Adjusted English subtitles and translations are up! I'll be collecting tips from viewers on how to use some of these resources and posting them on this comment. So far: --Don't use "sea" mail. It is cheaper but takes too long. --Do keep checking back. Someone was able to score the Kyo no Oto by checking back and subscribing to the newsletter. --Thumbs up for White Rabbit and Buyee ---A vote for Tenso. Someone sent a screenshot of their address to confirm it was right --When sending a inquiry to Tokyo Pen Shop Quill, try sending an email. Apparently he is backed up but will get back to you (there have been orders as recently as a month ago with a commenter) --"Giftionery Delta" in Osaka will mail overseas. I'll link the English page. You need to look around on their Japanese page and when you figure out what you want, you have to email them. www.delta-net.jp/en/form.cgi --According to Fudefan, probs the best place for vintage Japanese fountain pens is Mericari or Yahoo auctions. You'll need to use a proxy with Buyee probably being the easiest. --A viewer kindly suggested this Reddit post with information and Japanese words to search with: www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/4m47mm/a_guide_on_buying_japanese_pens_from_japanese/ --Everyone is pretty sure their wallet is going to get lighter...
So glad you found it useful. I don’t know if I can do a vid like that as there are so many special editions. I might just do one with the special editions I actually got hahaha!
hahaha! I especially hate the used sites--not because I don't like used items. I just don't like all that scrolling in front of a screen. I'd rather be using my pens! Thanks--glad you found it helpful!
one huge piece of advice - never use "sea" shipping. read the options carefully when selecting your shipment method. anything that uses a boat usually takes two months or more to arrive if it even does arrive, and so many of those packages just disappear completely. it's cheaper than airmail but it is *never* worth it. *never.*
I agree! I sent out one of my give-aways by "sea" and I sweated bullets wondering if I had to rebuy and resend the giveaway item. Luckily it got there, but I'm not using that again! Great advice!
Inky, this is THE video I’ve waited my entire but short Pen life for. I found a Polish pen maker when searching for a gift for my friend in Poland. But with Japan, I was at a full stop. This video is really helpful to my pen addiction!! Thank you so very much.
Thanks to you and Fudefan for this very enabling video and post. I stumbled my way through buying a store exclusive Kaweco ALSport from Pent Pen through Buyee last year so any help is much appreciated! I also want to add my encouragement to others looking for exclusive pens to keep going back to look or signing up for a shop’s newsletter (TAG Stationery) as the Kyo No Oto pen had sold out and I thought I’d never get it. The pen restocked late May of last year and I was able to purchase it. It is my favorite pen!
Oh that is so awesome! I love that pen too--rare to have one without a cap band. It sounds like your persistence and willingness to try something different really payed off! Thanks!
Lived in Japan for four years, just before I moved I bought a Pilot Capless (Namiki Vanishing Point) Raden Water Surface for $370, because of the exchange rate being crazy at the time I bought it. Didn't even know how much it was online, but I'm quite pleased with it :)
Thank you to you and Fudefan for this incredibly informative video. I feel that our family trip to Japan keeps getting pushed further and further into the future. I didn't know about all of these shopping options and will definitely watch this several times as a reference guide. Thanks to you both for your hard work and high-quality content.. I appreciate it so much.
I hear you, but I hope you can make it out here one day. And not only for the stationery/pens but Japan is a wonderful place to visit. Glad we could offer something useful!
Dear Inky Rocks: This is such a great video, with its link to fudefan. The information is clear and informative, the images are wonderful and superbly recorded, and your voice-over is lovely and well-paced. Thank you so much for your consistently excellent videos!
What a helpful video. I personally have always been super nervous about buying from Japan, mainly because I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, plus UK customs can be very expensive. But that doesn't stop me from looking at and drooling over all the beautiful pens. This will give me more confidence to give it a go. Thank you.
Thank you for such an informative video, and for the links. You trying it out first was very helpful! Much appreciation for your insight in providing such a wonderful resource.
I'm so glad you found this informative. I really got tired of trying stuff out on these websites hahaha! That's why I don't like second hand sites--they are enormous and take so much patience! Thanks!
Thank you for making this video! I have explored some of the Japanese pen and stationery sites and have been completely befuddled about ordering anything. This is an invaluable roadmap for access to all the fun, special edition pens we never see in the U.S. except for on eBay (for ridiculous amounts). I am excited to explore these sites and hopefully find a treasure. I enjoy all of your videos for the high quality production values, but also because they feel like a casual conversation with a friend who happens to be in Japan.
First: awesome user name--I'm jealous! Even if you just use the websites that ship overseas, it will give you a lot of opportunity to get some interesting stuff. Since they are all small companies, it pays to check back regularly as they usually only offer things in small lots. Once you feel comfortable with that, White Rabbit is probably the next step. Have fun looking around--and thanks for such a lovely comment!
Thanks to you and Jacob for this great information!! It’s super helpful and while I knew some of these folks you have covered several I didn’t know about. It’s good to be cautious and do the research. I am so glad we have you both to help guide us US buyers!!
Thanks so much! It was kind of interesting trying to put myself as if I was ordering outside of Japan, since I live here hahaha! Glad you got some info out of it!
Your kindness and content are always epic and such welcomed wonder(s). Thank you so much for always going in those directions only intuition may have one look but overthinking undesirably distracts...
So much good information, thank you Alesa, and Fudefan of course! I have no experience with buying pens in Japan. Living in Europe I just don't know what to expect. Going to study Fudefan's blogpost, and maybe buy something small to start with 😊
That is absolutely the best way to try this--that way you keep the angst level low! Just looking around and figuring out some of this is fun. I've done a few proxy shipments from China and am always surprised when the beat up package arrives (for some reason they are always pretty banged up.) So glad you found this useful!
One word comes to my mind "Wisdom".Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge ..Your is so helpful.. I am sure your insights will illuminate the way to Japanese excellence in ' pen making'. Thank you
Thank you so much Alesa for this wonderful video. Not enough joyful ink spillage, but I guess you’re allowed a break from that! (I sadly didn’t ever get a reply from Tokyo Quill shop when I contacted them on their form a little while ago. I ready wanted the clear 823 with an FA nib). Thanks again!
You may want to try just straight up emailing them. It sounds like they stopped for awhile but you may have to be persistent. The mark up on this pen with third party sellers is really high and you could save yourself some coin. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
@@aag24 Check your junk mail, their response could be hiding there. I purchased mine from them (about 6 years ago) and it was very easy. It took about 8 weeks for the pen to become available. You don't pay for it until they have it in stock and then it only took about a week to receive it in the US. Good luck, that pen is definitely worth the wait!
I suggest giving it another go. He's been extremely busy the last two or so years, to the point where he had so many outstanding orders that he didn't have the time to reply to every new customer, but he will probably get back to you within a week at this time. Once you've placed an order he will prioritise your messages and answer quickly; I ordered a Custom 823 a month or so ago and the service was as fast and thoughtful as ever.
This could be broadcast on NHK World, prime time. Excellent work, as usual, director Inky! (This little old lady just found two more 3776 with coarse nibs at fire-sale prices. Time to swap nibs...)
Are you also hoarding second hand coarse nibs before they switch over to the new, softer nibs? I love them for grinding purposes because there is so much tipping and the stiffness is nice for italic and architect nibs, because it lets you know when you're rotating the pen.
@@osirisgolad possibly hoarding, yes 😅 Maruzen had a big sale. I quite like Platinum's coarse nib as-is, but might ask Nagahara to work on one of them.
I really can't thank you enough for this video--you and Jacob did an incredible job! I have always wanted to use a proxy service but I was a bit lost as to how it worked. However, you both have inspired me to try it. Thank you so much for all of the shop suggestions as well! I didn't realize that some of them could be contacted in English and that they could ship to you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! This is such a great video!
Oh, I'm so glad you found this useful. I enjoy making these vids but like it even more when people find them entertaining or useful. Start off with the sites that mail overseas and then give White Rabbit a try after that. Just do it on something that isn't a do or die kind of thing so you can keep the worry level very low. You may find later that you have created a monster hahaha! Have fun looking around!
I now proclaim you and Jacob as the “Dangerous Duo.” Wow, I would have liked to see a disclaimer about my bank account going to zero after watching this video. Haha! Thank you to you and Jacob for putting these resources together. I would be nice if the Daiso stores near me had this kind of stationery or had a service that they could get stuff from Japan to their stores.
Very informative video. Indeed helpful for a lot of people. Thanks for taking time to put up this video. PS: I liked how you refered Jacob San with the old ladies in terms of bargain. He actually gets them quite frequently. Lol 🤣🤣
I had to ask around. This is the only one I came up with: www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=589549041&hl=ja-jp&q=%E3%82%A2%E3%82%B5%E3%83%92%E3%83%A4%E7%B4%99%E6%96%87%E5%85%B7%E5%BA%97&ludocid=8209623579746134948&ibp=gwp;0,7&lsig=AB86z5UOt2803nufy9z0e5Qr2Dpw&kgs=35eb3529de00d5b6&shndl=-1&shem=lcspc,lsp&source=sh/x/loc/act/m1/3#lpg=cid:CgIgAQ%3D%3D
Wow, what a treasure trove of information - a whole new rabbit hole to explore! I am glad I am "late" in my fountain pen obsession, otherwise my eyes would drain my wallet in a heartbeat. I'll still look and may purchase a few items, but I hope and pray I have the necessary restraint! THANK YOU for sharing this. _I think!_
hahaha! Yes, eating, housing, clothes, savings...all more important. Sometimes it's just fun to look and talk about some of these pens! Glad you found it informative--thanks!
I bought my Pilot 823 FA from Tokyo Pen Shop Quill and it was super easy. You basically email them with the order request for the pen you want, they email you back that they'll let you know when its in stock, you get that email (took about 8 weeks for mine), you then pay for it through paypal and they send it to you (took about 7 days for it to arrive). It can be a lengthy process, but easy and rewarding since this has become my all time favorite pen (for daily use) :)
I use white rabbit and buyee. Never had any issues with either--though you do have to be willing to pay the shipping twice and the handling fees. During the pandemic, shipping from Japan was only available via DHL, which while expensive, is remarkably fast and they have never lost a package on me.
Thank you so much for your feedback. I think even with the extra shipping and service charge, it is still cheaper than buying thru a third party reseller. You are so right about the pandemic messing with the mail. I always get sticker shock with DHL (and absolutely die with FEDEX!).
I've used tenso and it's very nice and the customer service is really helpful. They let me send a screenshot of my shipping address to double check it was right
Wow 🖋🎁💛 I'm excited and scared; Thank you for another fabulous video, though more warnings, or some kind of "be responsible," or "hotline" number flashing along the bottom of the video is missing. 😂🤣
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing these tips and links on buying pens from Japan. I recently discovered that Giftionery Delta in Osaka can entertain orders via email. (English ok.) congrats to you and Fudefan on this wonderful collaboration!
Way over my poor beginner's head! I only just started even using a fountain pen, and I'm buying Platinum Preppys from Jetpens. And some paper, a gorgeous little pair of folding scissors, and a brass clip ruler with stencils of cats on it. Very cute, very simple. I'm enjoying the fountain pens, though! I found Jetpens looking for 2mm lead holders. I use them for drawing, and I found the Pentel 8 series and bought all three! That gives me lots of options for sketching, drawing, and writing in just 3 lead holders. I keep them, a retractable eraser, and a very fine nib Preppy in an elastic holder on the cover of a sketchbook. I'll look forward to looking through your videos and learning how much I don't know! 😁
You have the right mindset! You need to “get used to” using a fountain pen and later wanting other kinds may come naturally or you may just decide a Preppy fits your needs. The best thing about a Preppy is that slip and seal cap which keeps the pen from drying out which, frankly, when a pen does dry out-I wonder why I use fountain pens…
Thank you so much for all this information! I have explored the world of Japanese pen and inks vicariously through you, but I'm not sure I'm ready to dive in, but I will definitely do some exploring. I'd love to visit Japan, and shop there myself, although I can imagine Customs nightmares.
I'm so glad--I like being a window into this wonderful world of stationery here in Japan. The customs seems like it is different for each country. I think States side people don't have as much of a hassle. Sometimes it's just fun to explore the websites. Thanks💝
Brilliant info' 🙂 I got my clear Pilot Custom 823 'WA' nib from Tokyo Pen Shop Quill to the UK. Superb service and very good help via emails. Highly recommended from me. 👍🏻🙂
You had me at caterpillar poop. I’m lying because you always grab my attention right away. I’m just fascinated by all of it-secret ingredients included!
@@dialogo5410 they ship to the UK and the length of time varies due to Japan's domestic shipping. By speedy shipping methods about 5-10 days once the order has been despatched. Their website is very easy to navigate and their communications are excellent.
Really interesting video! I'm trying really hard to not start collecting pens or inks as I already collect so many other art supplies. I subscribed anyways because you just sound fun, and there seems to be lots of eye candy in your videos! Thank you!
There really is no need to collect. Find a few you like writing with and then just use them! Watching vids (and talking to others) about fountain pens is fun because you don't feel so weird as this is such a niche hobby hahaha!
@@InkyRocks oh true!! I do have a few Pilot Kakunos that I love because they're cheap, always write, and have silly faces on the nibs. I would love to get a kakimori steel nib to try. I think it would be so fun to draw with!! Oh! And I have a cheapie Sailor fude pen, which I love to draw with as well. Four pens isn't a collection, right? I'm still safe?? 😂
Hey Doodles--thanks for stopping by! I don't do much vintage except at Mr Pilot's table at pen shows (more reason for you to come to TIPS hahaha!) So I have a Myu and a Murex and a couple of early Pilots, but I'm not really familiar so I asked Fudefan. He said either Mericari or Yahoo auctions with Yahoo being the easiest to work thru. So I guess it's a lot like using eBay for vintage. Of course you would have to use one of the proxies with Buyee probably being the most convenient.
@@Doodlebud Awesome! I'm doing a short history on Pilot and I have a clip of a capless that the nib drops out by gravity. Some of the older ones are pretty cool!
If you get a chance, could you tell me where to get a pilot custom 823 in soft medium nib? (Preferably in clear, but not important). I tried to locate it with the links you have, but couldn’t find it. They only have fa, wa, fine, medium, broad. Thanks for cool vid
I'm going to steal "ride or die pens". I'm pretty much a fan of all the three biggies in Japan. Pilot--the nib. Sailor--the special editions. Platinum--if I need a pen to reliably not dry out.
Well aren’t you just a troublemaker! The only thing keeping me from buying some of these pens was not knowing how to do it. So there goes my restraint. You and Jacob must be getting a kickback for encouraging us silly westerners to spend more money. Just kidding 🥰. Thanks for all the great information.
I got it because it looked like such a happy pen hahaha! But they regularly have interesting special editions and the nice thing is that many of them are Slims, so they are a little more affordable. Thanks!
Mam do videos on hakase pens and inks your views are highly valued I have already ordered 2pens&2ink bottles before it arrives I would like to have your precious and valuable advice thanks god bless
Are there any particular places you'd recommend for interesting Custom 823 colours. The US has very boring colours. What's your go to site to compare prices in Japan to the US?
They’re basically the same. Pilot only has the smoke, amber and clear. You may occasionally see an unusual color because some stationery stores will have a special edition but they sell out immediately (like Bungu Box’s. I don’t really compare prices for Japanese pens-I just get them here. Anything else is more expensive here.
Hi!! I need help with a Sailor pen. It fell and I need to replace or repair the nib. Is it possible to get a replacement? I have looked up information online and found nothing! Could you give me some advice?
Sailor does not sell nibs or nib units. Your best bet is to buy an old Sailor off eBay etc and replace it or have a nib meister fix your nib. Mark Bacas, Kirk Speer, Gina Salorino are good ones, along with many others.
I'm not into pens... Not yet. But I consider myself very curious because I like to learn and try out new things. My question is: apart from style is there a difference between Japanese pens and others? I mean in the practical sense, do they feel better or perform better or a certain way? Like with knives, they do have s different style but the steel is different, and that makes a difference in sharpness.
Danger! Turn back while you can! Once you write with just a simple Kakuno, you will be hooked! I think other than the special edition Sailors and Urushi pens, Western pens are probably considered more "visually pleasing". I really prefer the ways Japanese fountain pens write--finer nibs, better flow. Western nib grinds are much more advanced and fun. We could talk about this all day...
That's a bummer. Someone earlier said they lost out on the first iteration, but subscribed to their newsletter and got one on the second offering. Hopefully you'll find something just as fun!
How to Get Pens from Japan: Step One, secure monbukagusho scholarship from Japanese Government. Step Two, Go to your nearest Japanese Consulate for landing permission. Step Three, On a Saturday go to Yamakataya in Tenmonkan and visit the 3-1/2 floor. Step Four, Buy Japanese pens till your pockets are empty.
never heard mercari pronounced like that before lol. my main issue trying to buy store exclusives is figuring out what to type in using japanese characters instead of english, since nothing comes up at all with english search terms on buyee for what i'm looking for.
Yeah, I get grief both ways: pronouncing stuff with a Japanese or American English accent! You wouldn’t believe the weabos that come out of the woodwork to say my Japanese pronunciation is all wrong. Sigh. I totally get what you are saying-if you look up a lot of the stuff in English, you won’t get any hits. Your best bet is to look up words in Google, (like “fountain pen”) copy paste and then even put each word of the special edition into google translate and it will give you the katakana spelling-which will sometimes work.
@@HeidiRaatz I was looking at 743s and 823s with nibs we can't find in North American stores. Did you ever have to send a pen back because there was a problem with the nib? Were your pens covered by international warranty?
@@basta.dotto_ I'd check directly w/ Pensachi re: warranties. I have a Pilot Custom Heritage 912 from them w/ WA nib and I love it. Absolutely no problems.
Pensachi is a reseller. You pay a BIG markup over retail price, sometimes over 100%, when shopping from them. We want to explain how to buy from retailers directly.
One advice : Don't do it. Unless you want to pay taxes, have no warranty and don't be able to have your pen repaired. I sold all my Pilot pens because of their awful repair service. Never again!
Great video! Although Fudefan, aka little old lady looking for a deal, just increased his competition :o Thanks as always for sharing such great information with the community. I appreciate you both!
Adjusted English subtitles and translations are up! I'll be collecting tips from viewers on how to use some of these resources and posting them on this comment. So far:
--Don't use "sea" mail. It is cheaper but takes too long.
--Do keep checking back. Someone was able to score the Kyo no Oto by checking back and subscribing to the newsletter.
--Thumbs up for White Rabbit and Buyee
---A vote for Tenso. Someone sent a screenshot of their address to confirm it was right
--When sending a inquiry to Tokyo Pen Shop Quill, try sending an email. Apparently he is backed up but will get back to you (there have been orders as recently as a month ago with a commenter)
--"Giftionery Delta" in Osaka will mail overseas. I'll link the English page. You need to look around on their Japanese page and when you figure out what you want, you have to email them. www.delta-net.jp/en/form.cgi
--According to Fudefan, probs the best place for vintage Japanese fountain pens is Mericari or Yahoo auctions. You'll need to use a proxy with Buyee probably being the easiest.
--A viewer kindly suggested this Reddit post with information and Japanese words to search with: www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/4m47mm/a_guide_on_buying_japanese_pens_from_japanese/
--Everyone is pretty sure their wallet is going to get lighter...
Thank you for this valuable information.
Thanks so much--hope you got something useful!
I was slow to watch this video, but so glad I did! Very helpful hints!!
So glad you found it helpful!
I'd love to see an updated 2023 video for special editions you think are unique. I keep coming back to this video. It's so useful! Thank you!
So glad you found it useful. I don’t know if I can do a vid like that as there are so many special editions. I might just do one with the special editions I actually got hahaha!
This was incredible nice of you and Jacob to put this video and blog together for viewers. Wow. Thank you so much!
Thanks--hope you got some good info out of it!
Loved "I'm doing this for you dear viewer ". I'm sure this took quite a bit of time to put together. Thanks for the helpful info!
hahaha! I especially hate the used sites--not because I don't like used items. I just don't like all that scrolling in front of a screen. I'd rather be using my pens! Thanks--glad you found it helpful!
Honestly this video just encouraged me to visit Japan in person to check out all these shops in person!
Absolutely! That is the best outcome. You would love it!
Thank you for all the info! As always the production and style is on point!
Thanks so much! Hope it was useful!
one huge piece of advice - never use "sea" shipping. read the options carefully when selecting your shipment method. anything that uses a boat usually takes two months or more to arrive if it even does arrive, and so many of those packages just disappear completely. it's cheaper than airmail but it is *never* worth it. *never.*
I agree! I sent out one of my give-aways by "sea" and I sweated bullets wondering if I had to rebuy and resend the giveaway item. Luckily it got there, but I'm not using that again! Great advice!
Thank you for this.
❤🙏
Inky, this is THE video I’ve waited my entire but short Pen life for. I found a Polish pen maker when searching for a gift for my friend in Poland. But with Japan, I was at a full stop. This video is really helpful to my pen addiction!! Thank you so very much.
That is so awesome! Glad you found useful stuff in here--Thank you!
Thank you so much for the excellent resource, both you and Jacob. So nice to have a video companion to the blog post and vice versa!
That's great! We figured the vid would be an intro and his blog posts is where you can start your search. Thanks!
Thank you Alesa and Jacob for this wonderfully-helpful information!
So glad you found it helpful!
Thanks to you and Fudefan for this very enabling video and post. I stumbled my way through buying a store exclusive Kaweco ALSport from Pent Pen through Buyee last year so any help is much appreciated! I also want to add my encouragement to others looking for exclusive pens to keep going back to look or signing up for a shop’s newsletter (TAG Stationery) as the Kyo No Oto pen had sold out and I thought I’d never get it. The pen restocked late May of last year and I was able to purchase it. It is my favorite pen!
Oh that is so awesome! I love that pen too--rare to have one without a cap band. It sounds like your persistence and willingness to try something different really payed off! Thanks!
Lived in Japan for four years, just before I moved I bought a Pilot Capless (Namiki Vanishing Point) Raden Water Surface for $370, because of the exchange rate being crazy at the time I bought it. Didn't even know how much it was online, but I'm quite pleased with it :)
That's awesome! And it's a gorgeous pen!
@@InkyRocks I know! and to think, if I wanted it now, I'd be paying at least $200 extra.
Great information. Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you to you and Fudefan for this incredibly informative video. I feel that our family trip to Japan keeps getting pushed further and further into the future. I didn't know about all of these shopping options and will definitely watch this several times as a reference guide. Thanks to you both for your hard work and high-quality content.. I appreciate it so much.
I hear you, but I hope you can make it out here one day. And not only for the stationery/pens but Japan is a wonderful place to visit. Glad we could offer something useful!
Dear Inky Rocks: This is such a great video, with its link to fudefan. The information is clear and informative, the images are wonderful and superbly recorded, and your voice-over is lovely and well-paced. Thank you so much for your consistently excellent videos!
Thanks so much John! Is so nice to get lovely feedback-keeps my batteries energized!
What a helpful video. I personally have always been super nervous about buying from Japan, mainly because I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, plus UK customs can be very expensive. But that doesn't stop me from looking at and drooling over all the beautiful pens. This will give me more confidence to give it a go. Thank you.
That's awesome! I would definitely try a low angst item first--not too expensive nor hard to get.💝
Thank you for such an informative video, and for the links. You trying it out first was very helpful! Much appreciation for your insight in providing such a wonderful resource.
I'm so glad you found this informative. I really got tired of trying stuff out on these websites hahaha! That's why I don't like second hand sites--they are enormous and take so much patience! Thanks!
Wow, thank you and Fudefan for this incredible information!
glad you found it useful!💕
Thank you for making this video! I have explored some of the Japanese pen and stationery sites and have been completely befuddled about ordering anything. This is an invaluable roadmap for access to all the fun, special edition pens we never see in the U.S. except for on eBay (for ridiculous amounts). I am excited to explore these sites and hopefully find a treasure. I enjoy all of your videos for the high quality production values, but also because they feel like a casual conversation with a friend who happens to be in Japan.
First: awesome user name--I'm jealous! Even if you just use the websites that ship overseas, it will give you a lot of opportunity to get some interesting stuff. Since they are all small companies, it pays to check back regularly as they usually only offer things in small lots. Once you feel comfortable with that, White Rabbit is probably the next step. Have fun looking around--and thanks for such a lovely comment!
Thanks to you and Jacob for this great information!! It’s super helpful and while I knew some of these folks you have covered several I didn’t know about. It’s good to be cautious and do the research. I am so glad we have you both to help guide us US buyers!!
Thanks so much! It was kind of interesting trying to put myself as if I was ordering outside of Japan, since I live here hahaha! Glad you got some info out of it!
What a Great job both of You. Like You said Alesa a simple Kakuno it's amazing!!!!!
Thank you so much! It’s fun to have different pens but all you really need is a Kakuno!
Your kindness and content are always epic and such welcomed wonder(s). Thank you so much for always going in those directions only intuition may have one look but overthinking undesirably distracts...
I'm so glad you found this epic--what a lovely comment! Thanks so much!
So much good information, thank you Alesa, and Fudefan of course!
I have no experience with buying pens in Japan. Living in Europe I just don't know what to expect. Going to study Fudefan's blogpost, and maybe buy something small to start with 😊
That is absolutely the best way to try this--that way you keep the angst level low! Just looking around and figuring out some of this is fun. I've done a few proxy shipments from China and am always surprised when the beat up package arrives (for some reason they are always pretty banged up.) So glad you found this useful!
Thank you very much for this video with amazing information. And so beautifully done with clips in between.
Thank you so much! And for your support-I appreciate it!
One word comes to my mind "Wisdom".Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge ..Your is so helpful.. I am sure your insights will illuminate the way to Japanese excellence in ' pen making'. Thank you
Thanks so much for your very kind words!
So much information! I will no doubt be revisiting this page in future.
Yes, it’s a bit much all at once hahaha! Have fun shopping around! Thanks
@@InkyRocks But it's great to have all this good advice in one place to refer back to!
Thank you for another fab and informative video. And I love the humour too. 🙂❤️
Glad you found it informative! Thank you, I never know if I'm being funny or just weird hahaha!💖
@@InkyRocks Always informative and funny, and in a genuine manner too. ❤️ Best wishes.
Appreciate the valuable information!
Hope you're having a great weekend!
Glad you found it valuable! I am having a great one--thanks! Take care💖
Thank you so much Alesa for this wonderful video. Not enough joyful ink spillage, but I guess you’re allowed a break from that! (I sadly didn’t ever get a reply from Tokyo Quill shop when I contacted them on their form a little while ago. I ready wanted the clear 823 with an FA nib). Thanks again!
You may want to try just straight up emailing them. It sounds like they stopped for awhile but you may have to be persistent. The mark up on this pen with third party sellers is really high and you could save yourself some coin. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
@@InkyRocks I thought that too - maybe it was just a temporary stoppage -- I was surprised to get no answer at all. I'll let you know!
@@aag24 Check your junk mail, their response could be hiding there. I purchased mine from them (about 6 years ago) and it was very easy. It took about 8 weeks for the pen to become available. You don't pay for it until they have it in stock and then it only took about a week to receive it in the US. Good luck, that pen is definitely worth the wait!
I suggest giving it another go. He's been extremely busy the last two or so years, to the point where he had so many outstanding orders that he didn't have the time to reply to every new customer, but he will probably get back to you within a week at this time. Once you've placed an order he will prioritise your messages and answer quickly; I ordered a Custom 823 a month or so ago and the service was as fast and thoughtful as ever.
Very very interesting video !
Thank you Alesa and Jacob :-)
THanks--glad you found it interesting!
Your knowledge and experience of Japanese fountain pens is amazing. Really enjoyed and learned from this video. Thanks 😊
So glad you learned something-thanks so much!
Thank you for putting this video together in partnership with Jacob. Very interesting and instructional.
Hope you found it useful Peter!
This could be broadcast on NHK World, prime time. Excellent work, as usual, director Inky!
(This little old lady just found two more 3776 with coarse nibs at fire-sale prices. Time to swap nibs...)
Thanks Jacob! That was fun! And of course you found some nibs at fire sale prices...
Are you also hoarding second hand coarse nibs before they switch over to the new, softer nibs? I love them for grinding purposes because there is so much tipping and the stiffness is nice for italic and architect nibs, because it lets you know when you're rotating the pen.
@@osirisgolad possibly hoarding, yes 😅 Maruzen had a big sale. I quite like Platinum's coarse nib as-is, but might ask Nagahara to work on one of them.
I really can't thank you enough for this video--you and Jacob did an incredible job! I have always wanted to use a proxy service but I was a bit lost as to how it worked. However, you both have inspired me to try it. Thank you so much for all of the shop suggestions as well! I didn't realize that some of them could be contacted in English and that they could ship to you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! This is such a great video!
Oh, I'm so glad you found this useful. I enjoy making these vids but like it even more when people find them entertaining or useful. Start off with the sites that mail overseas and then give White Rabbit a try after that. Just do it on something that isn't a do or die kind of thing so you can keep the worry level very low. You may find later that you have created a monster hahaha! Have fun looking around!
I now proclaim you and Jacob as the “Dangerous Duo.” Wow, I would have liked to see a disclaimer about my bank account going to zero after watching this video. Haha!
Thank you to you and Jacob for putting these resources together. I would be nice if the Daiso stores near me had this kind of stationery or had a service that they could get stuff from Japan to their stores.
hhaha! Dangerous Duo! My wallet has been under constant attack since moving here--just spreading the love!💞
@@InkyRocks fair point!! Thanks for spreading the love! Take Care!
Very informative video. Indeed helpful for a lot of people. Thanks for taking time to put up this video.
PS: I liked how you refered Jacob San with the old ladies in terms of bargain. He actually gets them quite frequently. Lol 🤣🤣
hahaha! He really does. He gets old beat up pens and messes with them. I give him a hard time! Thank you!😇
@inkyrocks can you list a few physical stores in Tokyo that carry the pilot custom 823 clear demonstrator?
Any help is much appreciated @inkyrocks
I had to ask around. This is the only one I came up with: www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=589549041&hl=ja-jp&q=%E3%82%A2%E3%82%B5%E3%83%92%E3%83%A4%E7%B4%99%E6%96%87%E5%85%B7%E5%BA%97&ludocid=8209623579746134948&ibp=gwp;0,7&lsig=AB86z5UOt2803nufy9z0e5Qr2Dpw&kgs=35eb3529de00d5b6&shndl=-1&shem=lcspc,lsp&source=sh/x/loc/act/m1/3#lpg=cid:CgIgAQ%3D%3D
Wow, what a treasure trove of information - a whole new rabbit hole to explore! I am glad I am "late" in my fountain pen obsession, otherwise my eyes would drain my wallet in a heartbeat. I'll still look and may purchase a few items, but I hope and pray I have the necessary restraint! THANK YOU for sharing this. _I think!_
hahaha! Yes, eating, housing, clothes, savings...all more important. Sometimes it's just fun to look and talk about some of these pens! Glad you found it informative--thanks!
I bought my Pilot 823 FA from Tokyo Pen Shop Quill and it was super easy. You basically email them with the order request for the pen you want, they email you back that they'll let you know when its in stock, you get that email (took about 8 weeks for mine), you then pay for it through paypal and they send it to you (took about 7 days for it to arrive). It can be a lengthy process, but easy and rewarding since this has become my all time favorite pen (for daily use) :)
That’s awesome! Thank you for your feedback and enjoy your pen!
I use white rabbit and buyee. Never had any issues with either--though you do have to be willing to pay the shipping twice and the handling fees. During the pandemic, shipping from Japan was only available via DHL, which while expensive, is remarkably fast and they have never lost a package on me.
Thank you so much for your feedback. I think even with the extra shipping and service charge, it is still cheaper than buying thru a third party reseller. You are so right about the pandemic messing with the mail. I always get sticker shock with DHL (and absolutely die with FEDEX!).
I've used tenso and it's very nice and the customer service is really helpful. They let me send a screenshot of my shipping address to double check it was right
That's awesome! I'll add it to the pinned comment. Thanks!
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. I am going to check them out, this is so helpful, thank you!
So glad you found it helpful! Hope you enjoy the shopping (or just looking too is good!)
Wow 🖋🎁💛 I'm excited and scared; Thank you for another fabulous video, though more warnings, or some kind of "be responsible," or "hotline" number flashing along the bottom of the video is missing. 😂🤣
hahaha! Excited and scared--who knew we could say that about pens! Thanks for your always entertaining comments!
Thank you so much!! Such a helpful video 😁
Thanks--so glad you found it helpful!
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing these tips and links on buying pens from Japan. I recently discovered that Giftionery Delta in Osaka can entertain orders via email. (English ok.) congrats to you and Fudefan on this wonderful collaboration!
Thank you for your kind words and your very useful tip! I'll add that to my pinned comment!
Way over my poor beginner's head! I only just started even using a fountain pen, and I'm buying Platinum Preppys from Jetpens. And some paper, a gorgeous little pair of folding scissors, and a brass clip ruler with stencils of cats on it. Very cute, very simple. I'm enjoying the fountain pens, though!
I found Jetpens looking for 2mm lead holders. I use them for drawing, and I found the Pentel 8 series and bought all three! That gives me lots of options for sketching, drawing, and writing in just 3 lead holders. I keep them, a retractable eraser, and a very fine nib Preppy in an elastic holder on the cover of a sketchbook.
I'll look forward to looking through your videos and learning how much I don't know! 😁
You have the right mindset! You need to “get used to” using a fountain pen and later wanting other kinds may come naturally or you may just decide a Preppy fits your needs. The best thing about a Preppy is that slip and seal cap which keeps the pen from drying out which, frankly, when a pen does dry out-I wonder why I use fountain pens…
Thank you so much for all this information! I have explored the world of Japanese pen and inks vicariously through you, but I'm not sure I'm ready to dive in, but I will definitely do some exploring. I'd love to visit Japan, and shop there myself, although I can imagine Customs nightmares.
I'm so glad--I like being a window into this wonderful world of stationery here in Japan. The customs seems like it is different for each country. I think States side people don't have as much of a hassle. Sometimes it's just fun to explore the websites. Thanks💝
Exelent video like always!
Thanks so much Hector!
Brilliant info' 🙂 I got my clear Pilot Custom 823 'WA' nib from Tokyo Pen Shop Quill to the UK. Superb service and very good help via emails. Highly recommended from me. 👍🏻🙂
Oh, I’m so glad! Congrats-the 823 is such a great pen!
You had me at caterpillar poop. I’m lying because you always grab my attention right away. I’m just fascinated by all of it-secret ingredients included!
hahaha! It was actually a cool ink. I did a vid about it earlier. Used it all up though.
White Rabbit Express have always been great for me! This is really useful, thank you! : )
how long do they take to ship for you? and to what country
@@dialogo5410 they ship to the UK and the length of time varies due to Japan's domestic shipping. By speedy shipping methods about 5-10 days once the order has been despatched. Their website is very easy to navigate and their communications are excellent.
Thank you so much for your input! I did a lot of messing around with my US address but have never actually used this service!
Really interesting video! I'm trying really hard to not start collecting pens or inks as I already collect so many other art supplies. I subscribed anyways because you just sound fun, and there seems to be lots of eye candy in your videos! Thank you!
There really is no need to collect. Find a few you like writing with and then just use them! Watching vids (and talking to others) about fountain pens is fun because you don't feel so weird as this is such a niche hobby hahaha!
@@InkyRocks oh true!! I do have a few Pilot Kakunos that I love because they're cheap, always write, and have silly faces on the nibs. I would love to get a kakimori steel nib to try. I think it would be so fun to draw with!! Oh! And I have a cheapie Sailor fude pen, which I love to draw with as well. Four pens isn't a collection, right? I'm still safe?? 😂
Thank you
Hope you found it useful!
Great video as always! Any tips for finding Vintage Japanese pens???
Hey Doodles--thanks for stopping by! I don't do much vintage except at Mr Pilot's table at pen shows (more reason for you to come to TIPS hahaha!) So I have a Myu and a Murex and a couple of early Pilots, but I'm not really familiar so I asked Fudefan. He said either Mericari or Yahoo auctions with Yahoo being the easiest to work thru. So I guess it's a lot like using eBay for vintage. Of course you would have to use one of the proxies with Buyee probably being the most convenient.
@@InkyRocks cool thanks for the tip! I'll look into it 😁. Got my eye on a vintage Pilot Vanishing Point 😍🤩🤤
@@Doodlebud Awesome! I'm doing a short history on Pilot and I have a clip of a capless that the nib drops out by gravity. Some of the older ones are pretty cool!
Beautiful
Thank you!
If you get a chance, could you tell me where to get a pilot custom 823 in soft medium nib? (Preferably in clear, but not important). I tried to locate it with the links you have, but couldn’t find it. They only have fa, wa, fine, medium, broad. Thanks for cool vid
I love love my pilots, they're my ride or die pens but now I can get other japense pens!
I'm going to steal "ride or die pens". I'm pretty much a fan of all the three biggies in Japan. Pilot--the nib. Sailor--the special editions. Platinum--if I need a pen to reliably not dry out.
@@InkyRocks well, I'm flattered! Sailors are beyond my price range, but my gosh they're beautiful, I drool over them a lot.
Well aren’t you just a troublemaker! The only thing keeping me from buying some of these pens was not knowing how to do it. So there goes my restraint. You and Jacob must be getting a kickback for encouraging us silly westerners to spend more money. Just kidding 🥰. Thanks for all the great information.
hahaha! I do so enjoy being called a trouble maker. I've always been such a goody two shoes! Thank you!💖
Thanks for the info- really liked the Dandelion special edition- had to see if they still had any - but- alas, no😉🐛
I got it because it looked like such a happy pen hahaha! But they regularly have interesting special editions and the nice thing is that many of them are Slims, so they are a little more affordable. Thanks!
Mam do videos on hakase pens and inks your views are highly valued I have already ordered 2pens&2ink bottles before it arrives I would like to have your precious and valuable advice thanks god bless
Hi Sanjay--I actually don't own any Hakase. I should probably order some. I'd love to have your feedback when you get yours!
The pens are nice but I love the tea pot and...is that lapis? So beautiful.
Thank you! Leave it to you to also notice all the other stuff. Teapot is from Vietnam and the stone slab is indeed lapis.
Are there any particular places you'd recommend for interesting Custom 823 colours. The US has very boring colours. What's your go to site to compare prices in Japan to the US?
They’re basically the same. Pilot only has the smoke, amber and clear. You may occasionally see an unusual color because some stationery stores will have a special edition but they sell out immediately (like Bungu Box’s. I don’t really compare prices for Japanese pens-I just get them here. Anything else is more expensive here.
Hi!! I need help with a Sailor pen. It fell and I need to replace or repair the nib. Is it possible to get a replacement? I have looked up information online and found nothing! Could you give me some advice?
Sailor does not sell nibs or nib units. Your best bet is to buy an old Sailor off eBay etc and replace it or have a nib meister fix your nib. Mark Bacas, Kirk Speer, Gina Salorino are good ones, along with many others.
@@InkyRocks Thank you!! I will look them up. Cheers!!
Thank you for penabling me :)
I'm a penabler of the first water!😂
I want to buy this fountain pen .Please advise how I can buy the same .
I'm not into pens... Not yet. But I consider myself very curious because I like to learn and try out new things. My question is: apart from style is there a difference between Japanese pens and others? I mean in the practical sense, do they feel better or perform better or a certain way? Like with knives, they do have s different style but the steel is different, and that makes a difference in sharpness.
Danger! Turn back while you can! Once you write with just a simple Kakuno, you will be hooked! I think other than the special edition Sailors and Urushi pens, Western pens are probably considered more "visually pleasing". I really prefer the ways Japanese fountain pens write--finer nibs, better flow. Western nib grinds are much more advanced and fun. We could talk about this all day...
i really wanted the kyo no oto special edition pen but unfortunately i didn't find out about it until it was too late
That's a bummer. Someone earlier said they lost out on the first iteration, but subscribed to their newsletter and got one on the second offering. Hopefully you'll find something just as fun!
what about customs? If I ship to India?
How to Get Pens from Japan:
Step One, secure monbukagusho scholarship from Japanese Government.
Step Two, Go to your nearest Japanese Consulate for landing permission.
Step Three, On a Saturday go to Yamakataya in Tenmonkan and visit the 3-1/2 floor.
Step Four, Buy Japanese pens till your pockets are empty.
Well, I guess that works too.
@@InkyRocks worked for me. Got that vanishing point pilot in the mustard yellow too
never heard mercari pronounced like that before lol. my main issue trying to buy store exclusives is figuring out what to type in using japanese characters instead of english, since nothing comes up at all with english search terms on buyee for what i'm looking for.
Yeah, I get grief both ways: pronouncing stuff with a Japanese or American English accent! You wouldn’t believe the weabos that come out of the woodwork to say my Japanese pronunciation is all wrong. Sigh. I totally get what you are saying-if you look up a lot of the stuff in English, you won’t get any hits. Your best bet is to look up words in Google, (like “fountain pen”) copy paste and then even put each word of the special edition into google translate and it will give you the katakana spelling-which will sometimes work.
You're the best.
Thank you so much!!
Oh dear, we're all in trouble now. 💸😂
I'm a little surprised you didn't mention Pensachi. Do neither of you use them?
I'm surprised too. I was about to buy a pen from them, but haven't pulled the trigger yet; I'm hesitant.
@@basta.dotto_ I've had good success with them actually, so I wouldn't hesitate. Just surprised they were not mentioned.
@@HeidiRaatz I was looking at 743s and 823s with nibs we can't find in North American stores. Did you ever have to send a pen back because there was a problem with the nib? Were your pens covered by international warranty?
@@basta.dotto_ I'd check directly w/ Pensachi re: warranties. I have a Pilot Custom Heritage 912 from them w/ WA nib and I love it. Absolutely no problems.
Pensachi is a reseller. You pay a BIG markup over retail price, sometimes over 100%, when shopping from them. We want to explain how to buy from retailers directly.
This was extremely helpful information but devastating for my wallet.
hahaha! Glad you found it helpful. The wallet part is something I contend with every day living over here! Thanks!
Omoshiroi! :)
I have a question about a product. Please teply
You can also message me on IG.
I need the Pilot 845 urushi in vermillion
Me too
Step one, open browser. Step two, navigate to ebay. Step three, buy pen. See that was easy!
Oh my xD
Oh yes!
Lady, FGS, your tone of voice.
😎
😇🩵🙏🙌
💖💖💖
how to buy a japanese pen
1. get a japanese girlfriend or spouse
2. ask her to get one for you
😁
I think my way might be wee bit less involved…
海外の人は大変なのか、、、
そうです！ ほとんどの日本のウェブサイトは海外に出荷されておらず、多くの人が日本の万年筆を愛しています。 特にオリジナルの万年筆🖋
@@InkyRocks 返信ありがとう！
一部の万年筆は日本でも希少なことがあります
良いと思ってもらえて嬉しい😆
@@しょーび-q5o 🥰
One advice : Don't do it.
Unless you want to pay taxes, have no warranty and don't be able to have your pen repaired.
I sold all my Pilot pens because of their awful repair service.
Never again!
I’ve never really had a problem with Japanese pens and have not required service so I don’t know. Sorry you’ve had such a bad experience.
My wallet would like to thumbs down this, the rhodium trim Pilot 743 is now one click away, lol
Where do they sell a rhodium trim 743 ? I've never seen one ....
@@korax67 25th anniversary 743
My wallet thumbs down just about everything...
The Japanese pronunciation is mostly very wrong.
Thanks for putting me to sleep. Geez, speak up and pick up the tempo.
😴
No way we love the pace,tone and volume as it is - inky love from the antipodes
@@PR-NZ hahaha! Thanks so much!
Great video! Although Fudefan, aka little old lady looking for a deal, just increased his competition :o Thanks as always for sharing such great information with the community. I appreciate you both!
Thank you! Also, I do hope other people now find all the good deals before I do, as I REALLY need to curb my Mercari spending 😅
Thank you--glad you got good info out of it. That was our mission!
White Rabbit Express have always been great for me! This is really useful, thank you! : )
Thank you!