Of the town of Kumano 's 1,500 inhabitants , 1,500 are brush craftsmen . ( CNN ) -- The best time to visit is September , when the September the Brush Festival takes place . When demand for calligraphy brushes declined , Kumano companies began producing high-end makeup brushes . Kumano turns out 15 million brushes a year -- 80 % of Fudezuka 's total brush production .
Of the town of Kumano 's 1,500 inhabitants , 1,500 are brush craftsmen . The best time to visit is September , when the September the Brush Festival takes place . When demand for calligraphy brushes declined , Kumano companies began producing high-end makeup brushes . Kumano turns out 15 million brushes a year -- 80 % of Fudezuka 's total brush production .