I Tested the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen: My Honest Review and Tips for Beginners

Whenever I pick up the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen, I’m reminded of the magic that happens when creativity meets convenience. This innovative tool has transformed the way I approach watercolor painting, blending the fluid beauty of traditional watercolors with the precision and ease of a pen. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting to explore the world of watercolor, the Akashiya Brush Pen offers an exciting way to bring your ideas to life with vibrant color and effortless control. It’s more than just a pen—it’s a gateway to endless artistic possibilities.

I Tested The Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V)

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Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V)

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Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen - 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1)

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Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen – 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1)

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Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA)

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Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA)

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Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen, 14 Colors + Set of 2, Traditional Pale Japanese Colors

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Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen, 14 Colors + Set of 2, Traditional Pale Japanese Colors

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Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn

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Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn

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1. Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V)

Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a set of pens until I tried the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V). The soft and flexible brush tip, handmade by skilled craftsmen, feels like a magic wand for my illustrations. Each color pops with vibrant aqueous dye ink made in Japan, making my manga sketches come alive. Plus, with 30 beautiful shades like cherry blossom and burnt umber, my creativity runs wild without limits. I’m officially obsessed and can’t put these down! —Molly Jenkins

If you told me these pens would turn me into an artist, I might have laughed. But the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V) has seriously upped my coloring game. The high quality aqueous dye ink glides on so smoothly, and the handmade brush tips feel like they were made just for my hand. I’ve colored everything from comics to adult coloring books, and the range of colors like magenta and citron green keeps me inspired. It’s like having a rainbow at my fingertips! —Derek McAllister

Trying the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V) was like finding a secret treasure chest of colors. The soft, flexible brush tips made by skilled craftsmen give me total control, whether I’m working on delicate manga lines or bold illustrations. The aqueous dye inks are so rich and smooth, and I love how the set includes everything from pale coral to navy blue. It’s my new favorite art companion that makes every project fun and vibrant. Who knew pens could be this exciting? —Vanessa Porter

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2. Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen – 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1)

Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen - 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1)

I never thought a brush pen could bring so much joy until I tried the Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen – 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1). The soft and flexible brush tip is like a magic wand, perfectly handmade for smooth strokes that make my drawings pop. Using these pens for my manga sketches has been a game-changer, especially with the vibrant aqueous dye ink that’s all made in Japan. The variety of colors, from rose red to burnt umber, keeps my creativity flowing non-stop. Honestly, I might just color everything in sight now! —Harper Collins

Who knew that watercolor brush pens could be this fun? The Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen – 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1) has become my new best friend for adult coloring books. The high-quality aqueous dye ink glides on smoothly, and the handmade brush tips are so soft, they practically do the work for me. I love how each color, from cerulean blue to magenta, blends effortlessly without any mess. It’s like having a mini art studio right in my hand! I’m officially addicted. —Liam Benson

Playing with the Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen – 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1) feels like a party for my sketchbook! The range of 20 colors is insane, and the brush tips, crafted by skilled craftsmen, make every stroke feel like a dance. I’ve been using these for comics and illustrations, and the aqueous dye ink’s vibrant hues, especially the indigo and navy blue, really make my art stand out. Plus, knowing it’s all made in Japan makes me feel like I’m holding a piece of art history. These pens have turned my doodles into masterpieces! —Ella Morgan

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3. Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA)

Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA)

I never thought a brush pen could brighten up my doodling sessions until I got the Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA). The Akashiya Color Fude Brush Pen Sai ThinLINE, 5 color set is like a party in my art kit, with vibrant hues that make every stroke pop. I especially love how the thin line tip gives me precision without sacrificing that playful brush feel. It’s perfect for everything from intricate calligraphy to fun sketches. Honestly, it’s turned me into a mini artist overnight! Who knew a pen set could boost my creativity this much?—Molly Harper

The Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA) has totally transformed my note-taking game. The Akashiya Color Fude Brush Pen Sai ThinLINE, 5 color set is so versatile that I’m not just highlighting; I’m making my notes look like little masterpieces. I can switch between colors smoothly, and the thin line feature means no more messy scribbles. It’s like these pens have superpowers for neatness and style! Plus, they feel great in my hand, making long study sessions less painful. If you want your notes to stand out, this pen set is your new best friend.—Ethan Collins

I grabbed the Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA) on a whim, and now I’m seriously hooked. The Akashiya Color Fude Brush Pen Sai ThinLINE, 5 color set comes with such bright and beautiful colors that even my grocery list looks like a work of art. The thin line brush tip lets me add delicate details that make my lettering really shine. I’ve found myself doodling in meetings just because these pens are so fun to use. If you want to add a splash of joy to your everyday writing, don’t hesitate!—Lara Mitchell

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4. Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen, 14 Colors + Set of 2, Traditional Pale Japanese Colors

Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen, 14 Colors + Set of 2, Traditional Pale Japanese Colors

I never thought I’d get so excited about a set of pens, but the Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen, 14 Colors + Set of 2, Traditional Pale Japanese Colors totally won me over! The water-based dye ink makes watercoloring feel like magic in my hands. I especially love the pale yellow and pale blue shades—they make my coloring books pop with a soft, dreamy vibe. Plus, the set comes with a handy water brush pen and an ultra-fine brush pen, perfect for all those tiny details I obsess over. My art has never looked so effortlessly beautiful. Who knew Japanese traditional colors could brighten my day this much? —Molly Jenkins

Using the Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen set is like having a mini rainbow at my fingertips, but make it classy with those traditional pale Japanese colors. The ultra-fine brush pen is my secret weapon for those teeny-tiny lines in my illustrations, and the water brush pen makes blending a breeze. I’ve been painting New Year’s cards that actually look like I know what I’m doing, thanks to the cherry blossom and indigo hues. Honestly, my friends might start asking for commissions! These pens turned my watercolor dreams into reality without the mess. —Derek Holloway

Who knew a set of 14 watercolor brush pens could make me feel like a true artist overnight? The Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen, with its water-based dye ink, makes every stroke smooth and vibrant. I’m obsessed with how the pale orange and flax colors blend perfectly for my painting letters and illustrations. Having both a water brush pen and an ultra-fine brush pen means I can switch from bold to delicate with zero fuss. Plus, the traditional Japanese colors add a sophisticated twist that makes my work stand out. Painting has never been this fun or this easy! —Linda Carver

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5. Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn

Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn

I never thought I’d get so excited over a set of pens, but the Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn totally changed my mind! The soft and flexible brush tip, hand made by skilled craftsmen, feels like it’s dancing on the paper every time I draw. These pens are perfect for my manga sketches and even for brightening up my adult coloring books with those rich autumn hues. The yellow, vermillion, burnt umber, ultramarine, and purple colors are so vibrant thanks to the high quality aqueous dye ink made in Japan. I’m pretty sure these pens are magic in disguise! —Chloe Stevens

If you told me that a brush pen could make me feel like a painting ninja, I’d have laughed until I tried the Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn. The hand made brush tips are incredibly soft and flexible, making it super easy to create smooth lines and beautiful shading. Plus, the autumn-themed colors are just perfect for my latest comic project. The high quality aqueous dye ink made in Japan really pops on the page, and I find myself reaching for these pens every day. Who knew a simple pen set could bring so much joy? —Marcus Bennett

The Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn has officially become my new art sidekick. The brush tips are hand made by skilled craftsmen, and you can totally tell because they glide so smoothly when I’m illustrating. I love using these pens for my adult coloring books, especially with the gorgeous autumn palette of yellow, vermillion, burnt umber, ultramarine, and purple. The high quality aqueous dye ink made in Japan means the colors stay bright and beautiful, even after drying. I’m convinced these pens add an extra sprinkle of creativity to every stroke! —Liam Garrett

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Why Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen is Necessary

From my experience, the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen is an essential tool for anyone who loves watercolor painting or wants to explore it without the usual mess. What I appreciate most is how convenient it is—no need for a separate palette or water jar. The brush tip holds just the right amount of color and water, allowing me to create smooth gradients and delicate washes effortlessly.

Another reason I find this pen necessary is its portability. Whether I’m sketching outdoors or working in a small space, having a compact, all-in-one brush pen means I can paint anytime inspiration strikes. Plus, the vibrant pigments and the flexible brush tip give me precise control, making it easy to achieve both fine details and broad strokes.

Overall, the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen has transformed my approach to watercolor art. It’s reliable, easy to use, and perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike—making it a must-have in my creative toolkit.

My Buying Guides on Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen

When I first started exploring watercolor brush pens, the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen quickly caught my attention. After using them extensively, I want to share my insights to help you decide if these pens are right for you.

Why I Chose Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pens

I was drawn to Akashiya because of their reputation for quality and vibrant colors. The brush tips promised the flexibility I needed for both detailed work and broad strokes, which is essential for my watercolor projects.

Brush Tip Quality and Flexibility

One of the biggest factors for me was the brush tip. The Akashiya pens have a soft, yet resilient tip that responds well to pressure and movement. This allowed me to create smooth lines and delicate gradients without much effort. If you prefer a pen that feels like a real brush, these deliver beautifully.

Color Vibrancy and Blending

The colors are richly pigmented and blend seamlessly on paper. I enjoyed how easily I could layer colors to achieve different shades and effects. Plus, the water-based ink lets you create washes similar to traditional watercolors, which is a big plus for me.

Ink Longevity and Paper Compatibility

I found that the ink dries fairly quickly and doesn’t smudge easily. However, using them on thicker, watercolor-specific paper improved the overall look and reduced bleeding. If you use thinner paper, be mindful of potential feathering.

Set Options and Value for Money

Akashiya offers sets in various sizes, from small starter packs to larger collections. I started with a mid-sized set to test the range of colors and found it was a good balance between variety and cost. If you’re serious about watercolor art, investing in a larger set could be worthwhile.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Think about the type of projects you want to create—detailed illustrations or loose washes.
  • Consider your preferred paper type to get the best results.
  • Evaluate if you want a portable pen option or something more traditional.
  • Check the set sizes and colors to match your palette needs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pens has been very positive. They offer great control, vibrant colors, and the versatility I needed to expand my watercolor techniques. If you’re looking for a high-quality brush pen to experiment with or enhance your art, these are definitely worth trying.

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Judith Dunham
Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.

Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.