7 Japanese Fountain Pen Inks Worth Every Penny (And 3 You Can Skip!)

Which Japanese fountain pen inks are worth your money—and which purchases deserve a second thought? Discover 7 standout inks from Pilot Iroshizuku, Platinum, Sailor, and Taccia, plus 3 buying mistakes to avoid before your next bottle. From the vivid blue of Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki to the waterproof appeal of Platinum Carbon Black, this fountain pen ink guide explores color, shading, sheen, everyday writing, paper compatibility, and maintenance. Whether you’re choosing your first bottled ink or expanding a collection, learn what makes these Japanese inks stand out—and how to match your next purchase to your writing needs. THE 7 INKS FEATURED • Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki — a vivid blue community favorite. • Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo — blue-black with teal undertones. • Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-budo — a rich pink-purple with expressive shading. • Platinum Carbon Black — a pigment ink for water-resistant writing, with maintenance considerations. • Sailor Ink Studio 123 — a multishading ink whose appearance changes with the paper. • Taccia Hokusai Sabimidori — rusty teal with striking copper-toned sheen. • Pilot Iroshizuku Syun-gyo — a dark shade with a red cherry character. 3 PURCHASES TO RECONSIDER • Paying inflated resale prices for discontinued Pilot Iroshizuku colors. • Choosing Platinum Classic iron-gall inks specifically for waterproofing without checking their performance. • Panic-buying Sailor Ink Studio colors without checking current availability and ordering options. We also explore the manufacturers behind Japanese fountain pen inks, the relationship between Sailor and selected stationery-store ink lines, and why shading, sheen, nature-inspired colors, and reliable writing matter to collectors. Which bottle would you choose: Kon-peki, Yama-budo, Carbon Black, or something else? Tell us your favorite Japanese fountain pen ink in the comments—and which pen and paper you use it with. Like this video if it helped you narrow down your next ink purchase. Subscribe for more fountain pen guides, ink comparisons, affordable alternatives, and stationery purchases worth every penny. Share it with a pen enthusiast deciding what to buy next! Ink appearance and performance vary with nib size, pen, paper, and writing conditions. Prices, discontinued-color availability, and ordering options can change; check current manufacturer and retailer information before purchasing. The “skip” choices concern buying priorities and value, rather than a blanket judgment of ink quality. #FountainPenInk #JapaneseInks #FountainPens