Akashiya Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nara City, Nara Prefecture; Representative: Yutaka Mizutani) announces the release of 'Left-Handed Calligraphy Brush ShuShaku LEFTY,' designed to address the challenges faced by left-handed calligraphers.

This brush has been developed to reduce the difficulty left-handed individuals often experience when writing, enabling them to enjoy calligraphy with greater ease.

By incorporating an angled shaft, the brush allows users to maintain a natural posture and perform fundamental brush techniques just as comfortably as right-handed writers.

[ShuShaku LEFTY Product Page] https://www.akashiya-fude.co.jp/050_product/ssrk_lefty.html

Writing comfortably and naturally with the left hand.

While approximately one in ten people is left-handed, most everyday tools are designed for right-handed users, leading to inconvenience.

Writing, in particular, presents challenges due to the structure of Japanese characters and hand movement, making left-handed writing difficult.

Although current educational practices encourage students to write with their preferred hand, brush calligraphy remains particularly challenging, often causing discomfort for left-handed learners.

ShuShaku LEFTY addresses this by carefully angling the brush to allow left-handed users to write with correct technique and without strain.

Ideal for stroke practice before using standard brushes, this tool is crafted to make calligraphy more enjoyable and intuitive for left-handed individuals.

Supporting left-handed writing through design.

Ergonomically engineered angle

Designed so that the brush tip aligns at the same angle as when held in the right hand, enabling natural posture and movement.

Effortless basic brush techniques

The bristle tip is angled at 45 degrees to the upper left, allowing smooth brush movement without twisting the hand or wrist.

Improved visibility of the brush tip

Reduced hand obstruction allows users to clearly see the brush tip and the shape of the characters as they write.

<Comparison of writing by left-handed users>

Standard brush vs. ShuShaku LEFTY

With ShuShaku LEFTY, writing begins with the tip at a 45-degree angle, improving stroke initiation, turns, and flicks. The lines are lively, utilizing the brush's elasticity.

Standard brush vs. ShuShaku LEFTY

With ShuShaku LEFTY, the brush tip and strokes remain visible without being blocked by the hand or shadows, enabling real-time monitoring while writing.

Inspired by feedback from left-handed students and educators

Previously, Akashiya received feedback from teachers and partners stating, 'It's difficult to teach left-handed children' and 'We hope you develop a calligraphy brush for left-handed users.'

Among these requests, a direct inquiry from a left-handed high school student became the catalyst for this product's development.

Prototype testing by left-handed students

During development, Akashiya conducted interviews with calligraphy instructors, schoolteachers, and left-handed students, using their feedback to refine the writing experience and finalize the product.

This product truly reflects the real-life challenges faced by its users.

Lineup of thick and thin brushes to meet school calligraphy needs

Thick Brush

No. 3 Left-Handed Calligraphy Brush ShuShaku LEFTY

The most commonly used size in school calligraphy.

Ideal for writing 2–4 characters on half-sized paper.

Product Name: No. 3 Left-Handed Calligraphy Brush ShuShaku LEFTY

JAN: 4963095236852 Model: AL-L120

Price: ¥1,320 (tax included)

Thin Brush

No. 8 Left-Handed Calligraphy Brush ShuShaku LEFTY

Used for writing names on half-sized paper in school calligraphy.

Product Name: No. 8 Left-Handed Calligraphy Brush ShuShaku LEFTY

JAN: 4963095236869 Model: AS-L80

Price: ¥880 (tax included)

※ A two-piece set (thick and thin) is also available. Price: ¥1,980 (tax included) (Model: ALS-L180)

Available from summer 2026 at stationery stores, calligraphy specialty shops, and e-commerce sites nationwide.

Past products and future outlook — Preserving and modernizing the tradition of Nara brushes

The ShuShaku series offers stationery that helps beginners enjoy calligraphy comfortably and confidently.

With the addition of ShuShaku LEFTY, Akashiya plans to offer hands-on trial opportunities at exhibitions and pop-up events, along with social media giveaway campaigns.

Moving forward, the company will continue to leverage its 300-year brush-making tradition and craftsmanship to develop products that make 'writing' enjoyable for everyone.

Previously developed products

• 'Kemmou ShuShaku FITGRIP' — Features a rubber grip for precise holding and easy maintenance

https://www.akashiya-fude.co.jp/item_category/fitgrip/

• 'Akashiya Shinmofude Tenpyo no Yume' — A brush pen adorned with handcrafted Tenpyo patterns

https://www.akashiya-fude.co.jp/item_category/tenpyo/

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