Shodo Daisuki Episode 12

November 26, 2025

Shodo Daisuki Episode 12
How to Choose the Right Brush! (Kaisho Edition)

Shodo Daisuki – Episode 12

There is definitely a perfect brush for you! In this episode of “Shodo Daisuki,” Shimauchi explains how to choose the right brush for kaisho-style calligraphy.

Shodo Daisuki Episode 12 – Video Overview

Shimauchi from “Shodo Daisuki” explains how to choose a hanshi-size brush at the calligraphy supply store “Shoyu Nara Main Store.”
Brushes are broadly categorized into three types: stiff-hair brushes, soft-hair brushes, and mixed-hair brushes. He explains their characteristics and best uses in detail.

He first clarifies that he does not intend to deny the value of the brushes provided by school or calligraphy teachers. Those should always be used with care.

When selecting a brush, it is important to consider “how you want to use it” and “what kind of writing you want to create.”

Stiff-hair brushes have brown or black coarse hairs with firm resilience. They are easy for beginners to handle because they allow for clear stops and sweeping strokes, but they lose ink quickly and require proper brush technique to avoid rough lines.

Soft-hair brushes are made of soft materials such as goat hair and include types hardened with glue and types with naturally separated tips. They allow for expressive strokes but are more suitable for advanced users.

Mixed-hair brushes combine soft and stiff hairs, taking “the best of both.” They are versatile and easy to use for many writing styles, although softness may vary depending on the blend.

Shimauchi demonstrates writing the character “一” using the three types of brushes, showing how the results differ.
He concludes by emphasizing that brush choice varies greatly depending on the individual’s technique and that bringing your current brush to the store will help staff recommend the best option.

Introduction & Today’s Theme

00:00:00

Shimauchi introduces himself and talks about the variety of tools that make calligraphy enjoyable.
Broadcasting from Shoyu Nara Main Store, he explains that he will introduce how to choose a hanshi brush.
He emphasizes that he does not intend to dismiss the brushes provided by teachers and that such brushes should be used with care.
This episode is intended to serve as a guide for those who want to try different brushes and visit a calligraphy supply store.

Three Brush Types & Their Features

00:02:18

Shimauchi explains the three brush types: stiff-hair, soft-hair, and mixed-hair brushes.
Stiff-hair brushes are brown or black, firm, and easy for beginners, though they don’t hold ink well.
Soft-hair brushes include glue-set tips and naturally separated tips. They offer expressive strokes but are more advanced.
Mixed-hair brushes combine soft and stiff hairs, making them easy to use across styles, though softness varies depending on the blend.

Demonstration: Writing “一” with Different Brushes

00:06:10

Shimauchi writes the character “一” using all three brush types.
First with a relatively stiff mixed-hair brush inspired by the “Koshi Byodobi” style, then with a glued soft-hair brush in the style of “Gantō Seikyōsho.”
He explains the difficulty of using soft brushes and how moisture and brush type can dramatically affect expression.
He encourages viewers to try different brushes to make calligraphy more enjoyable.

Summary & Brush Selection Advice

00:09:05

Shimauchi emphasizes that brush selection varies greatly among individuals.
He advises bringing your current brush to the store when choosing a new one so staff can assist more accurately.
He encourages trying both hard and soft brushes to improve skills and enjoy calligraphy even more.
He closes by asking for channel subscriptions and likes and expresses his goal to continue sharing the joy of calligraphy.