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Japanese pens 2025: 10+ best picks for writers, artists & collectors
Japanese pens have long been admired for their precision, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. At Kiichin, we celebrate the art of Japanese stationery, bringing together some of the finest best Japanese pens for writers, artists, and collectors in 2025. Whether you seek a smooth everyday Japanese writing pen, a premium Japanese fountain pen, or even a collectible Japanese double pen, this guide will help you choose the perfect one.
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1. Top 10+ best Japanese pens for everyone to try this 2025
When it comes to Japanese pens and pencils, 2025 has brought an impressive range of both classic and innovative designs. Below are our top Japanese pens recommendations, covering everything from budget-friendly Japanese gel pens to luxury Japanese pens brands worth collecting.
- Muji Smooth Gel Ink Knock Type Ballpoint Pen
- BEMLP Gel Ink Pen Japanese Style Liquid Ink Rollerball Pens
- Guridrops Sakura Glass Pen
- Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen
- Pilot Kakuno Clear Fountain Pen
- Muji Gel Ink Pen
- Kuretake No. 8 Fountain Brush Pen
- Fuji Sakura Yamanaka Fountain Pen
- Namiki Emperor Fountain Pen
- Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
1.1. Muji Smooth Gel Ink Knock Type Ballpoint Pen
A true minimalist staple, the Muji Smooth Gel Ink Knock Type combines simplicity with functionality in a retractable gel pen format. Its ink flow is smooth and reliable, making it a favorite for everyday note-taking and journaling. Built to be refillable and budget-friendly, it offers quality without unnecessary extras.
Key features:
- Retractable design for convenience
- Smooth, consistent ink flow
- Comfortable grip for extended writing
- Refillable for cost efficiency
- Affordable Japanese stationery option
Who should use it:
- Minimalists who value clean design
- Students needing a reliable daily pen
- Artists for sketching or note-making
- Anyone looking for quality on a budget
1.2. BEMLP Gel Ink Pen Japanese Style Liquid Ink Rollerball Pens
This pen blends the silky glide of a rollerball with the refined beauty of Japanese design. Its vibrant ink lays down effortlessly on paper, making every stroke clear and vivid. Whether for work, study, or creative writing, it adds a touch of elegance to daily tasks.
Key features:
- Rollerball tip with smooth liquid ink
- Vibrant, bold colors
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Elegant Japanese aesthetics
- Reliable for daily use
Who should use it:
- Minimalists seeking functional elegance
- Students needing smooth, clear writing
- Professionals who value style in stationery
- Journal keepers and note-takers
1.3. Guridrops Sakura Glass Pen
The Guridrops Sakura Glass Pen is more than a writing instrument—it’s a piece of art. Handcrafted with delicate cherry blossom details, each pen is unique and visually stunning. Perfect for calligraphy, it turns writing into a meditative, artistic ritual.
Key features:
- Hand-blown glass construction
- Cherry blossom decorative design
- Ideal for calligraphy and decorative writing
- Works with various ink colors
- A collectible art piece
Who should use it:
- Calligraphy enthusiasts
- Artists seeking a unique writing tool
- Collectors of handmade stationery
- Gift givers looking for elegant keepsakes
1.4. Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen
Muji’s standard gel ink pen is a crowd favorite for its clean lines and accessible price. Available in precise tip sizes, it delivers excellent control for neat handwriting and sketching. Its minimalist look pairs perfectly with its practical, refillable design.
Key features:
- Affordable and refillable
- Multiple precise tip sizes
- Consistent, smooth ink flow
- Minimalist design
- Great for both writing and sketching
Who should use it:
- Students
- Professionals needing everyday reliability
- Minimalists
- Sketch artists
1.5. Pilot Kakuno Clear Fountain Pen
Designed for both beginners and enthusiasts, the Kakuno Clear offers a fun and educational fountain pen experience. Its transparent body lets you see the ink in action, making writing visually engaging. The smiley-face nib adds a playful touch while helping guide proper writing angles.
Key features:
- Clear barrel to view ink
- Beginner-friendly smiley-face nib
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Ideal for learning fountain pen techniques
- Available in multiple nib sizes
Who should use it:
- Fountain pen beginners
- Students practicing handwriting
- Hobbyists exploring pen craftsmanship
- Gift buyers for stationery lovers
1.6. Muji Gel Ink Pen
Simple yet dependable, the Muji Gel Ink Pen delivers consistent performance in a range of vibrant colors. Its smooth ink and minimal design make it equally suitable for casual notes or creative projects. Affordable and widely loved, it’s a go-to choice for many.
Key features:
- Multiple ink colors
- Clean, consistent lines
- Smooth writing experience
- Minimalist, lightweight body
- Affordable and easy to replace
Who should use it:
- Bullet journal enthusiasts
- Students
- Everyday note-takers
- Minimalists
1.7. Kuretake No. 8 Fountain Brush Pen
This versatile pen combines the elegance of a fountain pen with the expressive range of a brush. It’s a favorite among Japanese calligraphers for its smooth ink delivery and dynamic stroke capability. Perfect for both artwork and formal writing, it’s a tool for creative expression.
Key features:
- Fountain brush tip for dynamic strokes
- Excellent ink flow control
- Versatile for drawing and calligraphy
- Refillable design
- Favored by Japanese artists
Who should use it:
- Calligraphers
- Illustrators and sketch artists
- Creative professionals
- Traditional art enthusiasts
>>> Buy Kuretake No. 8 Fountain Brush Pen now
1.8. Fuji Sakura Yamanaka Fountain Pen
Inspired by the beauty of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms, this fountain pen is a work of cultural art. Its lacquered finish and smooth nib combine elegance with writing comfort. A premium choice for gifting or collecting, it reflects both heritage and craftsmanship.
Key features:
- Elegant lacquer finish
- Mount Fuji and cherry blossom design
- Smooth, precise nib
- Premium craftsmanship
- Gift-worthy presentation
Who should use it:
- Fountain pen collectors
- Gift buyers for special occasions
- Professionals valuing prestige stationery
- Cultural art lovers
1.9. Namiki Emperor Fountain Pen
The Namiki Emperor represents the pinnacle of Japanese pen artistry. Each pen is meticulously hand-painted using Maki-e techniques, creating intricate, collectible designs. With its exceptional smoothness and large ink capacity, it’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Key features:
- Intricate Maki-e lacquer artwork
- Large ink capacity
- Impeccable Japanese craftsmanship
- Prestige writing experience
- Highly collectible
Who should use it:
- Pen collectors
- Luxury gift buyers
- Professional writers and calligraphers
- Art connoisseurs
1.10. Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
These pens are a staple for artists and designers worldwide. With archival-quality, fade-resistant ink, they offer precision for illustrations, technical drawings, and journaling. Durable and versatile, they’re a must-have in any creative toolkit.
Key features:
- Fade-resistant, waterproof ink
- Multiple tip sizes for detail work
- Consistent, skip-free lines
- Suitable for mixed media
- Long-lasting performance
Who should use it:
- Illustrators and comic artists
- Architects and designers
- Journal and sketchbook users
- Technical drafters
2. What makes Japanese pens stand out from other pens in the market?
Japanese pens are globally recognized for their exceptional attention to detail, precision engineering, and high-quality materials. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, many Japanese pens undergo rigorous quality control to ensure smooth ink flow, comfortable grip, and durability. The designs often merge traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern innovation, making them both functional and collectible.
Japanese brands also excel at developing specialty pens for niche needs, such as ultra-fine gel pens for precision writing, fountain brush pens for calligraphy, and eco-friendly refills to promote sustainability.
3. How to pick out good Japanese pens for yourself?
Choosing the right Japanese writing pen comes down to your needs and preferences:
- Purpose of use: Everyday note-taking, journaling, calligraphy, or art.
- Pen type: Gel pen, ballpoint, fountain pen, or brush pen.
- Nib size: Fine nibs for precision, medium for general writing, broad for expressive strokes.
- Ink type: Pigment-based ink for permanence, dye-based for vibrant colors.
- Brand reputation: Trusted Japanese pens brands like Pilot, Muji, and Sakura.
- Budget: Affordable options like Muji, or luxury collectibles like Namiki.
By considering these factors, you can find good Japanese pens that match both your style and function needs.
4. FAQs - People also ask about Japanese pens related facts
Before we dive into the questions, here’s a quick link: whether you’re seeking Japanese pens for writing, sketching, or collecting, knowing the answers to these common queries will help you make a more informed choice.
4.1. What is the famous pen in Japan?
The Pilot Hi-Tec-C is one of the most famous pens in Japan, known for its ultra-fine tip and smooth ink flow. It’s a staple for students, artists, and professionals who value precision.
4.2. Why are Japanese pens so good?
Japanese pens are known for superior craftsmanship, smooth ink flow, and ergonomic designs. Many brands also focus on sustainable refills and specialized tips that enhance writing comfort and accuracy.
4.3. What makes Muji pens special?
Muji pens stand out for their minimalist design, consistent ink quality, and affordability. They also offer various tip sizes, making them versatile for both writing and drawing.
4.4. Why is Namiki so expensive?
Namiki pens are handcrafted using traditional Maki-e techniques, often involving gold dust and lacquer. This artistry, combined with precision engineering, makes them both luxury writing tools and collectible art pieces.
4.5. What pen do Japanese artists use?
Japanese artists often use Sakura Pigma Micron pens for detailed work, or Kuretake brush pens for expressive strokes. These tools offer reliability, rich ink, and varied tip sizes for artistic expression.
From affordable everyday Japanese gel pens to luxurious Japanese fountain pens, the world of Japanese stationery offers unmatched diversity and quality. At Kiichin, we believe the right pen can turn writing into an art form and everyday note-taking into a joy. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or collector, 2025 is the perfect year to explore the craftsmanship and beauty of Japanese pens.