Pilot Kakuno

The Pilot Kakuno fountain pen is ideal for both first-time users and experienced writers. These pens are comfortable to hold and will not roll away thanks to their hexagonal barrel. 
Pilot Kakuno Clear Demonstrator Fountain Pen and Ink Gift Set - Medium Point Pilot Kakuno Clear Demonstrator Fountain Pen and Ink Gift Set - Medium Point
$24.95
$30

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

GS-P10822-SET
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Soft Pink/White - Fine Point Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Soft Pink/White - Fine Point
$14.30
P90122
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Turquoise/White - Fine Point Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Turquoise/White - Fine Point
$14.30
P90124
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Red/Grey - Medium Point Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Red/Grey - Medium Point
$14.30
P90131
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Clear Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Clear
$15
P10822
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Aqua Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Aqua
$15
P19624
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Blue Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Blue
$15
P19615
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Pink Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Pink
$15
P19618
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Green Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Green
$15
P19633
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Coral Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen in Translucent Coral
$15
P19636
Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Nimbus Grey Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Nimbus Grey
$20
P21736
Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Azure Sky Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Azure Sky
$20
P21730
Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Rosy Dusk Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Rosy Dusk
$20
P21727
Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Twilight Periwinkle Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Twilight Periwinkle
$20
P21739
Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Cumulus White Pilot Kaküno Fountain Pen in Translucent Cumulus White
$20
P21733

The Pilot Kakuno fountain pen that makes you wonder why you waited so long to try one. Designed with a cheerful "smiley face" on the nib to show you the correct writing orientation, the Pilot Kakuno removes the intimidation factor of fountain pens.

Crafted from lightweight, durable resin in both vibrant solid colors and clear "demonstrator" finishes, it’s a pen that feels just as at home in a professional pen case as it does in a student’s backpack.

Why Writers Love the Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen

The Pilot Kakuno pen is designed for accessibility rather than luxury, and that is exactly what makes it so appealing. It’s playful, dependable, and refreshingly uncomplicated. Whether you want a cheerful journaling companion, a school or office writer, or an easy way to experience Pilot’s excellent steel nibs, the Kakuno fountain pen fits naturally into daily use.

  • The "Smiley" Nib: The face on the nib isn't just for looks; it’s a visual cue. If the face is looking at you, you’re holding the pen at the perfect angle. (Note: Different nib sizes sometimes feature different facial expressions.)
  • Ergonomic Triangular Grip: The grip section is subtly shaped into a tripod (triangular) silhouette, which naturally guides your fingers into a comfortable, fatigue-free writing position.
  • Anti-Roll Hexagonal Body: Like a classic wooden pencil, the hexagonal barrel feels familiar in the hand and ensures your pen won't roll off the desk when you set it down.

Is the Kakuno Fountain Pen Suitable for Kids?

Yes. In fact, "Kakuno" means "to write" in Japanese. Originally designed as a first fountain pen for students, the Pilot Kakuno fountain pen features a friendly smiley face on the nib that acts as a visual coach, ensuring the pen is held at the correct angle. Its lightweight, hexagonal resin body prevents it from rolling off desks, while the ergonomic triangular grip naturally guides small fingers into a comfortable tripod position. For added peace of mind, the pen is engineered with safety vents in the cap and barrel, making it a durable and thoughtful choice for young writers beginning their calligraphy or penmanship journey.

Is the Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen Only for Beginners?

Not at all. While the Pilot Kakuno pen is especially welcoming for new fountain pen users, plenty of experienced writers keep one in their rotation because it is lightweight, reliable, and easy to enjoy without fuss. The Kakuno fountain pen is a workhorse that grows with you. It uses Pilot’s proprietary cartridge/converter system:

  • Simple Start: Every Kakuno includes one Pilot ink cartridge to get you writing immediately.
  • Bottled Ink Ready: If you want to explore the world of bottled inks, like Pilot Iroshizuku, the Kakuno is compatible with the Pilot CON-40 converter and even the high-capacity CON-70 converter, which is rare for a pen at this price point.
  • High-Capacity: The Kakuno fountain pen is one of the few entry-level pens compatible with the high-capacity CON-70 converter, allowing you to hold significantly more ink than a standard converter.

What Formats Are Available in the Pilot Kakuno Pen Collection?

The collection focuses exclusively on fountain pens. Unlike some other Pilot Pen Collections, Pilot Kakuno pens are not offered as a rollerball, ballpoint, or mechanical pencil.

Does the Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen Have a Screw-On or Snap-On Cap?

The Pilot Kakuno fountain pen features a convenient snap-on cap. This makes it ideal for quick note-taking, as you can deploy the pen with one hand and click it shut securely. While it doesn't have a traditional clip, the cap is designed with a small tab that, combined with the hexagonal body, ensures the pen stays exactly where you put it on your desk.

How Do Pilot Kakuno Pen Nib Sizes Compare to Other Brands?

Because Pilot is a Japanese brand, their nibs are crafted with a finer precision than most European or American pens. A Pilot Medium will typically write a line similar to a Lamy Fine, while a Pilot Fine is closer to a Lamy Extra-Fine. If you prefer a very thin, precise line for detailed journaling or math, the Extra-Fine (EF) is an excellent choice that remains remarkably smooth for its size.