Nicker Japanese Color Brands

Welcome to Nicker Colour, where the art of Japanese paint craftsmanship meets innovation in color creation.

Beyond colors

Our paints are not just colors; they are a canvas for creativity, trusted by professionals across calligraphy, design, and animation industries, including the iconic Studio Ghibli.

Quality & innovation

Elevate your artistic expression with Nicker Colour's professional-grade poster paints!

Our meticulous approach uses finely ground pigments for vibrant, opaque colors with a stunning matte finish. Pure gum arabic binder ensures effortless application on any surface, letting you focus on what matters most - your art.

Professionals trust Nicker Colour for its commitment to simplicity and pure color. No unnecessary "extras" just unleash your creativity with our curated palette.

 Bring your vision to life with Nicker Colour, where quality meets inspiration!

Why I use Nicker Colour

Yoichi Watanabe
Representative Director / Animation Art Director, VASA Entertainment Co.

Career
From 2006 to 2009 he worked for Studio Ghibli.
In 2011, he established VASA Entertainment and became the president of the company.
Since "Howl's Moving Castle", he has participated in many Studio Ghibli productions as a background artist.

Most prominent work as art director

  • "Mizugumo Monmon"/ released at the Ghibli Museum
  • Art director for “Neon Genesis: Impacts” released at the Japanese Anime Trade Fair
  • Art director for "Okko’s inn” by DLE and Madhouse
    *Winning the 42nd Japan Academy Award for Best Animated Film

Shop by Category

Poster Color

These paints used in Japanese hand-painted anime background studios have excellent spreadability and vivid colors.

Designer's Colors

These opaque watercolors stand out as the finest among Nicker's products, suitable for a range of applications including design, illustration, painting, and calligraphy.

Line Drawing Brush SOU-YO

Anime Background Brush Set

How to Paint Animation Backgrounds

These videos showcase the entire production process of various Japanese animation background art, featuring Yoji Takeshige, Studio Ghibli's Art Director as a special guest.
Enter the URL and password provided on the download guide to watch the video on any browser.

*Note: The products are download guides for digital data that will be needed to be downloaded as per the instructions.

Giclee Prints

Painting Accessories

Connect with Us

Join the Nicker community on social media!

Follow Nicker on Instagram

Get in touch

Do you have any questions? Contact us at [email protected]

FAQ

NICKER is a Tokyo-based art supply company specializing in high-quality paint products, including poster colors, acrylics, and watercolors. Founded in 1950, it has a long history of producing supplies that cater to professionals in animation, calligraphy, and design.

NICKER offers a range of art supplies, including opaque watercolor paints (poster colors, gouache), acrylics, watercolors, paintbrushes, and comic book supplies.

NICKER paints are highly acclaimed for their exceptional saturation and quality. They are notably used by major Japanese animation studios, including Studio Ghibli, for their capacity to produce vivid and lasting colors, making them ideal for animation backgrounds.

Consider the medium and technique you plan to use. Poster colors are excellent for vibrant, opaque applications, watercolors for translucent effects, and acrylics for their versatility and richness. NICKER’s product descriptions and usage guides can help you decide.

Yes, NICKER paints are suitable for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Their ease of use and high-quality results make them a popular choice across various skill levels.

While specific resources may vary, NICKER and various art communities often provide tutorials, tips, and guides on how to best utilize their paints for different artistic effects.

NICKER paints are distinguished by their high pigment concentration, exceptional quality, and the traditional techniques used in their production. Their unique formulation provides smooth application and vibrant colors that stand out in the art supply industry.

Yes, NICKER offers its paints in various set configurations, catering to different needs and preferences, ranging from basic sets for beginners to comprehensive collections for seasoned artists.

Store NICKER paints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure caps and lids are securely closed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

ZenPlus makes it easy to buy products directly from Japan, with only a few clicks. For your peace of mind, here's some common questions and answers.

More questions?

ZenPlus is an online shopping platform connecting Japan with the rest of the world. We're part of the ZenMarket, Inc. umbrella in Osaka, Japan.

Our sellers' agreement fully compels all stores to list only authentic items. We help you buy exclusive and authentic items from Japan, online!

We ship to all countries where Japan Post air freight services and international couriers currently operate. We don't use surface mail.

Shipping costs depend on the size, weight, and destination of your parcel. We provide shipping costs for your order at checkout.

It depends on your country and its customs regulations. Our service does not cover duties and import taxes — in general, if the customs office in your country applies charges to your package, you are required to pay them.