Japan’s stationery is gaining global attention, particularly its pens, which are widely acclaimed worldwide for their intricate craftsmanship and high quality. In this article, we introduce 6 recommended pens as souvenirs from Japan, crafted by renowned Japanese stationery brands such as PILOT, Sakura Color Products Corporation, and Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. These pens embody Japan’s traditional culture and unique craftsmanship. We hope they serve as a valuable reference for choosing gifts or souvenirs during your visit to Japan.
Kuretake Handwriting Pen – Maki-e Monogatari
One recommended item for experiencing the atmosphere of Japanese calligraphy, which is a part of Japanese culture, is the “Handwriting Pen – Maki-e Monogatari” by Kuretake.Founded in 1905, Kuretake has embraced the spread of calligraphy culture as its mission, and as part of this effort, it offers this beautiful brush pen. The “Handwriting Pen – Maki-e Monogatari” features the maki-e technique that originated in the Heian period, with delicate decorations similar to those found in lacquerware expressed on the pen.The extra fine type of hard brush pen allows for the beautiful expression of fine Japanese characters and strokes such as “tome” (stopping), “hane” (extending), and “harai” (sweeping), making it enjoyable for beginners as well as advanced users. This item is especially recommended for those interested in Japanese calligraphy culture.
PILOT Custom 74
Since its establishment in 1918, PILOT, with over 100 years of history, has become a beloved global brand not only in Japan but also in regions including the Americas, Europe, and Asia.The “PILOT Custom 74” fountain pen is ideal for beginners and is designed to express delicate Japanese strokes such as “tome” (stopping), “hane” (extending), and “harai” (sweeping). With meticulous attention to detail and rigorous quality control, it ensures long-term usability.For those seeking a lifelong pen or searching for a special gift, the Custom 74 can be considered an ideal choice.
Sakura Color Products Corporation “Pigma Micron”
For those interested in Japanese-made water-based pens, Sakura Color Products Corporation’s “Pigma Micron” is recommended.Since its founding in 1921, Sakura Color Products Corporation has been providing high-quality stationery for over 100 years. “Pigma Micron,” developed by Sakura Color Products Corporation in 1982, was the world’s first water-based pigment ink pen, praised by professional manga artists, architects, and copywriters for its water and light resistance.The Pigma Micron pen tip comes in a wide range of thicknesses, with 11 variations ranging from “0.03” to “3”. This versatility allows it to be used for various purposes such as illustration, drafting, and note-taking, making it highly appealing.Furthermore, it is suitable for watercolor sketching and writing on important documents due to its use of water-based pigment ink. It’s also recommended for those who are considering drawing manga or illustrations as a hobby in the future.
Mitsubishi Pencil Co.’s Jetstream series 4&1 MSXE5-1000
Mitsubishi Pencil Co.’s Jetstream series, which is sold by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., is known as a popular pen nationwide.Since its founding in 1887, Mitsubishi Pencil Co. has been providing high-quality stationery, and the Jetstream series it has created is known for its “smooth writing feel” and “quick-drying” oil-based ink, reducing stress while writing.With this model, the black, red, blue, and green ballpoint pens are consolidated into one, along with a mechanical pencil. This pen is recommended for those who need to use multiple colors in business scenes or student life and for those who don’t want to carry a pen case. Furthermore, with a choice of 10 body colors, you can choose a pen with a design that matches the preferences of your family or friends as a souvenir.Pilot multi-color ballpoint pen FriXion Ball 3 SlimThe Pilot FriXion Ball 3 Slim multi-color ballpoint pen has gained popularity worldwide since its release in 2007, with over 3 billion units sold.Featuring special FriXion ink, the FriXion pen allows you to erase written text by temperature change. The “FriXion Ball 3 Slim” is designed in a slim size (maximum diameter of 12.8mm) for easy portability and fits perfectly in a pen holder in a planner.With black, red, and blue ink colors, it’s very convenient for work notes and daily writing tasks. Priced at 660 yen, it’s also an ideal item for souvenir gifts to commemorate your visit to Japan.
The PILOT “2+1 Regno”
The PILOT “2+1 Regno” is a pen tailored to Japanese preferences, utilizing natural materials.It incorporates hard maple as its material, allowing for long-term use due to its strength and durability. The design of the “2+1 Regno” features a simple yet sophisticated color scheme, showcasing the unique beauty of wood grain and the tactile sensation of wood, characteristic of Japanese-made products.The body colors available are “Mokume,” “Black,” “Navy,” and “Gray.” Because natural materials are used, each pen has a distinctive appearance and texture, making it the pen’s standout feature.
Summary
Japanese stationery pens have earned global recognition for their comfortable usability, beautiful design, and quality backed by a long history.The six pens introduced here are recommended for tourists visiting Japan, as they represent items that embody Japanese culture. From fountain pens to brush pens and multi-function pens, using these pens allows you to experience Japanese traditional craftsmanship and technology.Why not consider choosing a pen as a souvenir for your trip to Japan or as a gift for someone special?
