An article on the Nakaya Fountain Pens was published in the Asahi Shimbun (online edition) today. In the article, John Mottishaw,
nibs.com, appears. He made a contract with the Nakaya to be a (or the) US. agent last month. It will become easier for American
customers (or Englsih speaking customers) to order their pens.

If you can read Japanese, please visti the following site.

http://www.asahi.com/life/update/0208/TKY200802080203.html

Thank you for the additional information. I cannot unfortunately read Japanese, but I recognize the folks in the photo.

I think it is a good idea for Nakaya to have someone in North America. It is ironic that at the time Parker and Waterman customer service is now in Europe, a Japanese custom pen maker is bringing their customer service to North America. Guess who will get more of my business? I am curious how this alliance will play out in the products offered, prices and customer service. I wonder if Nakaya customer service will now include John Mottishaw's annoying $20 per pen "fee."

If we get really lucky, maybe Hakasa will follow a similar path.

Easy to translate:

1. Copy link above
2. Go to Google.com
3. Go to Language Tools
4. Go to Translate Web Page
5. Paste in link
6. Select Japanese to English
7. Click Translate
8. Read

Thank you very much for the article! I visit Asahi site frequently but did not notice that one.

I enjoyed the piece, too--thank you. Among the bits of information provided was this: Nakaya works with about 20 craftsmen involved in the urushi end of their business, leading to the production of about 100 pens a month.

I bought my Nakaya from John, and it has been the best of both worlds. My Japanese is non-existant, and John knows pens about as well as anybody in the world. I now have a lovely, Piccolo Writer with a cursive italic nib. Wonderful!

Adam Rodman

Thank you Louis for the lesson on google translations. Unfortunately, when I copied the web address onto the google page, I was told that the address was not valid. I clicked off the page and gave up which is what I do 100% of the time when I have trouble navigating a page on the web. If the company does not take the time to cater to all levels of coputer proficiency out "there", I'm gone and will happily spend my money on a site that is user friendly. I do not have the time to aggravate myself with these details but I do thank you for providing them!