Fudepen
{{Short description|Cartridge-based writing implement}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{unreliable sources|date=October 2022}}
A {{nihongo|fudepen|筆ペン}}, also known as a brush pen, is a cartridge-based writing implement used in East Asian calligraphy; it is, in essence, a cross between an ink brush and a fountain pen.[https://www.jetpens.com/Pentel-Pocket-Brush-Pen-GFKP3BPA/pd/5183#index=0 Pentel pocket brush pen GFKP3BPA] - description and specifications on Jet Pens, 2010[http://www.cultpens.com/acatalog/Pentel_Brush_Pen.html Pentel brush] on Cult Pens website
Overview
The fudepen was invented by Sailor Fountain Pen Co. Ltd. in 1972, but Kuretake Co. Ltd. made it commercially successful with their release in 1973. Kuretake developed their fudepen through the application of felt-tip pen technology, after plans to export felt-tip pens were disrupted by the sudden appreciation of Japanese Yen due to the Nixon Shock.{{Cite web |title=筆ぺん誕生秘話 {{!}} 商品情報 {{!}} 墨、書道用具メーカーの株式会社呉竹 |url=https://www.kuretake.co.jp/product/brush-pen/brush/story01 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=www.kuretake.co.jp |language=ja-JP}} Meanwhile, Pentel, the original manufacturer of felt-tip pens, introduced their own fudepen in 1976, and became one of the earliest brands to adopt proper nylon bristles. Pentel would introduce the 'Pocket Brush' in 2010 as a pocket-safe alternative to their beloved fudepen. The 'Pocket Brush' used replaceable waterproof ink cartridges in a similar vein to fountain pens. The size of the 'Pocket Brush' eventually became the de-facto standard for all fudepens that followed it.
Fudepens (designed and recommended for calligraphy) have also gained popularity among comic book artists, who choose them to ink their works instead of dip pens or traditional brushes. One of those artists using a fudepen (specifically a Pentel one) was the American comic book artist Neal Adams.[https://www.cbr.com/in-depth-larry-hama-on-gi-joe-the-nam-more/ Larry Hama interview] by Bill Mitchell on Comic Book Resources, 3 June 2009
Another two Japanese brands, Sakura[https://sakuraofamerica.com/pen-brush Pen brush] on Sakura of America and Tombow,[https://www.tombowusa.com/dual-brush-pen.html Dual brush pen] on Tombow website manufacture and sell brush-tip markers, named "brush pens" by themselves, although unlike Pentel or Kuretake products, Sakura's and Tombow's don't use the same type of ink and do not use refillable cartridges.