Kūsōmachi Zakkaten Watercolor Pencil Set from Japan
The Kūsōmachi Zakkaten watercolor pencil set has finally arrived, and it’s every bit as magical as fans hoped it would be. Released by Sakura Craypas in late June 2025, this set is more than just a tool for drawing. It’s a ticket to a whimsical little town filled with warm colors, cozy streets, and endless inspiration.
With 24 beautiful watercolor pencils packed in a charming retro-style paper tube designed by the popular Japanese brand Kūsōmachi Zakkaten (which means “Fantasy Town General Store”), this set brings a mix of nostalgia, artistry, and practicality to your desk. And yes, it even comes with a water brush so you can start painting right away.
Whether you’re a beginner trying watercolor for the first time or an experienced artist looking for portable supplies, this set is designed to make watercoloring fun, easy, and travel-friendly.
The Story Behind Kūsōmachi Zakkaten
Kūsōmachi Zakkaten is known in Japan for its dreamy watercolor art style that blends retro charm with gentle warmth. Their designs often look like scenes from a beloved storybook. Imagine walking through a quiet street lined with tiny cafés, old bookshops, and flower stalls, that’s the world they bring to life in their stationery and goods.
Now, their art has been beautifully wrapped around a watercolor pencil set, turning an everyday art supply into a keepsake-worthy item.
What Makes This Watercolor Pencil Set Special
1. Two Art Tools in One
The Kūsōmachi Zakkaten watercolor pencil set lets you use the pencils in two ways, as regular colored pencils or by blending them with water to create soft, flowing watercolor effects. This flexibility makes them perfect for sketching, painting, journaling, or adding color to planners and scrapbooks.
2. Beginner-Friendly Design
If you’ve never used watercolor pencils before, don’t worry. The set includes a simple instruction sheet that explains how to use the pencils and water brush together. You don’t need any extra art tools to start experimenting.
3. Portable and Eco-Friendly Packaging
The sturdy paper tube is lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for outdoor sketching or travel. It also protects your pencils while looking beautiful on your desk.
4. Whimsical Artwork You Can Treasure
The outer design features Kūsōmachi Zakkaten’s signature dreamy townscapes, making the set as much a collector’s item as it is an art supply.
Why Artists and Hobbyists Will Love It
Many watercolor sets can feel intimidating for beginners, lots of pieces, messy cleanup, and tricky blending. This set solves that problem by combining everything you need into a ready-to-use kit. You can simply open the tube, grab a pencil, and start creating. The included water brush means no jars of water or extra brushes are required.
It’s also great for people who love Japanese art supplies and want something practical yet beautiful. The design alone makes it a perfect gift for stationery collectors, journal keepers, and anyone who enjoys adding a bit of magic to their daily routine.
Just Before You Go…
If you’re still in the mood to explore more beautiful stationery, you might want to take a peek at Stationery Pal or browse their collection of blog articles. They have a delightful mix of cute, rare, and premium stationery items that are perfect for gifting, journaling, or simply treating yourself. Who knows, your next favorite pen, notebook, or art set might be waiting for you there.
Final Thoughts…
The Kūsōmachi Zakkaten watercolor pencil set is more than just an art supply. It’s a combination of Japanese craftsmanship, beginner-friendly design, and whimsical storytelling. Whether you’re sketching at a café, painting on the go, or adding soft colors to your journal, this set makes it easy to turn everyday moments into little works of art.
With its retro-style paper tube, included water brush, and heartwarming Kūsōmachi Zakkaten illustrations, it’s a creative companion worth keeping close. And for those who have always wanted to try watercolor without the mess, this might just be the perfect place to start. 🎨
