1. Home
  2. Fountain Pens
  3. Japanese Fountain Pens

Japanese Fountain Pens

Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo Fountain Pen in Burgundy - 18K Gold Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo Fountain Pen in Burgundy - 18K Gold
$192
$240

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P65342
Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen in Resin Blue - 14K Gold Soft Flexible Nib Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen in Resin Blue - 14K Gold Soft Flexible Nib
$224
$280

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P15664
Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen in Lizard Matte Bronze Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen in Lizard Matte Bronze
$34
$42.50

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P91136
Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen in Tiger Matte White Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen in Tiger Matte White
$34
$42.50

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P91134
Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen in Leopard Matte Violet Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen in Leopard Matte Violet
$34
$42.50

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P91133
Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen in Silver with Dot Pattern - Medium Point Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen in Silver with Dot Pattern - Medium Point
$34
$42.50

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P91105
Sailor 1911 Casual L Basis Fountain Pen in Muted Black, Gold Trim Sailor 1911 Casual L Basis Fountain Pen in Muted Black, Gold Trim
$140
$175

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

11-0822-620
Sailor 1911 Casual L Galaxy Fountain Pen in Supernova Crimson, Black IP Sailor 1911 Casual L Galaxy Fountain Pen in Supernova Crimson, Black IP
$140
$175

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

11-3927-630
Sailor 1911 Casual L Galaxy Fountain Pen in Meteorite Moss, Black IP Sailor 1911 Casual L Galaxy Fountain Pen in Meteorite Moss, Black IP
$140
$175

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

11-3927-660
Pilot Custom 845 Fountain Pen in Prussian Blue Pilot Custom 845 Fountain Pen in Prussian Blue
$1,000
P22735
Sailor 1911 Large Fountain Pen in Blue - 14kt Gold Nib Sailor 1911 Large Fountain Pen in Blue - 14kt Gold Nib
$440
$550

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

11-1214-740
Sailor 1911 Large Fountain Pen in Red - 14kt Gold Nib Sailor 1911 Large Fountain Pen in Red - 14kt Gold Nib
$440
$550

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

11-1214-730
Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen in Black Diamond with Rhodium Trim - 14K Gold Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen in Black Diamond with Rhodium Trim - 14K Gold
$398.40
$498

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

PLTM-PNB-18000CR-7-UEF
Pilot Prera Clear Fountain Pen in Orange Pilot Prera Clear Fountain Pen in Orange
$67.20
$84

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P22064
Sailor Compass Tuzu Glassy Fountain Pen in Crystal Sky Sailor Compass Tuzu Glassy Fountain Pen in Crystal Sky
$44
$55

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

12-0463-203
Sailor King of Pens Fountain Pen in Ebonite Blue Phoenix - 21kt Gold Nib Sailor King of Pens Fountain Pen in Ebonite Blue Phoenix - 21kt Gold Nib
$1,520
$1,900

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

11-8916-650
Sailor Cylint Niigata Shikki Fountain Pen in Ruri (Lapis Lazuli Blue) with Gold IP Trim - 21kt Gold Nib Sailor Cylint Niigata Shikki Fountain Pen in Ruri (Lapis Lazuli Blue) with Gold IP Trim - 21kt Gold Nib
$1,032
$1,290

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

10-6008-248
Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen in Birchwood Black - 18K Gold Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen in Birchwood Black - 18K Gold
$368
$460

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P21548
Sailor Professional Gear Slim 'Kimono' Fountain Pen in Protective Charm with Gold IP - 14K Gold Sailor Professional Gear Slim 'Kimono' Fountain Pen in Protective Charm with Gold IP - 14K Gold
$272
$340

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

11-9846-460
Sailor Compass Tuzu Fountain Pen in Gray Sailor Compass Tuzu Fountain Pen in Gray
$44
$55

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

11-0453-221
Platinum Plaisir Fountain Pen in Pink - 03 Fine Point Platinum Plaisir Fountain Pen in Pink - 03 Fine Point
$17.55
$22

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

PLTM- PGB-1000-21F
Platinum Kanazawa-Haku Fountain Pen in Matsu-Tora Platinum Kanazawa-Haku Fountain Pen in Matsu-Tora
$640
$800

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

PLTM- PNB-35000H-55M
Pilot Justus 95 Fountain Pen in Black with Rhodium Trim Pilot Justus 95 Fountain Pen in Black with Rhodium Trim
$440
$550

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P16788
Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen in Black & Rhodium - Soft Flexible Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen in Black & Rhodium - Soft Flexible
$224
$280

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P60742
Pilot Metal Falcon Fountain Pen in Brown - Soft Flexible Pilot Metal Falcon Fountain Pen in Brown - Soft Flexible
$304
$380

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P60672
Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen in Smokey Black with Silver Trim - 14K Gold Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen in Smokey Black with Silver Trim - 14K Gold
$216
$270

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P60955
Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen in Black & Rhodium - 18K Gold Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen in Black & Rhodium - 18K Gold
$192
$240

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P60242
Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo Fountain Pen in Champagne - 18K Gold Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo Fountain Pen in Champagne - 18K Gold
$192
$240

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P65348
Pilot Metropolitan Classic Fountain Pen in Silver Pilot Metropolitan Classic Fountain Pen in Silver
$34
$42.50

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P91108
Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen in Python Matte Silver Pilot Metropolitan Animal Fountain Pen in Python Matte Silver
$34
$42.50

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

P91137
Platinum Curidas Retractable Gran Red Fountain Pen Platinum Curidas Retractable Gran Red Fountain Pen
$80
$100

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

PKN-7000-77M
Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pen in Black with Green Ink Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pen in Black with Green Ink
$3.25
$3.37

The comparison price is the item MSRP and may not necessarily be the price at which the product is or was offered for sale.

SV4B-GRN-BC
  • ←
  • →

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Japanese fountain pens different from Western ones? +
Japanese fountain pens differ most from Western ones at the nib. The major Japanese brands cut their nibs in-house and grind them about one size finer, so a Japanese Fine writes closer to a Western Extra-Fine. That in-house control has earned them a reputation for consistency from pen to pen. Japan is also the birthplace of the capless fountain pen and unusual grinds like Sailor's Zoom or Pilot's Waverly, styles you rarely see on other fountain pens.
Do Japanese nibs really run finer than European and American nibs? +
Yes! A pen marked Fine from Pilot, Sailor, or Platinum lays down a line closer to a Western Extra-Fine, and a Japanese Medium sits near a Western Fine. The reason is practical: Japanese kanji characters call for thin, precise strokes, and the manufacturers cut their nibs to suit it. If you already own a Western Fine and like its width, you'll likely enjoy a Japanese Medium.
Which Japanese nib size is best for small handwriting? +
A Japanese Extra-Fine or Fine works best, because both nibs make thin, controlled lines that stay legible at small sizes. Steel-nib pens like the Pilot Preppy and Kakuno come in these sizes and are easy places to start. Remember that these grades run finer than their Western equivalents, so size up one grade if you're coming from a Western pen.
How do Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum fountain pens compare? +
Pilot nibs are glassy and low on feedback, where Sailor nibs offer the writer tactile feedback that many describe as pencil-like. Platinum sits between the two, with a firm and precise tactility. All three cut their nibs in-house. Writers often try one brand's steel-nibbed pen first, then commit to a gold nib once they know which company they prefer.
What is a capless fountain pen? +
A capless fountain pen has a retractable nib that clicks in and out with a knock mechanism, so there is no cap to unscrew. The Pilot Vanishing Point is the pen that made this design famous, and it sits with the other retractable fountain pens alongside its slimmer sibling, the Decimo. Because you can deploy it one-handed, it's a favorite for taking quick notes throughout the workday.
What drives the price of Japanese fountain pens? +
Entry-level models rely on machine-stamped stainless steel nibs and molded plastics, keeping costs negligible while delivering exceptional everyday performance. Mid-tier models like Pilot E95S introduce gold nibs, which add raw precious metal value alongside the labor-intensive tuning needed for a smoother writing feel. At the top tier sit luxury instruments coated in hand-applied urushi lacquer or decorated by master artisans using maki-e techniques, as with the Namiki line.
How does a gold nib compare to a steel nib? +
A gold nib gives you a softer, more responsive feel than steel, with tines that offer a little bounce. Japanese steel nibs work excellently, and plenty of collectors keep a steel pen permanently inked. What the jump to gold buys you is cushioned feedback that some writers love and others can't live without. If you're looking to buy your first gold nib, pens like the Pilot E95s and Custom 74 are high-value places to start.
Which ink cartridges and converters fit Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum pens? +
Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum use their own proprietary cartridges and converters, so a cartridge from one brand won't fit another. On many pens, the basic converter is included, but you can buy your converters or cartridges separately on our refills page, too. If you're unsure which refill matches which pen, our cartridge and converter compatibility guide maps it out.
Is a Japanese fountain pen a good first pen for beginners? +
A Japanese fountain pen is one of the best first pens you can buy, because the entry models are forgiving, affordable, and write reliably. The Platinum Preppy, Pilot Kakuno, and Metropolitan are the usual recommendations, all steel-nibbed and easy to manage. We've rounded up more starter-friendly picks in the beginner fountain pens collection.
Are these Japanese pens genuine, authorized-dealer stock? +
Yes. We're an authorized retailer of all the pens we sell, so these Japanese pens are genuine and backed by their manufacturer's warranty. Check for your pen's particular terms on our warranty information page.