I recently got a Fude (Japanese Calligraphy brush), and I'm wondering, are the bristles supposed to be hard and stiff, or soft and flexible; and if so, how do I PROPERLY make the bristles soft and flexible?

Hi there! Congratulations on getting a new FUDE! Now, to answer your question... The bristles of your fude really depend on what kind of writing you are going to do, as well as what suits your writing. Usually, a bristle that is soft and flexible is the best for starters. I can advice you that for certain ink/sumi (like the already mixed sumi) your brush should be dry and hard as the sumi will help the bristles soften again. To make the bristles soft and flexible use your fingers to loosen the hardness and soak the bristles in warm water, or room-temperature water. Then dry with a cloth or paper. :P

Thanks for the advice. :D I'm also wondering about cleaning it. How often do I clean my brush? And how do I clean the Suzuri/inkstone when I'm done writing, because if I dump the ink in the sink, then I feel that I'm wasting alot of it.

Thanks for the advice. :D I'm also wondering about cleaning it. How often do I clean my brush? And how do I clean the Suzuri/inkstone when I'm done writing, because if I dump the ink in the sink, then I feel that I'm wasting alot of it.