Free Photoshop brushes are a great thing. They are little clippings of artwork for you to use in your projects. While overuse of these brushes is evident and looks silly, a good Photoshop brush can add depthcharacter to many projects.

Here’s a list of some of the best Japanese-themed Photoshop brushes to assist you in your projects. These are my favorite Japanese-themed brushes of natural and historical varieties.

1. Japanese Foliage

Inspired by Japanese prints, the Japanese Foliage brushset is probably my favorite. The variety of cherry blossoms, bamboo, and more make this brush great for ambience in a work. The individual brushes are beautiful and the entire set is very high resolution. (For use with Photoshop CS) LINK

2. Haru Asashi

The Haru Asashi brush is great as well. It includes nature and foliage items as well as some cultural extras. This brush works great for ambience as well but a few individual brushes work well as foreground elements. I especially like the Koi fish. (For use with Photoshop CS) LINK

There’s more, 3. Matsuri

Matsuri is a unique, cool vintage-themed set. It includes scans of Japanese art work. I especially like the sumo wrestler brush. Good stuff, let’s party! LINK

4. Japanese Women

This set is pretty small (6 brushes) but I like it. It includes vintage photos and captures of Japanese actresses circa-a long time ago. This set makes me want to go watch Yasujiro Ozu fims and listen to Enka. (For use with Photoshop 7+) LINK

5. Bonus Track: Asian Brushes
Nuclearblue Asian Brushes
Nuclearblue Asian 2 Brushes

Want more general PS brushes? Browse the web’s best collection, Brusheezy.

Which Japanese-themed brush is your favorite?