Thoughtfully Made in Japan: The Story of Kitpas Art Materials
The Story of Kitpas
For over 80 years, Kitpas has been creating beautiful, innovative art materials designed to inspire creativity and make the process of drawing and creating feel effortless.
The story of Kitpas began in 1937 in Japan, when the company first started producing traditional chalk. Over the decades, their commitment to quality and thoughtful manufacturing led them to become one of Japan's most trusted makers of art materials, with their chalk becoming a favourite choice in schools and workplaces across the country.
A particularly special part of the Kitpas story began in Hokkaido, where their factory was built in the city of Bibai-shi - a place whose name translates as “Beautiful Shell City.” The area was home to large amounts of discarded scallop shells from the local food industry, creating an environmental challenge. Seeing an opportunity to turn waste into something useful, Kitpas worked alongside the local community to develop a patented process that transforms these shells into high-quality chalk.
Not only did this approach help reduce waste, but the natural calcium carbonate from the shells also created chalk that was smoother, stronger and longer lasting. Today, Kitpas chalk is used by schools throughout Japan, a testament to their dedication to both quality and sustainability.
Building on their passion for creating materials that encourage exploration, Kitpas continued to innovate. In 2005, they introduced their unique water-soluble art crayons, beautifully smooth crayons that can be used on paper, glass, mirrors, whiteboards and other non-porous surfaces. Designed to glide effortlessly across surfaces, they opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities for children and adults alike.
Since 2021, Kitpas has continued to refine their crayons by using rice bran wax as their primary wax ingredient, further strengthening their commitment to creating safe, high-quality and environmentally conscious art materials.
Today, Kitpas remains a family-focused Japanese company with a passion for combining creativity, innovation and sustainability. Their products invite children to experiment freely, explore different materials and discover the joy of creating without limits.
At Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks, we love Kitpas because they embody the belief that the materials children use should be thoughtfully made, beautifully designed and inspiring to explore.
Creating with Purpose
At the heart of Kitpas is a belief that everyone has unique strengths, abilities and contributions to share. Since welcoming their first employees with intellectual disabilities in 1960, Kitpas has continued to build a workplace where every person is supported, valued and able to take pride in the work they do.
Rather than expecting people to adapt to traditional ways of working, Kitpas has thoughtfully adapted their manufacturing processes and environment to support the individual needs of their team. From specially designed tools and equipment to creative approaches such as using hourglasses instead of traditional clocks, every detail has been considered to help employees work confidently and independently.
Today, many members of the Kitpas team are employees with intellectual disabilities, working together in an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone plays an important role in creating the art materials loved by families, schools and artists around the world.
Alongside their commitment to thoughtful manufacturing and sustainability, Kitpas believes in creating products that bring creativity and joy to everyone, while showing that meaningful work, inclusion and innovation can go hand in hand.
At Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks, we are drawn to brands that look beyond the product itself. Kitpas is a wonderful example of how a company can create something beautiful while also creating opportunities, connection and positive change.
The Beauty of Rice Bran Wax
At Kitpas, every material is chosen with care. Their Rice Bran Wax Art Crayons are a beautiful example of how thoughtful innovation can transform something often overlooked into something wonderful.
Made in Japan using food-grade rice bran wax, these crayons are created from the outer layer of rice grains, a part of the rice milling process that is often discarded. Kitpas gives this natural by-product a second life by carefully transforming rice bran into a smooth, creamy wax that forms the foundation of their beautifully vibrant crayons.
The result is a crayon that feels wonderfully soft and buttery as it glides across the page, while remaining safe and gentle for little artists. Handmade and carefully packaged in Japan, each crayon reflects Kitpas’ commitment to quality, creativity and thoughtful manufacturing.
Choosing rice bran wax also reflects Kitpas’ wider commitment to sustainability. By using a material that would otherwise go to waste, they help reduce food waste while creating a renewable alternative to traditional petroleum-based waxes. The production process also creates a more comfortable working environment for their makers, as rice bran wax melts at a lower temperature than paraffin wax.
For Kitpas, safety extends beyond the child using the crayons. It encompasses the people who make them, the materials they choose and the planet we all share.
At Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks, we love that Kitpas has looked beyond the ordinary to create something truly special - crayons that invite creativity while reminding us that even the smallest choices can make a meaningful difference.
Kitpas Q&A
Are Kitpas crayons non-toxic and safe for children?
Kitpas crayons are made with children's safety in mind and are produced in Japan to meet strict international safety standards. They comply with European safety requirements for children's products (EN 71 Part 3), as well as US safety standards, and are AP-certified to confirm they are non-toxic and safe for use by children aged 3 years and above.
While Kitpas crayons are made from carefully selected, non-toxic materials, they are still a small item and may present a choking risk for younger children. As with all art materials and small objects, we recommend adult supervision, particularly for children who are still exploring the world through their mouths.
If a child accidentally licks a Kitpas crayon, simply rinse their mouth thoroughly with water. For younger children who cannot rinse independently, wipe the inside of their mouth gently with a damp cloth. If a child swallows a piece of crayon or feels unwell afterwards, seek medical advice.
Kitpas are designed to encourage creativity and exploration, giving children the freedom to create while providing parents with peace of mind.
Can Kitpas crayons be used on whiteboards?
Yes, Kitpas crayons can be used on whiteboards, making them a wonderful multi-surface creative tool for drawing, writing and exploring ideas. Unlike traditional crayons, Kitpas are designed to work beautifully on a variety of non-porous surfaces, including whiteboards, glass, mirrors and paper.
When you are finished creating, Kitpas marks can be easily removed by wiping the surface with a damp cloth or a dedicated Kitpas cleaner cloth. We recommend avoiding standard whiteboard cleaners, as they are not designed to remove Kitpas marks effectively.
Please note that Kitpas crayons are not suitable for use on blackboards. For the best results, use them on smooth surfaces where children can enjoy their unique, creamy texture and vibrant colours.
Can Kitpas crayons be used on other surfaces?
Kitpas crayons are wonderfully versatile and can be used on a variety of smooth, non-porous surfaces, including paper, glass, mirrors and whiteboards. This makes them perfect for open-ended creative exploration and encourages children to experiment beyond traditional drawing materials.
However, because every surface reacts differently, we recommend using care when choosing where to draw. Some materials may absorb the colour or make it difficult to remove, particularly if the marks are left in place for an extended period of time.
For this reason, we do not recommend using Kitpas crayons on surfaces such as cars, painted surfaces or metal, as the artwork may not be fully erasable.
For the best experience, use Kitpas on suitable smooth surfaces where children can enjoy their unique, creamy texture and vibrant colours while keeping clean-up simple.
Can Kitpas crayons be used on paper?
Yes, Kitpas crayons work beautifully on paper, creating bright, smooth lines just like traditional crayons. Their soft, creamy texture allows colours to glide effortlessly across the page, making them a joy for little artists to use.
Unlike some erasable drawing materials, Kitpas marks are permanent on paper. However, their unique water-soluble formula opens up even more creative possibilities. By adding a little water with a brush, children can blend colours, soften their drawings and transform their artwork into beautiful watercolour-style creations.
This versatility makes Kitpas a wonderful tool for exploring colour, experimenting with different techniques and encouraging creativity beyond traditional colouring.
Are Kitpas crayons erasable?
Kitpas crayons are designed to work beautifully across a variety of smooth surfaces, but whether they can be erased depends on the material you are drawing on.
On non-porous surfaces such as glass and suitable whiteboards, Kitpas marks can usually be removed with a damp cloth or Kitpas cleaner cloth. However, we recommend testing a small, hidden area first, as some surfaces - including certain painted whiteboards - may absorb the colour and become more difficult to clean.
Kitpas drawings on porous or textured materials, such as wood, paper, plastic, walls, furniture or wooden chalkboards, are not erasable and should be considered permanent.
For the best results when using Kitpas on erasable surfaces, we recommend wiping drawings away on the same day. Leaving artwork on glass or whiteboards for extended periods may make removal more difficult over time. This allows children to enjoy the freedom of creating while keeping their creative spaces ready for the next masterpiece.
How do you remove Kitpas from glass?
Kitpas crayons are designed to be easily wiped away from smooth glass surfaces, making windows and mirrors a wonderful canvas for creative expression. For the easiest removal, we recommend wiping drawings away regularly rather than leaving them in place for long periods of time.
If glass has dirt, residue or stains on the surface before drawing, Kitpas marks may become more difficult to remove. Similarly, leaving artwork on windows for an extended period (such as several weeks), or allowing drawings to dry after contact with condensation, rain or moisture, can cause the colour to become more firmly set.
If this happens, there are still ways to remove the marks. A gentle abrasive cleaner, nail polish remover or even an eraser can help lift more stubborn drawings. Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Please note that Kitpas should not be used on frosted glass or glass with special films or coatings, as these more porous surfaces may absorb the colour and the marks may not be removable.
For the best experience, enjoy the magic of creating on glass and wipe away your little artist’s masterpieces regularly, ready for the next burst of imagination.
Can Kitpas crayons be used on wallpaper?
No, we do not recommend using Kitpas crayons on wallpaper, including vinyl wallpaper.
Although Kitpas can be used on many smooth, non-porous surfaces, wallpaper is made from materials that can absorb the oils within the crayons. Once absorbed, the colour may become fixed within the surface and Kitpas marks will not be erasable.
To enjoy the full versatility of Kitpas, we recommend using them on suitable smooth surfaces such as glass, mirrors and compatible whiteboards, where children can create freely and artwork can be wiped away with ease. Always test a small area first if you are unsure how a surface will react.
What precautions should I take when using Kitpas on wire-reinforced or double-glazed windows?
Kitpas crayons are a wonderful way to bring creativity to glass surfaces, but extra care should be taken when using them on wire-reinforced glass or double-glazed windows.
If dark or black Kitpas colours are used over a large area of these types of glass, leaving the artwork in place for too long may increase the risk of thermal cracking. We recommend removing Kitpas drawings from wire-reinforced or double-glazed windows within one hour.
Thermal cracking can occur when different areas of the glass heat up at different temperatures — for example, when parts of the window exposed to sunlight become warmer while areas covered by the frame remain cooler. This temperature difference can create stress within the glass. Larger and thicker panes are particularly more vulnerable.
To enjoy Kitpas window creativity safely, we recommend avoiding large areas of dark colours on these types of glass and wiping drawings away regularly rather than leaving them displayed for extended periods. Always use care when creating on windows and consider the type of glass before beginning your masterpiece.
How do you remove Kitpas marks from skin and clothing?
Kitpas crayons are designed for creative exploration, but like any colourful art material, marks may occasionally find their way onto little hands or clothing.
Kitpas marks on skin can usually be removed easily by washing with water and soap. For clothing, we recommend washing the area with water and gently rubbing with soap as soon as possible.
If Kitpas colour has soaked deeper into fabric, try dissolving a stain-removing detergent in lukewarm water and soaking the item for around one hour before gently hand-washing the stained area. For more stubborn marks, professional stain removal may be required.
Please note that removal results can vary depending on the type of fabric, as some materials may absorb colour more deeply than others. As with all creative materials, we recommend protecting particularly delicate fabrics and testing cleaning methods on a small area first.
How should Kitpas crayons be stored?
Kitpas crayons are made with carefully selected waxes, which means they can be affected by high temperatures. To keep them in the best condition, avoid leaving Kitpas in places that become very hot, such as in direct sunlight, near heat sources or inside a car on a warm day.
If Kitpas crayons are exposed to temperatures above 50°C (122°F) for an extended period, they may soften and become difficult to use. However, this does not mean they are damaged permanently — simply return them to a cooler room-temperature environment and they will naturally harden again.
For the longest-lasting enjoyment, store Kitpas in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ready for the next creative adventure.
Are Kitpas crayons acidic?
No, Kitpas crayons are not acidic. Testing carried out by the Yokosuka Environmental Technology Center Co., Ltd. found that Kitpas has a slightly alkaline pH level of 7.5.
This means Kitpas crayons are made with a gentle formulation that is carefully developed with safety and quality in mind, making them suitable for creative exploration by children aged 3 years and above.
