My friend has gone to Japan for a couple of months. I'm planning of asking her to get a Sailor 1911 large for me. Could anyone tell where in Tokyo to buy pens at a good price???

Any suggestions for other great Japanese pens somewhere in the price range of the 1911 large are welcome.......

Thanks you in advance!

Steve.

There are a lot of places to buy pens in Tokyo, like Nihonbashi Maruzen, Itoya in Ginza, and Shosaikan in Aoyama. But most Japanese B&M stores sell pens at MSRP. Ameyoko near Ueno has some discount prices, but they mostly sell imported pens. So, I think you should look for something that is available only in Japan. For example, Itoya in Ginza has some Itoya LE pens only available at their store. I've heard ACT Creater's Box in Tokyu Plaza in Kamata has a lot of Sailor SE/LE pens. Sorry but not exactly what model, though. For some reason I cannot connect to Maruzen's online store but I know they have some LE pens to their store. I heard their main store in Marunouchi Oazo has good selection of pens.

Hi Steve,
I'd suggest you to go through this thread.
It was very useful to me back then (for my Japanese trip) with all its links and info.

Personally then, I'd suggest to stop at ItoYa, an impressive 6 stores of stationery, something like "fountain pens heaven" to me...

Then your friend has to go around the block and look for Eurobox. The owner is very friendly and in few square meters holds the FP history of Japan. He has also some interesting price on used stuff.

Happy trip to your friend (ah... memories!).

There are several possibilities I'd like to add to your list.

For vintage stuff try Euro-Box. Eizo Fujii always has some nice pens for sale. He specializes in European and vintage American but, there are quite a few customers looking for certain Japanese pens.

Shosaikan often has LEs when others have sold out. Why? I don't know. Just seems that way. Besides the store is really really worht the visit.

I second Maruzen as Sailor makes a number of LEs and they get their share.

If you have time take the train to Kobe and visit Nagasawa. They appear tight with Sailor and a number of LEs seem to premiere there. They also have their own line of pens that I understand is made by Sailor.

Along the way, never fail to visit any antique shop and nose around. Have found a number of pens in these places.

Check out flea markets too. I'm still kicking my butt for leaving behind this orange celluloid 1950s Pilot because my wife was calling for me. Orange celluloid in a Pilot is unheard of!!!!!!!!!!

Well, my sister bought me my Sailor Profit(1911) from Shosaikan, it was a good experience. Other pens to consider are the Pilot Custom 823 with Vac filler or the Custom 743 with FA (Falcon-flexible) nib. Pilot Custom 74 (Size 5 nib)is at the same price level as the Sailor profit std with 14K nib(10,500yen). You may also ask your friend to get you some excellent Pilot ink not otherwise available in India.

Regards,
Hari

Hey Stan,

You are exactly right about the Japanese flea markets. This is by far the best place to find pens. There is a book out there titled "The flea markets of Japan" The book gives a lot of great tips on how, where, when and what to look for, as well as providing maps, directions and a clandar for the big flea markets. Some of my greatest pen finds such as a few Dunhill Namiki maki-e pens came from these markets.

When I was living in Kamakura, I hit the Tokyo and Yokohama markets every week, and several times I would bump into Tokyo Russ Stutler out doing the same.

If anyone is visiting Okinawa, let me know and perhaps we could hit the flea markets together. I know it is tough to get around if you don't speak the language.

And as for Orange celluloid Pilots, I wouldn't say they are unheard of, but they certainly are hard to find. Stan, did the Orange Celluloid Pilot that you saw look like one of these?



Stay Well,
Dr. Ron Dutcher
http://www.kamakurapens.com

Nope. Not like that Ron. Got plenty of them and more.

By orange celluloid I should have better described it as an orange marblized celluloid with some chunks of white scattered about. It was not ambered anywhere and in almost perfect condition. It was a 1950s model with the 'sword' clip and steel nib. For Y1700 it was a steal.