If you asked me what art supply I’ve used more than any other in the last decade, the answer is dead simple – no contest. And that art supply happens to be celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, which feels like the perfect excuse to gush about it for a bit.
If you’ve been here a while, you’ve probably already guessed it. The Tombow Fudenosuke is hands down my favourite pen of all time. When I say I use it more than any other pen, I mean it. I keep a box of brand new ones on hand just in case I run out (which has never happened, because I have so many of them). But beyond that stash, I also have a miscellaneous pen jar on my desk at all times. I just counted how many are currently in there – seven. Seven Fudenosuke pens, all in various stages of use, just sitting within arm’s reach.
So when I say it’s my favourite, I’m not kidding.
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Why I Love the Fudenosuke
These are the number one recommendation I give to people who are getting started with calligraphy. They’re brush pens with small tips, which means they’re easy to control for beginners. You can get a really thin line when you press softly, and a really thick line when you press harder. That contrast is what creates that beautiful, crisp hand lettering that makes calligraphy feel so satisfying.
Even after ten years of doing this, the Fudenosuke is still my go-to. They’re perfect for beginners and for people like me who’ve been at it for a while. Plus, they come in all sorts of colours now, which is really fun. When I got started, they were only available in black, and I remember when the coloured ones came out – it was like a huge craze. Now we have regular colours, neon colours, pastel colours, and even white that writes on dark paper, which is really cool.
The 25th Anniversary Merch
To celebrate this anniversary, Tombow sent me a box of Fudenosuke-related merch that I hadn’t opened yet. I wanted to unbox it with you because they’re also giving away a box set just like this to one of you (more on that in a second).
Inside the box was a gorgeous collection of pens – the coloured ones, the neon ones, and of course, the OGs: the black soft and hard tip Fudenosuke pens. If you don’t have them in your life yet, you need them.
But the real gems were the custom anniversary items. There’s a koozie in my favourite colour pattern right now (pink and red – I’ll absolutely be tossing that on my slim cans), a retro-vibe keychain, and a beach towel that says “Poolside Sketch Club” with palm trees and waves all over it. It’s got major hotel-on-the-beach-25-years-ago energy, and I’m obsessed. Nobody in my life will understand what this towel means, but someday I’ll be at a pool somewhere and someone will see it, love that pen too, and we’ll be best friends.
How to Enter the Giveaway
If you want this gift set, here’s what you need to do. First, follow my channel. Then leave a comment on this video saying “Happy Birthday” to the Fudenosuke. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I think it’s the most fun ever. Bonus points (in my mind, not actually awarded) if you leave a funny birthday greeting – the most ridiculous ones, like you’re talking to your best friend. Just because I think it’ll make me laugh.
The giveaway ends on August 28, 2026.
That’s a Wrap – Where to Learn More
If you’re interested in learning calligraphy and you’re just seeing the Fudenosuke for the first time, I have a free course that walks you through everything you need to know. I also have another video that shows the difference between the soft and hard tip Fudenosuke pens if you’re curious about which one to start with.
What’s your favourite art supply that you keep coming back to? I’d love to know if there’s something in your life that gets as much use as these pens do in mine.
And if you’re looking for more of my favourite products, check out this one!
And finally, your dad joke…
What do you call a pig that knows karate?
A pork chop!
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