About us
Our Philosophy
Kuretake creates materials and tools for writing, drawing, and creative expression.
We support human expression through the power of culture and technology.
Founded in Nara in 1902 as a manufacturer of traditional ink sticks (solid sumi ink), we have focused on the moments people express themselves for over 120 years.
We provide tools that help ideas take shape, supporting creativity in everyday moments.
Behind every line and color is our expertise in materials and technology, refined across generations.
We will continue to support human creativity in the realm of culture, technology, and expression.
Our Values
The values we hold are rooted in culture, technology, and expression, and are reflected in four key areas.
Writing & Graphic Culture
Writing is a fundamental form of human expression.
Across the world—from Kanji and Kana to the Latin alphabet, Arabic script, and Hangul—people express thoughts and emotions through written forms.
Rooted in calligraphy and writing traditions, Kuretake preserves and evolves this culture, passing it on to future generations and sharing it globally as a cultural legacy.
Color & Beauty
Color is more than a visual element—it is culture.
In Japan, color has been shaped by nature, the seasons, and daily life.
Through ink and art materials, Kuretake reinterprets this sensibility into contemporary expression, bringing it to creators around the world.
We continue to refine color as a value that resonates with human emotion.
Art & Material Science
Expression is supported by technology.
Color development, bleeding, drying, and adhesion—
these are all results engineered through materials and design.
Kuretake has built deep expertise in pigments, dispersion, application, and fluid control,
transforming artistic expression into reproducible technology.
By bridging art and science, we expand the possibilities of expression.
Expression & Experience
The joy of expression lies not only in the result, but in the process itself.
Writing, drawing, creating—
these moments bring meaning and fulfillment.
Kuretake goes beyond providing tools to expand the experience of expression.
Through education, collaboration, and hands-on opportunities,
we connect people worldwide with the joy of creating.
Message from the Management
Shaping the future of expression.
We are more than a manufacturer of calligraphy and art materials.
We create materials and tools to support human expression through the power of culture and technology.
Founded in Nara in 1902 as a manufacturer of ink, Kuretake has supported the moments people express themselves—for over 120 years.
Behind these moments is our expertise in materials technology—pigments, dispersion, coating, and fluid control.
Color, flow, drying, and performance—
these are not accidents, but results designed through technologies refined over generations.
Today, the environment surrounding our business is changing.
In response, we are shifting from short-term results to a management approach that creates sustainable value.
Our business is also evolving.
We are expanding our technologies beyond calligraphy and art into functional materials and industrial applications.
However, no matter how much our business expands, our core remains unchanged.
Writing.
Drawing.
Creating.
These are fundamental acts through which people shape their thoughts and give form to their ideas.
By connecting culture and technology,
Kuretake will continue to evolve shaping the future of expression.
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Kuretake Co., Ltd.
Yoshitaka Yamagiwa, Chairman & CEO
Mayumi Nishimura, President
Corporate Philosophy
Based on our respect for people, Kuretake aims to be a company that creates meaningful value and contributes to the lives and cultures of people around the world.
Management Principles
We Value People.
Kuretake values everyone—including customers, employees, and shareholders—through sound and responsible business practices.
We create Value.
Guided by our founding principle of “Quality First,” we develop products that are safe, reliable, and trusted, creating lasting value.
We Contribute to Life and Culture.
We strive to enrich everyday life and contribute to culture through creativity and expression, bringing warmth and meaning to people’s lives.