Bringing color to life

In a world where the arts and crafts sector faces challenges from digital creations, Holbein remains an emblem of tradition and innovation, with quality products remaining an unwavering commitment.

"Being made in Japan alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee strong sales," notes the company’s CEO Yoshio Kawami. Holbein's success, he emphasizes, lies in offering high-quality products that go beyond the allure of the "Made-in-Japan" label. With a history rooted in scarcity, the company’s founders sought exceptional materials and ways to stand out from the crowd..

The company’s dispersion technology, a groundbreaking innovation, allows it to work with more than 400 different pigments.

"Our technology team, typically from a chemistry background, is responsible for developing this," Mr. Kawami explains, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating Holbein's Vernét oil colors, a fusion of traditional and modern materials.

The SQ-T Cat’s Tongue watercolor brush stands as a testament to Holbein's dedication to meeting artists' needs. Developed in collaboration with a partner company, it addresses challenges related to traditional brushes. "Our industry, the paintbrush market, is small but with the right investment, replicating the properties of animal hair with synthetic fibers would be relatively straightforward," the CEO adds.

Holbein's plans extend beyond Japan, with the company actively seeking overseas collaborations and driving forward with the younger generations leading on the improvements.

"We believe art is an integral part of a well-rounded education and our mission is to empower artists to convey their unique visions effectively," Mr. Kawami says, pointing to relationships in the U.S., China and South Korea.

"Looking ahead, we view the next seven years as a significant milestone in our ongoing journey of development," Mr. Kawami concludes. "One that paves the way for our endeavors far into the future."