Japanese stationery is renowned worldwide, so let us introduce you to a few Japanese pens that are exceptionally versatile. We’ve selected only the best and most popular items, and they’re all made in Japan and can be purchased online, to boot. Our evaluations are comprehensive, incorporating price and ease of use, so we hope it helps you in your shopping!
1. PILOT FriXion Clicker Erasable, Refillable & Retractable Gel Ink Pens, Fine Point, Assorted Color Inks, 10-Pack Pouch
Score: ★★★★★
An assorted set of FriXion pens, which have become well known throughout the world for being erasable. The full range of colors makes it a good option for kids. However, take note: these pens are meant to be erased through friction, so if you write something with these pens and then leave the paper in direct sunlight or somewhere warm for a long period of time, then the ink will fade.
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 5” x 5.75” x 4.88” (12.7 cm x 14.6 cm x 12.4 cm)
Ink Color: Assorted
Brand: PILOT
2. Pilot FriXion Ball Knock Retractable Erasable Gel Ink Pens, Extra Fine Point 0.5 mm, Black/Blue/Red Ink, 3 Pens & 9 Refills Value Set
Score: ★★★★★
This set brings together the three most common colors in business settings (black, blue, and red) and comes with replacement ink cartridges. They come in three sizes: Thin (0.7 mm), Thick (1.0 mm), and Extra-Thin (0.4 mm). Choose whichever one works best for you! There are other variations, like one where the pen body is extra thin, or a single pen with all three colors. In case any of these items are unavailable on Amazon, you can always directly visit a variety goods store like LOFT when you come to Japan.
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 3.94” x 0.67” x 5.71” (10.0 cm x 1.7 cm x 14.5 cm)
Ink Color: Black / Blue / Red
Brand: PILOT
3. MUJI Gel Ink Ball Point Pen 0.5 mm Black color 10pcs
Score: ★★★★★
“Mujirushi Ryohin” or better known as “MUJI” is the leading Japanese brand for lifestyle items. “Mujirushi” means “unbranded” or “unlabeled,” and as the name suggests, this brand is known for going all-in on functionality while giving little heed to flashy design. This set of pens also sticks to this minimalist, functionalist idiom. This is a set of 10, and sold for an excellent price.
Item Diameter: 5.5” (140 mm), Shaft Diameter: 0.4” (10 mm)
Item Dimensions (LxW): 5.51” x 0.39” (13.9 cm x 0.9 cm)
Ink Color: Black
Brand: MUJI
4. Makie Ballpoint Pen Senbazuru (Friday) | Kanazawa Gold Leaf
Score: ★★★★★
During a state visit in February 2017, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gifted President Trump this exceptional pen. It’s a first-class item, coated in Kanazawa gold foil and including a lovely drawing of a crane, but it is also quite affordable. The Japanese have long considered cranes as a symbol of longevity and thus good luck, which makes this pen an excellent gift as well. There are two differing designs, so make sure to pick the right one.
Item Diameter: 5.31" * 0.47" * 0.47" (Lead: 0.27") (13.5 cm * 1.2 cm * 1.2 cm (Lead: 0.7 mm))
Item Dimensions (LxW): 5.31” x 0.47” (Lead: 0.27”) (13.5 cm x 1.2 cm (Lead: 0.7 mm))
Ink Color: Black
Variations: Senbazuru / Fan Surface / Spring And Autumn Sink
Brand: HAKUICHI (Kanazawa Gold Leaf)
Related article: ▶ A Guide to the Traditional Japanese Craft: Kanazawa Gold Leaf
5. MUJI Aluminum Body Fountain Pen - Fine Nib - with 2 Refill Ink Cartridge
Score: ★★★★★
This fountain pen also displays MUJI’s minimalist design with no extra frills. This price for a fountain pen is already a good deal, but this also comes with two replacement ink cartridges! The pen has an aluminum body and a grippy surface that prevents slipping. It’s very easy to use and doesn’t tire your hands.
Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.43” x 0.51” x 0.39” (13.8 cm x 1.3 cm x 0.9 cm)
Ink Color: Black
Brand: MUJI
Related articles:
▶ 10 Popular Japanese Slippers for Your Ultimate Comfort
▶ The Complete Guide to Traditional Japanese Crafts
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*These products may not be able to be shipped to certain countries. Please see the retailer's website for more information.
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.