May each opening of an ink bottle, blank page and grip of the pen bring joy and satisfaction to your life's moments... We create everyday tools that give form to your thoughts. —Kakimori
That sentiment is at the heart of everything Kakimori does, and it's a philosophy that feels right at home at Boston General Store. We admire Kakimori not only for the quality of their products, but also for their belief that the tools we use every day should reflect the way we think, work, and create.
Below, you’ll find a brief history of the brand, in-depth information on their products, and some of our favorite ways to use them. We hope this guide deepens not only your understanding of these tools, but also your connection to the practice of writing itself—just as Kakimori intended.
About Kakimori
Founded in Tokyo’s historic Kuramae district in 1961, Kakimori was born from a deep appreciation for the joy of writing and the enduring value of craftsmanship. Surrounded by generations of local makers and artisans, the brand draws inspiration from a neighborhood where creativity, community, and handcraft remain woven into everyday life.
From notebooks and inks to pens and paper goods, Kakimori creates goods that invite a more intentional, personal connection to the written word. Each piece is made to be used, cherished, and lived with over time, reflecting a belief that craftsmanship continues to evolve through the hands of its owner. Through its products, the brand encourages a quieter, more mindful way of engaging with both creativity and daily life.
The journey of finding the right tool can be both exciting and, well, overwhelming. We’re here to provide a side-by-side comparison of each type of pen, so you can choose with confidence.
Dip Pens
Dip pens are one of the oldest writing instruments still in use today. Especially prominent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they were used for everyday writing, calligraphy, and technical drawing, before being gradually replaced by fountain pens, and eventually, ballpoint pens.
Despite this decline in commercial use, dip pens were still valued for their flexibility, expressive line variation, and compatibility with a wide range of inks. Today, they are used by those who appreciate the tactile, deliberate nature of dipping, writing, and re-inking—an experience that emphasizes slowness, intention, and connection with your practice.
Nib Holders
We offer a range of nib holders, all of which are meticulously crafted in Japan from quality woods to offer a comfortable feel and rewarding writing experience. When paired with a nib, they create a dip pen that brings a sense of control and connection to every stroke.
Aizome | Sakura Wood | Urushi | Walnut | White Sakura Wood
Offered in a variety of finishes and woods, these nib holders are thoughtfully designed with an ergonomic shape and balanced construction for long, slow writing sessions. They are crafted to universal specifications to fit most standard nibs, such as E + M's nickel-plated steel nibs.
Best for: Calligraphy, illustration, and decorative writing with maximum control and ink versatility.
Also available in a smaller size, the Mini Wooden Nib Holder features the same nib compatibility while bringing a pop of color to your workspace.
Best for: Portable sketching, quick lettering, and ink experimentation in a compact, travel-friendly format.
Pen Nibs
Once you have selected your nib holder, it's time to pick a nib! We offer three Kakimori nibs, all with different functions, features, and line qualities.
Kakimori's Metal Nib comes in two materials: Brass and Stainless Steel. Each offers a versatile range of marks, from delicate fine line to expressive broad strokes, depending on the angle of use. Carefully rounded and polished, each nib glides smoothly across the page, offering an exceptionally fluid and enjoyable writing experience.
Kakimori's Pen Nib is crafted from stainless steel and offers a fountain pen-like writing experience without the maintenance—just rinse with water and dry after use. Each nib is meticulously adjusted by hand to ensure it holds enough ink for about one sentence per dip. The extra-fine iridium point delivers a smooth, clean stroke, making it ideal for everything from daily writing to special correspondence.
The brass nib has a soft, responsive feel ideal for creating undulating lines and marks. Its natural patina develops over time, giving each nib a unique character. Best suited for creative work, it produces everything from ultra-fine lines to broad, expressive strokes.
Best for: Drawing, calligraphy
The stainless steel nib is durable and rust-resistant, offering exceptional consistency and longevity. Perfect for fine lines and hand lettering, it delivers a crisp, precise writing feel with excellent control and definition.
Best for: Writing, journaling
Kakimori's pen nib features an extra-fine iridium point to deliver a crisp, clean line, perfect for everyday writing.
Best for: Note-taking, extra fine lines, detail work
Refillable Pens
Refillable rollerball and ballpoint pens are designed for long-term use, with converters or replaceable refills that keep your favorite pen writing beautifully for years. They offer continuous ink supply for convenient, reliable writing, without interruption.
Aluminum Ballpoint Pen
Features: 1.0 mm nib, metal clip, matte finish
Refill: low-viscosity, oil-based G2 ballpoint ink refill
Best for: Note-taking and everyday writing with reliable, quick-drying ink.
With a balanced feel and a sleek, understated design, this Ballpoint Pen features a matte black aluminum construction that resists fingerprints while offering a clean, sophisticated look.
Its low-viscosity, oil-based G2 refill ensures smooth, consistent ink flow, making it ideal for everyday writing. The sturdy metal clip provides secure attachment to pockets, notebooks, or bags, making it convenient for on-the-go use and daily carry.
Aluminum Rollerball Pen
Features: 0.5 mm nib, metal clip, matte finish, included converter
Refill: standard international size refillable converter and bottled ink
Best for: Smooth, rich-looking writing with vibrant fountain pen inks.
This Rollerball Pen combines timeless design with a smooth writing feel that glides across the page. Found in the same matte black construction as the Aluminum Ballpoint, this pen includes a standard international size converter for use with bottled fountain pen inks, such as Kakimori's Pigment Ink.
A built-in clip on the cap makes it easy to keep close at hand in your bag, pocket, or notebook. The pen's 0.5 mm nib offers precision and control, perfect for journaling, sketching, or signing documents.
Frost Rollerball Pen
Features: 0.5 mm nib, semi-translucent pen body, matte finish, included converter
Refill: standard international size refillable converter and bottled ink
Best for: Smooth, rich-looking writing with vibrant fountain pen inks.
Like its aluminum counterpart, the Frost Rollerball Pen glides smoothly across the page, delivering rich, vibrant lines with minimal pressure. The 0.5mm nib offers precision and control, making it well suited for writing, sketching, or signing documents.
Its sleek frosted translucent body reveals the ink converter within, letting your chosen ink shine through—right down to the very last drop. The included refillable converter allows for use with bottled inks, such as Kakimori's Pigment Ink.
Using Pigment Ink
Unlike most fountain pen inks, which rely on dyes dissolved in liquid, Kakimori Pigment Ink contains fine pigment particles suspended in a water-based formula. When used with a brush, the ink can be worked into subtle washes, blends, and expressive marks while fresh. Once dry, the pigment settles onto the page, creating a permanent, water-resistant finish that resists fading over time.
The result is rich, vibrant color with exceptional longevity, making it an excellent choice for journals, sketches, letters, and everyday writing intended to endure.
While traditional pigment inks are valued for their permanence, they can be prone to clogging and difficult to clean. To overcome these challenges, Kakimori partnered with Turner Colour Works—specialists in pigment-based paints—to develop a fountain pen-friendly pigment ink that balances durability with ease of use. The innovative formula delivers the depth, permanence, and archival qualities of pigment ink while remaining smooth-flowing, mixable, and resistant to clogging.
Top: Water-based pigment ink Bottom: Water-based dye ink
Designed for fountain pens but equally at home with dip pens and brushes, Kakimori Pigment Ink offers remarkable versatility for writing, drawing, layering, and mixed-media techniques. Its combination of permanence, workability, and vibrant color has made it a favorite among writers, artists, and anyone who enjoys putting pen to paper.
Available in 35 mL bottles or as mini sampler sets, Kakimori's range of rich, expressive colors invites exploration and experimentation. Use them with a dip pen, in a Kakimori rollerball or fountain pen, or directly from the bottle with a brush—and let your creativity roam.
Best for: Fountain-pen writing, layered washes, ink experimentation
Slow Writing, Lasting Tools
Whether you're looking for a classic writing tool for your everyday carry or exploring the art of dip pens and pigment inks, Kakimori invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasure of putting pen to paper. Each product is crafted to inspire creativity and become a natural part of your daily routine.
Shop our full selection of Kakimori products.
