More than a century ago, two young men, Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada, met not in an office or a workshop, but aboard a merchant ship crossing the seas. Both were graduates of a Japanese merchant marine academy, both had seen the world, and both shared a dream:
“One day, we will create something from Japan that the world can proudly admire.”
Bound by that dream and a deep friendship, they envisioned a writing instrument that would combine Japanese craftsmanship with global-quality performance.
The Birth of PILOT: A Journey Guided by Craft
In 1918, Namiki and Wada founded Namiki Manufacturing Company, a small Tokyo workshop dedicated to creating high-quality writing instruments. Their shared dream was to build a Japanese brand that could stand proudly on the world stage.
Inspired by the role of a ship’s pilot, whose expertise guides vessels safely through vast and uncertain waters, they named their brand PILOT, symbolizing their ambition to lead the writing industry into the future.
Just eight years after its founding, PILOT achieved something extraordinary for a young Japanese company of that era: it expanded beyond Japan, opening offices in New York, London, Shanghai, and Singapore. This early international presence marked the beginning of PILOT’s global journey.
Throughout its early years, PILOT established itself not only as a trusted manufacturer but as a pioneer, carrying Japanese artistry, precision, and pride across the world.
A Legacy Built on Fountain Pens
Long before gel inks, erasable pens, or high-tech writing tools, PILOT’s journey began with one timeless instrument, the fountain pen.
It wasn’t just a product; it was the foundation of the brand.
In the 1920s, PILOT did something revolutionary: they perfected a domestically made 14-karat gold nib, a significant achievement at a time when Japan still relied heavily on imported pen parts. This technical breakthrough not only gave birth to PILOT’s identity as a true manufacturer but also marked the beginning of Japan’s entry into the world of fine writing instruments.
Fountain pens became the symbol of PILOT’s craftsmanship, the perfect harmony of precision, engineering, and Japanese artistry. Even today, when the world is dominated by digital tools, PILOT remains globally respected for its fountain pens.
Pilot Cavalier Marbled Fountain Pen
Since its debut in 1997, the Pilot Cavalier series has been a beloved long-seller, celebrated for its sophisticated design and smooth writing experience. The pen’s name, “Cavalier”, is French for “dance partner”, symbolizing the pen as a trusted companion. The Cavalier is crafted with a slender metal body, making it perfect for pairing with planners, journals, or use in a professional setting. We carry their beautiful Marbled finish variation with a luxurious combination of Black & Blue and Black & Red.
Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Fountain Pen
The Pilot Custom Heritage 92 is a sophisticated fountain pen designed for those who appreciate the art of writing. Featuring a rotary piston filling system, ink is drawn directly into the pen by turning the end cap, offering a generous 1.2ml ink capacity, far exceeding that of standard cartridges. Its transparent body not only lets you monitor ink levels at a glance but also allows you to enjoy the rich hues of your chosen ink as you write. The pen is fitted with a 14K gold nib, engineered to offer just the right amount of flex, adding subtle variation and nuance to each stroke.
Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen
Born from nearly a century of Pilot’s dedication to fountain pen craftsmanship, the Custom series embodies the brand’s pursuit of the perfect writing experience. The name “Custom” reflects its core philosophy: to meet the unique needs of every writer, offering a pen that feels like it was made just for you.
Introduced in 1992, the Custom 74 was designed to suit the evolving writing habits of modern users, especially in Japan, where stronger writing pressure had become common. Its nib options were carefully engineered to provide a smooth, consistent flow while maintaining enough resilience for expressive strokes.
Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen
The Pilot Vanishing Point, also known as the Capless, is a true icon of innovation in the world of fountain pens. First introduced in 1963 as the world’s first retractable fountain pen, it revolutionized writing by combining the elegance of a fountain pen with the convenience of a click mechanism.
The pen features a highly precise 18K nib, and its clever retractable system not only allows for instant writing at the push of a button, but also protects the nib from drying out or ink leakage with a highly airtight shutter mechanism. The Black Matte Vanishing Point offers a sleek, understated finish, marrying form and function in a pen that is as stylish as it is practical.
A Legacy in Color
In 2007, PILOT created the Iroshizuku ink collection, a celebration of Japan’s natural beauty, seasons, and landscapes captured in vibrant, flowing colors. Just as PILOT’s fountain pens marry precision engineering with artistry, Iroshizuku inks bring depth, nuance, and emotion to every stroke. Each shade, named after moonlit nights, fireflies, and other poetic imagery, offers more than color; it offers a story, a connection, and a personal experience for every writer.
Pilot Iroshizuku Ink
Since its debut in Iroshizuku has captured the hearts of fountain pen enthusiasts around the world, inspiring the term “ink pond” to describe the irresistible fascination with its rich, vibrant colors. Designed to deliver both smooth writing performance and captivating hues.
At Shibuya Stationery, we carry six carefully curated Iroshizuku shades, each evoking a distinct aspect of Japan’s natural beauty:
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Bamboo Coal – A deep, dark grey inspired by the shade of burnt bamboo.
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Deep Cerulean Blue – A vibrant blue reminiscent of clear, expansive skies.
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Crimson Glory Vine – A rich red capturing the fiery elegance of autumn leaves.
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Japanese Beautyberry – A soft, purple-pink hue inspired by the seasonal berries.
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Winter Persimmon – A warm, muted orange reflecting the persimmon fruit.
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Bamboo Forest – A lush green that evokes the tranquility of a bamboo forest.
Each color is more than just ink: it’s a story, a mood, and a way to bring your writing to life.
A Legacy You Can Rely On
For over a century, PILOT has built its reputation on precision, innovation, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Every fountain pen and ink in their collection is the result of decades of expertise, thoughtful design, and a commitment to the writer’s experience. Their heritage is not just history; it is a guarantee of quality. Choosing PILOT means choosing a brand you can rely on, a brand that continues to honor its Japanese roots while inspiring writers around the world.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or exploring fountain pens for the first time, PILOT invites you to experience writing elevated to an art form.
