Drawing Under Cherry Blossoms | KASHIKO Sketchbook Tested by a Japanese Artist in Kanazawa
Introduction
Spring in Kanazawa.
Under soft light, cherry blossom petals drift quietly through the air as a Japanese artist opens her sketchbook in a peaceful park.
She observes nature, draws lines, and captures form.
The moment is calm, yet deeply focused.
In this article, a Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artist based in Kanazawa uses the KASHIKO Artist Notebook—also known as a KASHIKO sketchbook—to sketch cherry blossoms and share her experience.
View the KASHIKO Artist Notebook here:
Before Drawing: The Art of Observation
Before opening the notebook, the artist spends time simply observing the cherry blossoms.
The movement of petals in the wind, the way light touches each branch, the subtle flow of shapes.
Rather than copying what she sees, she first absorbs the scene within herself.
“Drawing always begins with careful observation.”
Her words reveal an important truth:
drawing is not just about lines—it starts with seeing.
The First Line
On a blank page, the first line appears.
It is quiet, yet filled with intention.
A moment where hesitation and certainty coexist.
“The first line always makes me a little nervous.”
And yet, once it begins, the drawing continues naturally.
Deep Focus While Drawing
As she continues, the surrounding sounds begin to fade.
The smooth glide of pencil on paper.
Layers of lines gradually forming a shape.
Speaking about the KASHIKO sketchbook, she says:
“The paper feels smooth and comfortable to draw on. The pencil glides easily, and the tones appear beautifully. I was able to focus deeply on my sketch.”
Experience this drawing quality yourself
Paper Quality and Versatility
The KASHIKO Artist Notebook supports a wide range of materials.
It works not only with pencil, but also with watercolor, ink, and pastel.
The pigments settle well, and there is no bleed-through.
Even after being exposed to rain and drying,
the paper shows minimal damage, making it reliable for outdoor use.
Designed for Drawing Anywhere
During this session, there were moments when the artist drew while standing.
“The cover is sturdy enough to support drawing even without a desk.”
With a strong cover and elastic band, the notebook stays protected in a bag,
making it ideal for travel and everyday carry.
Lay-Flat Design for Creative Freedom
When opened, the notebook lies completely flat.
This allows seamless drawing across two pages,
giving the artist greater freedom in composition.
A single landscape can be expressed as one continuous scene.
Why Good Paper Changes the Experience
At the end, the artist reflects:
“Using high-quality paper makes drawing more enjoyable and immersive. Compared to ordinary notebooks, it is much easier to sketch.”
Drawing becomes a deeper, quieter experience.
And the tool—the notebook—plays an essential role in supporting that moment.
Conclusion
Drawing under cherry blossoms may seem like a special experience,
yet it is something anyone can begin with a single notebook.
If you are looking for a Japanese sketchbook that supports focus and creativity,
the KASHIKO Artist Notebook offers a quiet but powerful starting point.
Discover the KASHIKO sketchbook
If you’d like to see it in motion, you can watch the video here:
→ Drawing Beneath the Cherry Blossoms