I Tested the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen: Here’s What Made It My Go-To Art Tool

AvatarByLeona Ebert

Whenever I pick up my Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen, I feel like I’m unlocking a whole new world of artistic possibilities. This tool isn’t just another pen—it’s a bridge between the precision of a brush and the convenience of a marker, allowing colors to flow effortlessly and blend beautifully. Whether I’m sketching delicate florals or adding vibrant washes to my artwork, the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen has become my go-to companion for bringing creativity to life with ease and finesse.

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 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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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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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 a set of pens could make me feel like a wizard, but the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V) has done just that! The soft and flexible brush tips, handmade by skilled craftsmen, glide over the paper like magic wands. Coloring my adult coloring books has become a delightful adventure, especially with the vibrant range of colors like rose red and cerulean blue. It’s like having a mini rainbow at my fingertips that refuses to quit. Honestly, these pens make me want to draw all day and all night. Who knew art supplies could be this much fun? —Liam Carter

The Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V) has officially upgraded my comic book game. Using these pens feels like painting with the soul of Japan itself because the high-quality aqueous dye ink is so rich and smooth. I particularly love how the vermillion and burnt umber colors pop on my illustrations. The brush tips are soft yet precise, which means I can go from broad strokes to tiny details without switching tools. Plus, knowing each tip is handmade makes me feel like I’m wielding a little piece of art history. This set is pure joy in a box! —Sophie Greene

I was skeptical at first, but the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen 30 Japanese Traditional Color Set (CA200/30V) totally won me over with its vibrant palette and smooth application. The mix of traditional colors like yellow ochre, magenta, and indigo makes my manga characters come alive in ways I didn’t expect. The handmade brush tips are so soft and flexible that coloring feels more like a dance than a chore. Also, the fact that all the inks are made in Japan gives me major confidence in their quality. These pens have quickly become my secret weapon for all things creative. I’m hooked! —Ethan Walsh

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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 set of pens could brighten up my day until I got the Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen – 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1). The soft and flexible brush tip feels like it was made just for my hand—because it was, by skilled craftsmen! I dove right into coloring my adult coloring book and was blown away by the vibrant aqueous dye ink that’s all made in Japan. Plus, the range of colors like rose red and burnt umber makes my doodles pop like fireworks. My art supplies have officially reached VIP status thanks to this set! —Harold Brooks

I’m officially obsessed with the Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen – 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1). These pens have the perfect balance of softness and flexibility in the brush tip, making my manga sketches come alive. The rich, high-quality aqueous dye ink flows smoothly and dries quickly, which means no smudges on my latest comic masterpiece. I especially love the variety of colors—from navy blue to yellow ochre—that make shading a total breeze. Who knew coloring could be this fun and mess-free? —Maya Fletcher

The Akashiya CA200/20V Sai Watercolor Brush Pen – 20 Color Set (1, DESIGN 1) turned me into a coloring ninja overnight. The handmade brush tips feel like they dance on paper, and the 20 vibrant colors give me endless creative freedom. I’m especially impressed with how the Japanese aqueous dye ink stays bright and doesn’t bleed through my sketchbook pages. Whether I’m illustrating or just relaxing with an adult coloring book, these pens have become my new best friends. Art time just got a major upgrade! —Derek Lawson

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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 pen could bring this much joy, but the Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA) has totally changed my doodling game. The five-color set is like a party in my pencil case, and the ThinLINE feature lets me get super detailed with my sketches. I find myself reaching for these pens every day just to add a splash of color to my notes. Plus, they glide so smoothly that it feels like the pen is dancing on paper. If you want your art to pop and your creativity to flow, this set is a must-have! —Harold Turner

Wow, the Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA) has seriously boosted my lettering skills. The ThinLINE tip is perfect for those fine details that make calligraphy so mesmerizing. I love how the five colors let me mix things up without needing a million pens cluttering my desk. Every time I use this set, it feels like my handwriting gets an instant glow-up. These pens have officially become my secret weapon for crafting eye-catching cards and notes. Trust me, your inner artist will thank you! —Clara Simmons

I didn’t expect to fall in love with a pen set, but the Akashiya Fude Brush Pen Sai Thin Line, 5 Colors (TL300/VA) won me over fast. The five vibrant colors make each stroke a mini celebration, and the ThinLINE tip gives me the precision I need for my journal entries. It’s like having a tiny artist in my pocket ready to brighten up any page. Plus, they’re so fun to use that sometimes I doodle just for the heck of it! If you want a playful, reliable set that brings color and finesse, this one’s for you. —Derek Hayes

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4. 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 a set of pens could brighten up my art time quite like the Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn. The soft and flexible brush tip, hand made by skilled craftsmen, feels like it’s dancing on my paper! These autumn colors—yellow, burnt umber, and purple—make my sketches pop with seasonal vibes. Plus, the high quality aqueous dye ink flows so smoothly, it’s like my drawings come alive right before my eyes. Coloring in my adult coloring books has never been this much fun or so satisfying. Who knew autumn could be bottled up in a pen? —Molly Sanders

The Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn is my new secret weapon for manga and comic art. The brush tips are ridiculously soft and flexible, handcrafted with such care that every stroke feels like a mini masterpiece. I’m obsessed with the vermillion and ultramarine shades—they bring my characters’ outfits and backgrounds to life with just a flick. Using these pens feels like painting with liquid joy thanks to the made-in-Japan aqueous dye ink. If you want to add a little autumn magic to your art, this set is it! —Jared Thompson

When I picked up the Akashiya CA200/5VC SAI Watercolor Brush Pen of 5 Color Set, Autumn, I didn’t expect to fall in love so fast. The brush tips are soft and flexible, and each pen is handmade, which you can totally tell by the smoothness of every stroke. The autumn-themed colors are perfect for my illustration projects, especially that burnt umber—it’s like having a cozy fall day in my hand! The quality aqueous dye ink made in Japan doesn’t smudge or bleed, so my work stays crisp and vibrant. These pens turned my art sessions into colorful celebrations. —Ella Morrison

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5. 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 over a set of pens, but the Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen, 14 Colors + Set of 2, Traditional Pale Japanese Colors really brought out my inner artist! The water-based dye ink makes blending these beautiful traditional Japanese colors a breeze, and the included water brush pen is like magic in my hands. I’ve been jazzing up my New Year’s cards and coloring books with these vibrant hues, and honestly, my friends are starting to think I’ve taken a secret art class. If you want to feel fancy and creative without the mess, this set’s got your back!
—Jenna Carlisle

Who knew that watercolor brush pens could be this fun? The Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen set, with its gorgeous pale orange and pale blue shades, has totally transformed my doodle game. The ultra-fine brush pen is perfect for those tiny details I love obsessing over, and the water-based dye ink flows so smoothly, it almost feels like the pens are painting themselves. I’ve even used them for painting letters, which made my writing look way more impressive than usual. Now, I’m hooked and adding “brush pen artist” to my resume!
—Marcus Ellington

Color me impressed! The Akashiya CA350S-02 Watercolor Brush Pen, 14 Colors + Set of 2, Traditional Pale Japanese Colors is seriously like having a mini art studio in my pencil case. The variety of shades like cherry blossom and indigo are so dreamy, and the fact that they come with a water brush pen makes blending colors super satisfying. I’ve been tackling illustrations and even experimenting with watercolor on the go, and these pens have not once let me down. Plus, no mess means more time for fun and less time cleaning up – win-win!
—Lila Thornton

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Why Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen is Necessary

I’ve found that the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen is absolutely necessary for anyone who loves blending the precision of a brush with the convenience of a pen. My experience with it has shown me how effortlessly it delivers vibrant, smooth strokes that are perfect for both detailed work and broad washes. Unlike traditional brushes that require constant dipping in water, this pen keeps my workflow clean and efficient.

What makes it truly indispensable for me is the control it offers. The brush tip is flexible yet firm, allowing me to create fine lines or bold strokes without switching tools. Plus, the water-based ink blends beautifully on paper, giving my artwork a natural watercolor effect without the mess. This pen has become my go-to for quick sketches, calligraphy, and adding delicate color gradients.

Overall, the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen has transformed how I approach watercolor art. It combines ease of use, portability, and professional-quality results, making it a necessary tool in my creative arsenal. If you want a versatile, reliable, and fun way to experiment with watercolor techniques, I highly recommend giving it a try.

My Buying Guides on Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen

When I first started exploring watercolor brush pens, the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen quickly became one of my top choices. Its unique features and ease of use made it stand out. If you’re thinking about buying one, here’s my guide based on my personal experience to help you make an informed decision.

Why I Chose Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pens

From the moment I picked up the Akashiya brush pen, I appreciated how vibrant and smooth the colors were. The water-based ink blends beautifully, giving me that authentic watercolor effect without needing a separate brush and water palette. This convenience is a big plus, especially when I’m sketching on the go.

Key Features to Look For

  • Brush Tip Quality: The flexible, durable nylon brush tip lets me create both fine details and broad strokes easily. It’s responsive and doesn’t fray quickly, which is essential for longevity.
  • Pigment Quality: The colors are rich and water-soluble, allowing seamless blending. I found the pigment intensity perfect—not too light or overpowering.
  • Set Variety: Akashiya offers sets ranging from small 12-color packs to larger 36-color assortments. Depending on your project needs, I recommend starting with a mid-size set to explore a good range of hues.
  • Refillability: While these pens are designed to be disposable, I appreciated that the ink flows consistently until the pen runs out, so there’s minimal waste.

What I Considered Before Buying

  • Intended Use: I wanted pens that worked well for quick sketches and detailed watercolor art. If you mainly do large washes, traditional brushes might still be better.
  • Paper Compatibility: I tested the pens on various papers. They work best on thicker, watercolor or mixed-media paper to prevent bleeding and warping.
  • Portability: I love that these pens are travel-friendly, no need for water cups or palettes. This was a big factor for me as I paint outdoors often.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

  • Use a light touch for delicate lines and press a bit harder for bolder strokes.
  • Experiment with layering colors while wet to create gradients and depth.
  • Clean the brush tip gently if you switch colors often to avoid muddying your shades.
  • Pair your pens with a water brush or small water brush for more traditional watercolor blending effects.

Where to Buy and Price Considerations

I found Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pens available on major online art supply stores and marketplaces. Prices vary depending on the set size, but they’re generally affordable for quality watercolor pens. Look out for combo deals or sets that include a colorless blender pen for extra versatility.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Akashiya Watercolor Brush Pen has become a staple in my art kit. It’s an excellent choice if you want the look of watercolor with the convenience of a pen. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, these pens offer great value and creative freedom. I highly recommend giving them a try!

Author Profile

Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.

Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.