Last Updated on : April 5th, 2026
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At PIGMENT TOKYO, we are pleased to once again present our popular special workshops, “Drawing Seasonal Flowers” and “Creating Original Crayons.”
In “Drawing Seasonal Flowers,” participants will learn about traditional Nihonga (Japanese painting) techniques and their history while working with traditional art materials. We invite you to enjoy this authentic experience and connect with the art spirit that has been passed down through generations.
These workshops are open to everyone, from children to adults, regardless of age or experience. Whether you are new to art and painting materials or wish to further explore the history of Japanese art and classical techniques, all are welcome to join.
In the “Creating Original Crayons” workshop, parents and children are encouraged to communicate and collaborate together while creating their own original crayon set together.
By learning about the origins of daily art materials and the ingredients, the participants get to engage with various materials through eyes, touch and even smell! This hands-on experience will deepen children’s interest in art-making and further expand their creativity.
As fresh greenery grows this spring, the colors of the city are getting more vibrant every day. Therefore, why not take this opportunity to savor the richness of the world of color and immerse yourself in art while experiencing the gentle transition of the seasons?
The "Make Your Own Galaxy with Suminagashi Marbling and Sunago Flakes" workshop will also be held on Tuesday, May 5 (Public Holiday). Please check the reservation page and the article below for more details.
The Charm of Natural Mineral Pigments and Traditional Painting Techniques
From May to June, as the warm springtime unfolds, the kakitsubata (Japanese iris) comes into bloom. Since ancient times, it has been cherished as a flower of early summer.
This spring, we are pleased to introduce our special annual workshop, held exclusively during this season to coincide with the blooming of the irises.
Workshop Overview
[Golden Week] Drawing Seasonal Flowers
Dates: April 25 (Sat) / May 6 (Wed/ Public Holiday), 2026
Time: 13:00 - 16:30
Venue: PIGMENT TOKYO
Fee: ¥11,000 (tax and materials included)
Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Reservation Opens: Reservation page will be available from 12:00 PM on March 1 (Sun), 2026.
Reservation:
April 25 (Sat) : Japanese Painting -Drawing Seasonal Flowers -April 25.2026
May 6 (Wed/ Public Holiday) : Japanese Painting -Drawing Seasonal Flowers- May 6.2026
* For more information, please refer to each reservation page.
* Things to Bring: Nothing
* Age requirement: 5 years and older (Participants of all ages are welcome.)
* Please note that animal-based glue (nikawa) will be used during the workshop. We also provide plant-based gum arabic as an alternate option. Please inform our instructor if you wish to make the changes.
◾️Workshop / Lecture
This workshop combines lectures on the lineage of the Rinpa school, which defined an era in Japanese art history, with hands-on practice in such traditional techniques. Therefore, the participants will get to learn not only theory and practical skills, but also how to prepare pigments, adjust their consistency and handle the tools.
In this workshop, natural mineral pigments like azurite and malachite are used for coloring the irises. These are the same pigments used by Ogata Kōrin back then.
Natural mineral pigments are pigments made by crushing natural stones into particles. The color Gunjo is derived from azurite, while Rokusho is made from malachite.
Mineral pigments are manufactured by sorting into approximately ten different grain sizes, with color tones varying based on them. Even if the pigments are made from the same material, they showcase darker hues when coarser and become brighter for the finer particles.
This workshop allows participants to experience firsthand the world of ancient painters by using traditional materials and techniques, revealing the colors that emerge from natural substances.
The national treasure, Irises Screens, is displayed to the public at the Nezu Museum in Minami-Aoyama every year around this time.
In the museum’s garden, visitors can also enjoy Japanese irises in full bloom. While admiring the fresh and vibrant irises, taking a moment to reflect on the artwork offers a special way to appreciate classical art that is unique to this season.
Special Exhibition Commemorating the Nezu Museum’s 85th Anniversary
“The Kōrin School: The Irises and Ogata Kōrin’s Followers”
Date: April 11 (Sat) – May 10 (Sun), 2026
Venue: Nezu Museum, Tokyo
* For more information, please refer to the official website.
Exploring the Secrets of Your Everyday Art Materials
Next, we would like to introduce a family workshop where participants can experience the process of mixing materials, such as powdered pigments, and turning them into your everyday crayons. As your child’s creative curiosity grows, we encourage parents and children to brainstorm together what kind of crayons they might create.
Workshop Overview
[Golden Week / Family Workshop] Creating Original Crayons
Dates: April 29 (Wed/ Public Holiday) , 2026
Time: 14:00 - 15:30
Venue: PIGMENT TOKYO
Fee: ¥15,400 per parent-child pair (tax and materials included)
Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Reservation Opens: Reservation page will be available from 12:00 PM on March 1 (Sun), 2026.
Reservation:
・April 29 (Wed/ Public Holiday) : [Golden Week / Family Workshop] Creating Original Crayons 26/04/29
*Note
Although this workshop will be delivered in Japanese, English course materials are available.
If this sounds like working for you, you are welcome to join our workshops.
* For more information, please refer to each reservation page.
* Each young participant may be accompanied by an adult guardian other than the parents, including grandparents, relatives or friends.
* Due to the involvement of precise tasks in this workshop, such as leveling off measuring spoons, children in the lower grades of elementary school or younger shall require assistance from an adult guardian.
* Preschool children are also welcome to participate. However, please be aware of the above notes regarding the workshops.
* Aprons and rubber gloves will be provided but we recommend wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting color on them.
(Aprons: Adult Free Size / can be worn by children by adjusting the strap length.)
◾️Demonstration: 20 minutes (14:00–14:20)
During the first part of the workshop, our instructor will explain the materials in order while giving a demonstration on how to use them.
You may be experiencing some items for the first time, such as pigments and beeswax.
Although there are many steps during the process, let's observe carefully so you learn and understand what to do afterwards.
After the demonstration, it will be your time to begin making your crayons.
There are three types of pigments.
By combining them, you can create colors unique to mixed pigments, allowing participants to experience the fun and fascination of color hue.
◾️Crayon-Making Workshop: 70 mins (14:20 - 15:30)
First, place the pigments, wax and oil into a cup, then heat them up while mixing.
At this stage, the ingredients are carefully measured by leveling off the measuring spoon so that the correct amounts are added.
Once the materials have melted and are thoroughly mixed, pour the mixture into a mold and let it chill.
Now, the crayon is slowly forming in shape. You may try making a few test strokes to see how it feels to use.
As you can see, the color goes onto the paper nicely.
Finally, place it in the box and you’re done!
It will always be meaningful to make your own art materials! Therefore, why not use your newly made crayons to draw a picture of your family together with your kids after returning home?
Regular PIGMENT TOKYO Workshops
Other than during the Golden Week, here at PIGMENT TOKYO, we also hold workshops regularly, so that many people can learn about art materials and experience the joy of using them.
Here are some regular workshops that you might be interested in.
“Make Your Own Watercolors” allows you to deepen your understanding of pigments and paints by creating your own watercolors.
“Introduction to Mineral Pigments” lets you use traditional mineral pigments and animal glue to draw seasonal flowers.
“Introduction to Metal Leaf” offers you hands-on experience with traditional gilding techniques.
All of these are beginner-level courses, making them a perfect first step for anyone interested in art materials or Japanese art. Other than the courses introduced here, various other special workshops are held in a special manner.
We hope that through these encounters with different materials and techniques, you could discover new ways to add color and creativity to your everyday life.
Introductory Workshops
Schedule:
Make Your Own Watercolors (Twice a month / Sundays)
Introduction to Mineral Pigments (Once a month / Sundays)
Introduction to Metal Leaf (Once a month / Sundays)
Reservations: https://pigment.tokyo/en/collections/workshop
* Please note that the number of workshops and days of the week may change. For details on schedules, please check the reservation page for each course.
For customers who wish to attend a workshop outside the regular public schedule, we also offer private workshops. If you are interested, please click the link below for more information.
Workshop - PIGMENT TOKYO
PIGMENT TOKYO
PIGMENT ARTICLES delivers a wide variety of information about art. You’ll find instructions on traditional painting techniques, art materials, and the latest updates on products, workshops, and events.
We invite you to explore our articles for creative inspiration and to deepen your knowledge.
PIGMENT ARTICLES delivers a wide variety of information about art. You’ll find instructions on traditional painting techniques, art materials, and the latest updates on products, workshops, and events.
We invite you to explore our articles for creative inspiration and to deepen your knowledge.