posts, thank you!!
oh thank you Julie, it’s a pleasure to share with you, I wish you were all with me that day, we would need a week because just with me 3 hours it seemed like 3 minutes, no time for much. I appreciate this kind of feedback, very happy to know that reporting on their culture is interesting too. Sorry I could not get many more details but I have contacts so in case of questions, you know you can ask me and I’ll try to get you the answers.
Sonia, I deeply appreciate your sharing this special, special journey into the heart of exquisite brushes. Can’t wait to read more!
Oh my goodness that is just so exciting! I haven’t commented in quite a while but i couldn’t pass this up. ๐
What an honour it was to have such a trip arranged, it sounds like a dream come true.
After reading this i know that i MUST branch out now from my usual MAC/Trish brush arsenal and get some of these beautiful brushes. I can see that my makeup collection won’t be “whole” without them :).
What a wonderful trip, thank you for sharing it with us!
Hi Twyla,
thank you for commenting ๐
be careful, if you start you may get a bit addicted to Japanese brushes ๐ but please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on with your future new acquisitions !!
I just placed my first order! Sooo very excited. I ordered 7 brushes to start – mostly eyeshadow, and one angled stippling brush for foundation. I’ll be sure to check in when they arrive :).
Thanks again, your reviews here are *invaluable*.
xo
Twyla
Can you tell i’m excited by all my comments? Lol.
Here is my review of the brushes i purchased – i credited and linked to you, because if it weren’t for you i would never have discovered these! So thank you again, Sonia.
http://painted-lily.blogspot.com/2013/07/hakuhodo-brush-love.html
xo
omg Twyla, amazing ๐ thank you !
take care and enjoy them !
Oh, i am enjoying them very much – and i am going to need more, lol!
Thank you so much for commenting on my blog, i rambled on for a bit in my reply :). You’re so right, it’s highly contagious!
This must really have been a trip to remember for life! And almost to much to digest in such a short time. I love the brushes even more now that I know with what love and due diligence they are made. Thank you very much for sharing!
I think about it every day !
same for me, my love for them increased even more ๐
Fantastic place to be. Glad you got to go to the factory. Looking forward to more photos of the factory.
Those brushes you were given as a present….use them girl as they would have wanted you to enjoy their beautiful mess on your face. If you don’t “use” them then they become the state of “useless”.
Hi Mary !
Thanks for your thoughts ๐ I had two of the brushes they gave me (Mr Takamoto thought that I wouldn’t have any of the traditional series), the pencil style brush is for example for the application of lipstick Geisha-style, it’s not something I will necessarily use often ๐ but a fantastic souvenir !
Thanks so much for sharing! It’s awesome to read your experience there as I don’t know many people who can do that!! =)
Thanks Vivian ๐ One year ago I could not even imagine that this could happen at all !
Thank you for sharing your experience ๐ (I also can’t believe Mr. Goss commented on your post i adore him) But i have a question, is it cheaper to buy the brushes in Japan or is it about the same as ordering online?
you are welcome Tashonda !
Actually Wayne and I are close friends, I love him dearly, we communicate by email very often and when I am not well he writes to me everyday to get news, I can’t believe he still has time for his friends but believe me, he is a fantastic person.
For the prices I think it’s just the same, the choice is better online for some companies. For me it’s cheaper in Japan because of the custom taxes I have to pay when I receive a parcel, and the shipping when it’s not free can also add some cost. Some sites have offers like Rakuten, even some brushes can be at 50% but if you target big brands like Hakuhodo it will be the same price getting them there or online. I hope this answers your question, if you think of a particular brand let me know.
Sonia, you have single-handedly taken us to a whole new level with your posts; how can we ever begin to repay you for all the joy you bring to us?
Your passion, your authenticity, your impeccable taste – together with your willingness to share it all with your readers – just boggles the mind.
It doesn’t surprise me at all that you were treated like a VIP, because you are indeed a Very Important Person, and so very appreciated.
Thank you for so much!
~ Lillian
Lillian you make me happy ๐
my idea when I started this blog was to write about beauty related products or topics that are not often discussed or shown on the web, I wish I had more time to spend on the blog but since it’s not case, I decided to restrain my articles to things that are still to be discovered (it’s not always the case but I try to follow that idea ๐ ).
and you have already repay me by the way ๐
Oh and PS: The S Series Kolinsky is calling my name loudly!
That was such a great experience for you!!! Im so happy for you. We know of your passion and love for makeup brushes, and that welcome and experience they gave you is really very touching.
Can I ask how you wash your kabuki brushes like the koyudo mushroom and macaroons? Do you let them stay up? Im worried that there might be glue that holds the hair and if I got them wet it will ruin the hold on my brush. Or I’ll just wait for your brush making post so I will know if handcrafted brushes rely on glue to hold them with the ferrules. Thanks
OMG That bed of BRUSHES!! I wanna dive in too!!
I would definitely frame up the gift brushes. It would be such a wonderful art display.
I bought the Kolinsky crease brush and the stippling brush too. The very kind Hakuhodo girl told me that the stippling brush is good for cream blush. I am going to try it with the new Dior blushes. Thanks for the recommendations. ๐
๐
I can’t wait to have my little treasure studio ready and then decorate it ๐ this weekend we rented a truck and we should be able to empty that room of all the stuff and I have to start planning the thing.. finally !!!
for the blushes maybe the S stippling is too big… not sure… but this morning I used a stippling to apply it ๐ The little white LE from Real Techniques, but I think it would be better with a slightly denser one.
I wanted to get the Panama Dior one too, but 3 of the 4 was already too much !!!!
treasure studio~
I kind of visualise a firearm room of 007 or Batman, those having automatic doors and automatic drawers. : p
If I can have such a room I may put false infra red rays there in Halloween, to play a trick at my visitors.
muahahaha can’t stop laughing here !! that’s a great idea Gladys, onto it I will ๐ honestly gives me ideas ๐
Hi Sonia ๐
I LOVE reading about your trip! The handcraft is sooo beautiful and the people are the kindest. Im so happy you went to Japan ๐ And I cant wait to read about Chikuhodo ๐
I love the brushes that Mr Takamoto gave you. They are so beautiful ๐
Hi Malin ! Omg, how are you and how are things going ๐ ? Please keep me updated, I want to make sure everything is going well.
oh don’t worry… the Chikuhodo post is also going to be magic ๐ Can’t wait to show you what happened with Yumie.
I agree, they are very special. I also got some from Chikuhodo’s President, these presents are so precious, I am blessed!
Yes, Malin!
Please let us know how things are going!
Hi ๐
We are fine, you are so kind! The baby is coming very very soon. He was going to come the 4th of July ๐
Thank you so much for asking and thinking of us ๐
ooooh we are nearly there !!! ๐ all the best Malin ! thinking of you !
And Wayne: Im waiting for your brushes ๐ I think everyone will love them!
I haven’t been to Japan in many years, but your post reminded me of how incredibly gracious the Japanese are towards visitors. Not to mention their exquisite sense of detail and design sensibility. The post also revealed more of your character, Sonia (to a new follower) and what a warm and lovely person you are. Looking forward to reading more about what you discovered in Japan…and the birth of your studio (as exciting as Kate and Will’s baby, in my books!) ๐
Best, Star.
Star, you are so sweet and funny ๐
I totally agree with you, they have a great sense of detail, but it’s often natural for them, no additional effort, it’s in their culture to make things right. They were very surprised to see how many fans they have abroad and the employees felt extremely proud that what they made was so much appreciated internationally, I felt like this was even motivating them more ! ๐
WOW such an unbelievable experience! It makes me want to cry, seeing those lovely skilled artisans making the brushes by hand, they made the ones I’ve purchased probably. It brings the whole human experience together. I am now an unconditional fan of Hakuhodo thanks to you. The brushes infuse the morning rush with beauty and luxury. You are a special woman and have brought much joy to many sharing your experiences here on your blog. I want to thank you for your sincerity. The world is full of badness but it is also full of beauty and joy—THANK YOU!!!!
Yes they probably did ! If you are now an unconditional fan of Hakuhodo just wait for the upcoming posts ๐
I loved them before but I love them even more now ๐ Their zenitude is contagious and I wish people were as humble here as they are in Japan, unfortunately it’s not the case.
Thank you for your sweet comment Silvita I really appreciate it, makes my day and makes me want to give even more… I wish I had more time to devote to you all <3
Take care ๐
Thank you for the trip into brush heaven! I would so love to be locked overnight there! Can you imagine playing to your hearts content! You truly have opened doors to so many! Your thorough and detailed explanations of the brushes you meticulously select are invaluable and not to be found anywhere else!! As always, I thank you for a fantastically interesting post! Kolinsky crease is all I can think about!!!!! ๐
xoxo
Hi Stacy !
If only we could go there together ! Imagine the insanity ๐
I am relieved I am not considered as a crazy obsessed person ๐ if these posts can help, inform or entertain, I am more than happy ๐
It’s difficult for me to recommend one brush to somebody I don’t even know, I thought that if I explain how and why I buy what I buy it can help customers ask the right questions and decide with more confidence.
I hope this way of sharing my thoughts will be of interest to you all ๐ !
big hug !!
I just want to run my cheek (whole body!?) across that bed of fluffiness! It is so, so, so amazing and thank you for telling us about it from such a genuine perspective ๐
Btw, do you mind asking the Terra Asios boutique what dates they usually close around the Christmas period? I’m going to Japan!!! – most likely Dec 23rd to Jan 4th, and I’m worried a lot of places will be closed ๐
Hi Bonnie! Christmas actually isn’t a big holiday in Japan (in terms of closing shops or schools) so you should be fine till New Years. New Years is the big holiday, and banks, for example, are closed on Jan 1-3. December 23rd is also the Emperor’s birthday, so it is a holiday as well.
thank you ๐ so cool ! answer direct from the source ๐ how great is that ??
Thanks so much for your reply, Stephanie ๐ But oh no! December 23rd and Jan 1-3 are the days I plan to be in Tokyo, the rest of that time I’ll be travelling between Hokkaido and Osaka/Kyoto ๐ I think I picked a terrible time to go shopping in Tokyo….
Do you think that if I ordered a few brushes from Hakuhodo, I could pick them up and pay for them altogether from the Tokyo store on the 24th in the morning before I head up to Hokkaido?
Hi Bonnie! I am not sure about pre-ordering, I am sorry. It would have to be done through the Japanese website too.
There is a store in Osaka! Here is the info for that: http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/osaka/store_information/index.html#floorguide. It’s on the first floor of that building.
Also one in Sapporo, Hokkaido! (As a part/counter of a larger department store.) http://en.hakuho-do.co.jp/user_data/stores_sapporo.php
Hi Bonnie ๐ muahaha it’s our “cleopatra milk” bath, *purrrrrr*
Stephanie just replied to you ๐ omg you are going ????
Hi Sonia!! So glad to get those posts ๐ I can just imagine that entire “bath” purring at us. Or maybe we’ll be doing the purring???
I am fine! I just booked all my international flights around Sydney, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. So excited!! But I just realised I probably picked the WORST dates to go to Tokyo for shopping because everything may be closed ๐ Am going to try and work in a Tokyo shopping day in Tokyo in between Hokkaido and Kyoto/Osaka so that I can do all my brush shopping. I don’t think I will have time to make it to Kumano….
Actually, I’m going to be Osaka I realised LOL I can just shop there phew! Unless there are stores that are specifically in Tokyo??
I have so much time to plan though so no worries! I think just suddenly realising my dates in Tokyo were all holidays was just… devastating ==
argh what a disappointment if you can’t shop ๐
if you know the hotels, maybe you can order online and have them previously sent to the hotel… (but maybe you should inform the hotel before just in case).
Imagine you get to your hotel and you have brushes at the reception… sweeeeeeeeet ๐
You know how in some honeymoon suites they sprinkle your bed with roses…. a bed of brushes… mmmmm,,,,, (imagine how many brushes I would have to buy!!!)
It would be such a shame if I couldn’t shop, wouldn’t it!?
oh dear.. I think I could do that, I probably own enough … but it would be so sad to damage them ๐
It would be sad, it really felt surreal to be in a “brush shop”, really totally surreal…. you should try that ! awesome !
sometimes when the sa came to ask me if I need help or when we talk they realized I knew the products so well they were in shock ๐ I am really happy and proud to say that I managed to surprise them ๐
You truly are the brush queen (and queen of hearts!) as buggsiebee mentioned in another post ๐ I’m definitely going to be hitting up those brush stores if they’re open! I’m really hoping that they will be….
you are both so sweet ! It’s probably giving ideas for an eventual future little logo ๐ an evil queen with a brush ๐
I will find you the infos about the stores !
Thanks so much Sonia – what would we do without you!? Don’t worry about doing it right away as it’s only July and I’m sure they might not even know until closer to the date! I will send you emails just before you go, I think!
Wow, brush paradise and everybody seems so nice. You surely had a tough time to choose among all those jewels. It’s so pity USA site can’t sell kolinsky brushes because of the restrictions ๐
I know, what a pity..
I had a tough time choosing, I thought I wouldn’t want anymore but I was jumping like a little girl ๐
Why are there those restrictions, Nicoleta?
I believe these are to discourage wild harvest of kolinsky hair. Although some companies are cruelty free, others would take profit of that therefore all the market has to stick to the same regulations.
You are absolutely Brilliant! Your blog is my go-to for all my professional makeup needs! Comprehensive, articulate, and passionate. The work you put into this blog should be read by every professional and those that want to be! Thank you for all your hard work!
Thank you Laurie, gosh so sweet ! you are very welcome, it’s a pleasure ๐
What a fabulous experience! Very interesting post, too!
Thank you so much ๐ so glad you enjoyed !
Hi Sonia! This is Stephanie (from Hakuhodo). This is a wonderful post! We are very glad you enjoyed your time in Japan. It was nice for me too to see the pictures because I have not visited the factory. Thanks for the great read! <3
Ohh ! Hi Stephanie ๐
I sure did enjoy, thank you so much for your precious help, your emails were very reassuring actually, they made me feel more calm before my departure.
You have been amazing to me, will never forget that ! If I ever go to the USA I wish I could meet you !
I would love to meet you! I hope you can come to the USA some day. <3 If you are ever in Southern California, let me know!
You are such a sweetheart. I love reading your blog, and I have learned a ton about makeup and such things!
I am glad my advice helped you relax, that was my goal. ๐
I definitely will inform you ๐ thank you !!!
Another great post Sonia. I am just so glad that we get to see inside these great companies and meet some of the wonderful people that work for them.
Hi Devin, thank you ๐
Amazing “fairy tale”… I really enjoy this post and only can imagine how much preperation you needed for this trip (all the things with Japanese tradition, like presents).
The othre thing is: reading your posts ALWAYS ended up in ordering more brushes!
So Hakuhodo here we go!
๐ ๐ ๐ oh dear…. ๐ thank you Anna !
Awesome post as always. Sonia can you please tell me the exact numbers/names of the 4th, 5th and the 6th brush you purchased?
Sure !
The 4th is Kokutan Eye Shadow Brush MLL
the 5th is the beige version of the J142 (but on the USA website they don’t have these handles, just the normal black ones)
the 6th is the beige version of the G5520
Thank you !
Where in the world is Melissa?! I would have thought she would be all over these Japan posts but have not seen her??
Maybe on holiday ?
My last private email with her was June 12th… I am trying to convince her to move to Switzerland ! ๐
She’s probably going to turn up on your doorstep any moment now ๐
I am sure !!! I am trying to work out a solution “job wise” at the moment ๐
I hope it will be ok, then you’ll have to come live here too ๐
Hakuhodo’s Fall 2013 set consists of all synthetic brushes, just released ๐
haven’t seen it yet …thank you ๐
Wow! I almost got emotional reading that myself and enjoying the pictures. Thank you for respecting another culture and their values. You ooze with passion, grace and a warm heart. Thank you for sharing your experience.
[…] (this video) and reading about Sonia’s visit to their Kumano headquarters in Hiroshima (this post), I truly don’t mind paying for what I now consider functional pieces of […]
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